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High speed Internet access on a high speed train

14 September 2004

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Trains could offer a high speed Internet connection

21Net successfully tested bi-directional satellite and "Wi-Fi" broadband Internet access on board a 300km/hour train. It was possible to deliver broadband Internet access at bitrates in excess of 2MBit/s to the train’s onboard system.

Credits: ESA

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Antenna mounted on the roof of the train

The 21Net hardware was installed on the Control Coach, a test laboratory carriage that can be included within a conventional high speed (300km/hour) train set, and comprised:

The On-Roof Antenna System (see image top left)
The Antenna Controller
The Satellite Modem
The Wi-Fi in-train distribution system

The service was managed remotely by the back-office system located in northern Europe.

Credits: ESA