Comtest Wireless active and passive GSMR and ERTMS monitoring solutions collect data from multiple equipment types, sources and vendors. This combined view makes it easier to analyse and identify communication issues and then make better decisions.

That’s why the unique solutions from Comtest Wireless are used by vendors and operators of GSM-R and ETCS communication systems and technology around the globe.

On 10 May 2018, Mark Carne, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said ….

“Over half of Britain’s analogue signalling systems with lineside traffic lights controlling trains will be replaced within the next 15 years, with the aim to see 70 per cent of journeys benefit from digital railway technology.”

This troubleshooting guide examines 3 key challenges faced by those responsible for ERTMS systems performance and operations and then proposes ‘what good looks like’ to mitigate them.

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The new TETRA module enables rail telecoms operators at Bane NOR to test RF levels, quality of service and call coverage along the track. As a result, rail telecoms engineers and managers have access to KPI data including, a wide range of TETRA network parameters and trace information, which can be displayed in a variety of different formats – such as maps, charts and tables. These visual data displays make it easy to monitor quality of service, troubleshoot or identify areas of poor coverage.

The charts were also added to the NetProbe Enterprise online KPI dashboard, to provide access to the rail telecoms network performance data, 24/7. Learn more

Comtest Wireless entered the UKRIA awards for the first time this year.

NetProbe Analytics, the powerful software platform for troubleshooting GSM-R and signalling issues, has been shortlisted for the Signalling and Telecoms category.

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Comtest Wireless, independent experts in the field of GSM-R and ERTMS test and monitoring solutions, announce that its NetProbe Drive Test solution has been instrumental in enabling Huawei to gain acceptance for the new KSC line by Turkish State Rail Operator, TCDD and Teknotel Enerji Telekomünikasyon A.Ş.

Mr. Erhan Yavuzarslan, Project Manager of Huawei Turkey says “The KSC line is a significant milestone for Turkey and we are delighted it has received acceptance.

The normal GSM test tools don’t have the ability to test ETCS function and quality of service – that is why we chose to work with Comtest Wireless. Being able to conduct all the GSM-R and train control data testing using one platform was more efficient and enabled us to easily demonstrate complete and through coverage, thereby delivering the reliable GSM-R network that we are renowned for.”

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NetProbe OBU (On Board Unit) enables train operators and rail infrastructure providers to have greater visibility of the performance of ERTMS systems and other operational assets.

Test trains can be expensive to move to different locations and are not easy to run during peak times. That’s why there can be significant advantages to installing ERTMS monitoring systems onboard operational trains.

Read more here.

Comtest Wireless, independent experts in the field of GSM-R and ERTMS test and monitoring solutions, announce the launch of NetProbe Wayside, its complete L2 ETCS monitoring system (including interlocking) & its first direct collaboration with leading signalling vendor, Ansaldo STS.

This is a significant milestone for the European rail industry, not just for Comtest Wireless.

Read more here.

One of the first organisations to adopt the new NetProbe Cloud solution are Norwegian railway infrastructure manager, BaneNOR (previously Jernbaneverket), who wanted to extend their capabilities by making selected data and reports available online, as well as from dedicated computers in the Head Office.

Read more here.

Comtest Wireless has produced an infographic to showcase the use of its active drive test solution in Switzerland.

It uses facts and stats to demonstrate how the Comtest Wireless drive-test solution has been used in Switzerland, since it was first introduced in 2011.

Thanks to SBB CFF FFS (Swiss Federal Railways) who allowed us to showcase the part we have played in the Gotthard Tunnel developments as an infographic.

Francesco Motta, Chief Operating Officer at Comtest Wireless says
“Quality is an important value for Comtest Wireless – we believe in developing and delivering quality products and services which in, turn help our customers to test and monitor the quality of the GSM-R and ERTMS networks on which they rely.

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised mark of quality and we are proud to have gained this external accreditation, which supports or commitment to quality.

We have not only gained this certification from RINA for complying with the 2015 ISO 9001 standards for quality systems; we have also extended the scope of our certification at the same time.” Read more

Comtest Wireless announce the launch of an unattended, automated drive-test solution.

With NetProbe Automatic, it’s easy for rail infrastructure operators to install the appliances themselves and it’s affordable to do so on as many trains as they like. This means they can continuously monitor the telecoms network performance, from on-board test, operational or freight trains – using a robust and reliable solution. Read more.

The new NetProbe Portable range will enable rail and signalling operators to extensively measure the GSM-R and ERTMS networks for voice and data quality by setting up and running automatic tests.

The solutions will be available as a carry-on battery powered trolleys and backpacks, which can be used on board trains or secured trackside, such as on a platform.

Learn more.

Neil Dayment, Project Manager at Siemens Mobile Communications, says “the Comtest Wireless solution has enabled us to validate our GSM-R coverage design for the Thameslink Programme. The flexibility of the solution allowed us to board service trains without disruption or the need to schedule specific test trains following the commissioning of GSM-R Base Stations.”

Using proven Comtest Wireless technology, NetProbe Interference Modules provide rail and signalling operators with a complete solution to detect and analyse interference issues. As a result, the detailed interference reports can be used as a basis for engagement with mobile network operator (MNOs), third parties or legal entities, to address the issues.

A typical solution gives customers a toolkit that enables them to identify interference ‘hotspots’ using GSM-R performance data collection and analysis equipment installed on board operational trains.

The systems can perform tests with every GSM-R modem currently available in the market, making it easy to continuously signal levels (ie forcing UMTS 900) and therefore identify active operators and technologies. Read more.

Whether you are a telecom vendor, signalling vendor, railway infrastructure or rolling stock operator, Comtest Wireless solutions can help you detect issuse with GSM-R telecomms and ERTMS signalling networks.

Contact us for a demo.

Talk to us about what you need and we’ll arrange an initial webinar or meeting to show you how.

Christian Nänni, Product Manager, Rail Communications at SBB Infrastructure Telecom says “Comtest Wireless won this ERTMS passive monitoring tender because they had the products and technology to provide the most effective solution. Installing probes at every telecom interface within the GSM-R network coupled with powerful software ensures that we have good visibility of the quality of service at all times and the ability to troubleshoot easily when necessary.” Read more >

Comtest Wireless, independent experts in the field of GSM-R and ERTMS network test and monitoring solutions, announces that its exclusive UK partner has been chosen to provide active ERTMS testing solutions for the Thameslink programme.

Based in Henley on Thames, Henley Squash Club is run entirely by its members.

Henley Squash club member David Wright, became the Welsh Open Squash Masters Over 60s at the Welsh National Sports Centre on December 4th-6th.