Aurizon taps Radlink for TETRA rollout

TETRA network linking mines and ports will be groundbreaking in its scale, functionality and capability.

Radlink Communications is set to deliver one of the largest, most technologically advanced radio networks in Australia after securing a contract with Aurizon, Australia’s largest rail freight operator.

The network — due for completion early next year — will use TETRA digital radio technology, encompassing 79 sites and covering 2670 kilometres of rail network, linking 50 coalmines and four major ports throughout central Queensland.

The new system will consolidate four outdated, independent analog systems across Aurizon’s train control, shunting, maintenance and wayside operations.

The new single network will provide the highest level of reliability and availability, with no single point of failure.

It will also deliver improved monitoring, remote diagnostics, overlapping radio coverage, GPS tracking and distress signal capabilities.

Created with flexibility and reliability in mind, Radlink’s technical solution utilises DAMM Tetraflex radio base stations with Sepura radio terminals, while remaining fully open standard and interoperable with other approved TETRA radio terminals.

Radlink Communication Project Director Scott Manson said the system will provide Aurizon with a high-performance communications network.

“The system we are implementing for Aurizon is truly groundbreaking in terms of its sheer scale, functionality and capability,” he said.

“The new TETRA network will be fully integrated to operate over the Aurizon Central Queensland MPLS network and will provide greater radio coverage, increased reliability and advanced monitoring for what will be a critical communications network.”

The system will utilise Radlink’s Reveloc digital radio software, a platform designed to provide advanced functionality and unlock the full potential of digital radio systems such as TETRA.

Applications available to Aurizon will include advanced facilities such as geofenced auto channel change; weather alerts directly over the radio system from the Weather Watch website; heat maps that track and show the identity and location of every radio; speed alerts and signal strength; and a mobile phone client that provides two-way radio access and functionality on iPhone and Android smartphones.

Radlink Project Manager Jimmy Whelan said construction of the network is on track for the scheduled completion date.

“Installation of the project is running smoothly, with live testing producing seamless handover between neighbouring sites and measured signal strengths vastly exceeding customer expectations,” he said.

“Since being awarded the contract in mid-February of this year, we have advanced to stage three of the five-stage project and are on schedule for our estimated completion in the first half of 2018.

“To ensure quality of service, we are replacing all components of the existing radio system and adding an additional 19 sites to the old Aurizon radio network,” he added.

DAMM technical staff pose with some of the TETRA equipment used in the contract.

The new radio system is one of the most technically complex and strategically important projects in Aurizon’s asset renewal initiative.

Aurizon last renewed its radiocommunications more than 20 years ago, so an overhaul of the old system was imperative to ensure reliable, secure communications to meet future operational requirements.

Radlink is providing a complete turnkey design-and-construct network solution, including towers, solar power installations, system interfaces and applications.

Founded in 2007 by partners Jim Reid, Scott Manson and David Moran, Radlink Communications is an Australian-owned and -operated telecommunication business with workshops and warehouse complexes in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales.

Images courtesy Aurizon, Radlink and DAMM.

Follow us and share on Twitter and Facebook