Nokia and Siemens Mobility to deliver comms for Western Sydney Metro

Nokia has announced it is working with Siemens Mobility to deliver an IP/MPLS backbone communications network and cybersecurity solution for the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, which is currently under construction. The mission-critical comms network will support robust secure applications such as CCTV for passenger safety; train-to-ground communications backhaul for in-station, onboard and trackside applications; and the associated data centre and cloud networking.

In December 2022, the largest ever public–private partnership contract in NSW was awarded to Parklife Metro for the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) work package, set to deliver six new stations in Western Sydney, 12 new metro trains and a stabling and maintenance facility in Orchard Hills. The metro line is expected to open in late 2026, at which point it will be placed to become the transport spine for Greater Western Sydney — connecting communities and travellers with the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the growing region.

The complex security, performance and reliability requirements of new digital and legacy rail and passenger communications services will be served by the Nokia mission-critical IP/MPLS network, comprising a comprehensive suite of routers and switches. The Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity solution will leverage the latest industry standards and technology innovations to ensure sensitive systems and data are protected from emerging threats, through capabilities such as multifactor authentication, automated endpoint detection and response, real-time alerts and device authentication.

“As the threat of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure continues to grow around the globe, it is vital that communications networks benefit from the highest level of data security,” said Stuart Hendry, Head of Enterprise and Partner Sales for Asia Pacific, Network Infrastructure at Nokia.

“As such, we are pleased to be able to apply both our local knowledge as well as our expertise in delivering secure mission-critical IP/MPLS and data centre fabric solutions to provide a leading-edge mission-critical network for rail and NetGuard Cybersecurity package that will support reliable operations and the safety of passengers. Working with Siemens Mobility, we can replicate this for other metro rail programs.”

“We are pleased to work again with Nokia as we deliver a safe, sustainable transport solution for residents and visitors to Sydney,” added Vijay Singh, Project Director at Siemens. “The new data communications and cybersecurity solution will be vital to support both legacy and new digital passenger and rail communications services.”

Image courtesy Sydney Metro.