Nowadays, a railway station is inconceivable without its corresponding WiFi network or networks, both for passengers and for those who work there. This network must be prepared for the demands of travellers and the daily circumstances faced by professionals. In addition, we must think about making the most efficient possible investment in infrastructure. We tell you how to make this possible.
Although at first we may think that WiFi networks in train stations only serve to provide internet access to passengers, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
In fact, several networks can be deployed simultaneously, all based on the same physical network. In this way, aspects such as the following are covered independently:
- Travellers’ internet connection.
- A dedicated network for station staff communication.
- Control, security and surveillance of the environment.
- IoT networks deployed.
- Etc.
In order for all of these to operate as efficiently as possible and to meet the needs of each type of user, there are technologies available to those responsible for their deployment and management. Let’s talk about them.
Advantages of WiFi networks in train stations
Improve the passenger experience
Travellers make intensive use of WiFi devices to liven up the wait on the train. They kill boredom by watching a streaming platform, surfing the internet, making a video call, taking the opportunity to work, etc.
Considering the high density of passengers that can be concentrated, this is a challenge for the station’s WiFi network, which must offer a seamless, low-latency and secure service.
As a result, train travel will gain in loyalty, with more people choosing to travel by train for their holidays, business trips or any other type of journey.
It can be used to analyse passenger behaviour.
WiFi technology makes it possible to geolocate the devices in the station. Thus, heat maps can be generated that reflect where they spend more and less time, as well as the busiest areas and the busiest days and hours.
With this information, station managers will be able to manage their resources more intelligently, so that users can always enjoy the best service, with the right staff and services in the right place at the right time.
May be used to collect passenger information for marketing purposes.
It is possible to send promotions, information of interest and other offers to the users of the network, so that you can build their loyalty.
In addition, we can send these messages based on the geographic location of the passengers themselves within the station. For example, if they are near ticket offices or, if they are near public transport stops, they can receive promotions on tickets or passes.
Galgus technology to optimise network deployment in train stations
So that passengers and professionals at the station can enjoy the benefits of a WiFi network tailored to their needs, at Galgus we have developed technologies and solutions to match.
First, we need to talk about our patented CHT (Cognitive Hotspot Technology). This makes the access points collect data on network performance so that, by “talking” to each other and working cooperatively, they automate network resource management decisions.
In this way, a fluid, robust, low latency, high connection density and secure network is achieved. Among the features of CHT are the following:
- Load balancing.
- Auto-tuning of radio frequencies, thus minimising interference.
- Advanced analytics: bandwidth abuse monitoring, user distribution, as well as geolocation and device counting.
- Unified network management from the cloud.
- Control of network traffic as well as access to restricted content.
As for the aforementioned geolocation of devices, this can be done both for devices connected to the network and for those that are not connected to the network but are in the network’s area of influence. In addition, the distortion related to the randomisation of the MAC addresses of the devices is minimised.
On the other hand, Galgus technology makes it possible to achieve a high quality network by requiring fewer access points and consequently fewer other network elements. As a result, CAPEX and OPEX costs are considerably reduced.
Finally, we must not forget the predictive roaming, also patented by Galgus. With it, a robust and fast WiFi link is achieved between the train carriages and the access points on the track. The system performs a smooth roaming between networks, in a few milliseconds and without losing the connection and with an outstanding quality for connected passengers, staff and loT networks.
If you are interested in all that Galgus solutions and technology offer to railway stations, you can always contact our team and arrange a meeting. Shall we get started?
