Malaysia launches first Mass Rapid Transit line with Nokia, LG CNS

NEW DELHI: Malaysia has launched its first Mass Rapid Transit line with the help of Nokia and LG CNS.

Nokia supplied a mission-critical communications network to LG CNS - a Korea-based systems integrator - that is providing essential support for railway operations on the new SBK line that will ultimately cover 51 km and serve the 1.2 million residents in and around Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur.

The Northern section of the SBK line (phase 1) has been in operation since December 2016, and the Southern and underground section (phase 2) is planned to be operational by the end of July 2017.

For the project, Nokia is providing a backbone transmission network based on Internet Protocol/Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) technology to support a variety of both passenger and operational services, including passenger information and security systems, wireless transmission and operational support subsystems such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), maintenance management system (MMS), automated fare collection (AFC) and more.

The IP/MPLS network consists of the 7750 Service Router and 7210 Service Access Switch, satisfying the stringent requirements of reliability and security. The network provides scalable Layer-2 and Layer-3 virtual private network (VPN) services to support the different railway sub-systems. End-to-end network and services management is handled by the Nokia Network Services Platform, enabling efficient provisioning, maintenance and troubleshooting. Nokia also provided a range of professional services for the project, including network design, installation, test and commissioning and training.

This agreement builds on Nokia's substantial track-record providing mission-critical networks for railway operations. The company has deployed IP/MPLS networks in more than 30 railways worldwide. It also highlights the growing momentum behind Nokia's strategy of expanding its customer base to organizations outside of the traditional telecommunications sphere.

Stuart Hendry, head of Global Enterprise & Public Sector for Asia Pacific & Japan at Nokia, said: "Nokia's IP/MPLS solution for railways is designed to address railway operators' demanding requirements in terms of performance, reliability and, most importantly, safety. We are pleased to play such an important role in helping ensure safe, on-time and connected journeys for Kuala Lumpur's residents."

Byung Il Park, Project Director of LG CNS said: "Nokia's strong solutions for the railway industry, deep local presence and global experience in delivering sophisticated solutions and services made them an ideal partner for this large and complex project."