Radio Quality in Rail Transport: NET CHECK Launches ACT-SCAN

 NET CHECK, a company of the NC Group, is launching ACT-SCAN, a novel measurement system that for the first time enables fully automated and simultaneous monitoring of both public mobile networks and railway communication systems. Following successful certification in accordance with all relevant rail standards, the system is now ready for large-scale deployment – and is already being rolled out in its first major project.

ACT-SCAN was specifically developed for mobile use on railways and its robust hardware meets all requirements for operation under real-world rail conditions – including fire protection, resistance to extreme environmental influences, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in the railway environment.

Major Project with German Mobile Network Operators

The system’s first deployment is part of a collaboration with German mobile network operators. The goal is to sustainably improve passenger connectivity during train journeys. ACT-SCAN continuously records network quality along high-traffic routes and delivers precise measurement data.

These data provide a sound basis for decisions on concrete improvement measures – from the implementation of new technologies like RF-permeable windows to the identification of suitable cell site locations to close coverage gaps.

Technological Edge for the Mobility of the Future

ACT-SCAN closes a key gap in radio network measurement: It autonomously captures all public mobile networks simultaneously as well as railway communication systems. This makes measurements significantly more efficient and provides a reliable and comparable data basis for all stakeholders.

“The demand for reliable mobile connectivity along railway corridors is growing – not only for passengers but also for operational communication, automation, and safety,” says Dirk Tessmer, Project Manager at NET CHECK. “With ACT-SCAN, we offer the first solution that captures both domains simultaneously – fully automated, even at high speeds.”

ACT-SCAN continuously scans all relevant frequencies in the 350 MHz to 6 GHz range, enabling parallel analysis of GSM, LTE, 5G NR as well as operational radio technologies such as GSM-R, FRMCS, TETRA or Public Safety Radio. With the integration of up to two high-end scanners, the system delivers high-resolution measurement data – even at high travel speeds or in tunnels.

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Railway Radio Environment

A key application area is the assessment of the overall radio environment in railway operations – a critical factor particularly in the context of future technologies such as Automatic Train Operation (ATO). ACT-SCAN can also detect targeted disruptions such as jamming attacks, which could endanger communications and thus operational safety.

Thanks to its compact 19-inch form factor, a weight of under 20 kilograms, and support for various power supplies (12VDC, 24VDC, 110VDC, 230VAC), the system can be flexibly integrated into various types of rail vehicles. Remote control and connection to a centralized evaluation platform enable efficient and continuous data collection and analysis.

Ready for Use – and in High Demand Internationally

The potential use cases of ACT-SCAN go far beyond traditional rail transport: Thanks to its versatility, the system is also suitable for road and waterway applications – such as interference localization, misconfiguration detection, or quality assurance of complex radio networks. International interest – especially regarding ETCS and FRMCS – is already strong: railway companies abroad have expressed interest.

NET CHECK is actively seeking dialogue with railway operators and other stakeholders interested in innovative measurement technology for rail transport. The effort required by cooperation partners is typically low – the goal is to jointly improve the quality and safety of wireless coverage on the rails.

Author: Ernestro Casas -

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