The Efficiency of Link Aggregation

SureWAN™, Icomera's link aggregation protocol, enables transport operators to fully utilize the capabilities of multiple communication technologies, providing enhanced connectivity for both passengers and onboard systems.

SureWAN empowers onboard routers to intelligently connect to multiple communication networks and technologies simultaneously. By seamlessly combining the capacity of these networks, it ensures uninterrupted connectivity to vehicles and its passengers. Transport operators can leverage SureWAN to make the most of each network's capacity, ensuring reliable and robust connections, even in challenging geographical environments.

In situations where a specific network connection is lost or weakened due to distance, SureWAN enables the onboard router to automatically maintain all other available connections. This eliminates the need for abrupt switching between communication networks or technologies since the aggregated connection to the vehicle always remains intact. Passengers and onboard systems can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, regardless of network variations.

SureWAN therefore allows transport operators to fully leverage different wireless communication technologies together as part of their overall connectivity strategy.

How SureWAN Works…

Carrier Aggregation: Each modem in an Icomera router can aggregate all available radio frequencies from a single Mobile Network Operator (MNO) along the route.

Dual-Connectivity: Each modem can utilise both LTE-A and 5G (for example), improving network coverage and data rate.

MNO Aggregation: Each router can contain multiple carrier-aggregating modems, capturing the entire capacity provided by all MNOs in the coverage area.

Multiple-Router Aggregation: Multiple routers can be distributed across a vehicle (e.g. train carriages), aggregating capacity across different coverage areas.

Driving Constant Connectivity Innovation

Icomera continuously develops its solution portfolio to fully utilise emerging communication technologies. We stay ahead of the curve by embracing the latest communication standards as they emerge and develop.

Over 20 years ago, Icomera provided connectivity to the first trains using geostationary (GEO) satellite technology: In 2002, we began a commercial deployment with Linx (an SJ/NSB joint venture covering Sweden and Norway), and then in 2003 commenced a trial with GNER (Great North Eastern Railway) in the UK.

However, cellular network technology rapidly developed and offered more cost-effective and high-performing results compared to GEO technology. From the earliest days of 3G to LTE-A and then 5G, Icomera has seamlessly integrated cellular technologies into our solution, to ensure the most robust and reliable connectivity. Leveraging each standard's capabilities, we have enabled high-speed Internet access, multimedia capabilities, and immersive onboard experiences for passengers, alongside reliable connectivity for onboard systems across various transportation environments.

The recent emergence of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations has reignited interest in satellite technology as an interesting option for transport operators to consider. Icomera works together with a number of leading satellite providers to include the technology as part of the connectivity mix for the rail segment.