The growing demand for real-time passenger information, multimedia, online video monitoring, etc., demands new technologies with greater bandwidths in trains, trams and other modes of transport. Ethernet Bridge from Ascom is a cost-effective solution for the digital convergence of information systems in passenger trains. It is based on PLC Powerline Technology, which means it can be used either to complement the passenger information system or as a stand-alone solution. IT-based systems are reliably integrated in the raft of train coaches, with IP terminals incorporated fault-free using existing IBIS or UIC copper lines. It is also possible to connect the LAN of a single coach or raft of coaches with the LANs of several coaches or rafts of coaches; the coach transitions and separable couplings do not have to be modified.

With the Powerline modules an Ethernet Bridge is set up across the coach coupling using the existing cable infrastructure. For data transmission the data signals of the connected IT-based equipment are modulated up to a carrier frequency of 2 – 34 MHz using OFDM. This allows a transmission of up to 100 Mbit/s.