CEO | Unwired Networks
Your personal guide
Choosing the right railway router
As a train operator responsible for deploying connectivity infrastructure across new train lines, you face a complex marketplace filled with diverse railway routers. With dozens of routers available – each boasting unique features, varying levels of performance, and different certifications – selecting the optimal solution is challenging.
You may wonder
In this whitepaper, we’ll address these crucial questions. You’ll discover the essential features that distinguish top-tier railway routers, including robust connectivity, advanced network management, remote access, and critical cybersecurity capabilities.
We’ll also explore how the right combination of software and hardware can substantially extend the operational lifespan of your routers – almost doubling their effective service life – by focusing on an often-overlooked but vital aspect of router selection: long-term software support and lifecycle management.
By understanding these factors, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions that enhance reliability, optimize investments, and future-proof your railway connectivity.
This whitepaper offers a comparative overview of widely used railway routers.
Finding the right railway router
A step-by-step approach
To simplify router selection, consider these structured steps:
Define your operational scenario
- Simple operational communication (Light Rail):
Basic telemetry and wayside data communication. - Non-critical, high-bandwidth (Heavy Rail):
Moderate bandwidth for Wi-Fi, video surveillance, with basic edge computing and VPN capabilities. - High-performance applications (High-Speed Rail):
Premium Wi-Fi, real-time communication, multiple edge computing applications.
Evaluate essential technical criteria
- Form factor & mounting:
Space, temperature, and mounting compatibility. - Power requirements:
Ensure compatibility (24–110V, PoE). - Network capabilities:
Ethernet speeds (100 Mbit/s, 1–10 Gbit/s). - Cellular & Wi-Fi connectivity:
Appropriate LTE/5G and Wi-Fi standards. - Additional connectivity:
GNSS, OT interfaces (Serial, CAN). - Computing power:
Processor type (ARM vs. x86), RAM availability, AI acceleration.
Gigabit networking suits most regional projects; 2.5 Gbit/s offers future-proofing. For national projects, choose 10 Gbit/s Ethernet and compatible cables to facilitate easy upgrades.
Plan network capacity
- Calculate required bandwidth:
Base calculations on passenger count and average usage. - Router quantity and cellular connectivity:
Determine the optimal number of routers based on train length and capacity, considering cellular connection class and satellite options. - Optimize Wi-Fi coverage:
Plan based on passenger density to maintain strong and reliable connectivity.
Discover the remaining steps and a wealth of additional useful information in our whitepaper!
FAQ
How do I choose the right railway router for my train type?
Depending on the train type, router requirements vary:
- Tram (Light Rail): Compact routers with 1–2 LTE/5G modems
- Regional trains: Modular routers with multiple uplinks and edge computing capabilities
- High-speed trains: High-performance rack-mounted routers with satellite support and 4–6 cellular modems
Tip: Before making a decision, always assess the specific use case, passenger volume, and operational requirements.
Is Wi-Fi 7 necessary for railway routers?
- Wi-Fi 6: The best balance of performance, device compatibility, and future readiness
- Wi-Fi 5: May lead to bottlenecks under high user load
- Wi-Fi 7: Still expensive and currently offers limited added value in rail environments
How do I estimate bandwidth needs for my trains?
Here’s how you can calculate bandwidth demands for your router infrastructure:
- 0.5–0.7 Mbit/s per passenger for commuter trains
- 1–2 Mbit/s per passenger for long-distance trains
- Multiply by the number of seats and apply a simultaneous usage rate (typically below 50%)
This approach helps you size your cellular uplinks and Wi-Fi capacity accurately.
How many railway routers does my train need?
- 1 router supports up to 4 single-deck carriages
- 2+ routers are recommended for double-decker or long trainsets to improve bandwidth aggregation
What certifications and cybersecurity standards should a railway router support?
Certification requirements vary depending on the operator, region, and use case.
Mandatory for procurement:
- EN 50155 (Operational reliability)
- EN 45545 (Fire protection)
Dependent on timing and use case:
- RED (EU 2022/30) – mandatory from 2025
- EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
- IEC 62443 / DIN EN 50701 (IT/OT security in rail environments)
- NIS 2 Directive and GDPR
Recommendation:
Choose platforms that are demonstrably certifiable through documentation, test evidence, and OTA updates.
This avoids expensive upfront certifications and keeps you flexible for future requirements.
