Broadband  |  2025-09-02

Funkwerk Achieves FRMCS Interoperability

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Important milestones achieved on the path to standard-compliant implementation and interoperable testing of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).

Funkwerk Systems GmbH has said that they have made a lot of progress in developing and testing the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) in the lab. In July and August, the company did a lot of testing and demonstrations at its own accredited facilities and at partner sites in Germany and Belgium. These tests and demos helped the company reach several important milestones on the way to implementing FRMCS in a way that meets standards.


One of the most important things that were accomplished was the successful use of the multipath protocol, which made sure that voice and data communications were seamless and that railway-specific 5G frequencies were supported. Funkwerk also showed that FRMCS components like application software, antennas, radio modules, and gateways could work together and provided the hardware solutions that were needed. To help with these improvements, the company has updated its lab and added a cutting-edge testing area. This includes a separate 5G campus network, technology for measuring n100/n101 railway frequencies, and connections to the ETSI interoperable test environment, development partners, and Deutsche Bahn's Digital Rail testbed in the Ore Mountains. The MORANE2 project will add more European and international stakeholders to these resources.


Funkwerk has also made a lot of migration and innovation tools to help customers move to FRMCS without any problems. Some of these are plug-in modules that let you upgrade your current train radio systems to 5G, stand-alone 5G modems and gateways, and software programs that work with both Android and Linux. The company's MESA®26 system now has a FRMCS operating mode, which was shown off in Belgium with the help of Ride on Track. Tests successfully demonstrated rail-specific features like ad hoc group calls and functional aliases, using parts from different manufacturers in a setup that worked with all of them.


In Deutsche Bahn's Digital Rail test environment, Funkwerk confirmed that the multipath protocol worked, showing that progress had been made. The company's gateway was able to keep communication going without interruption across several 5G networks. Funkwerk also showed how to securely share control data for the virtual coupling of freight trains. They got permission to do more tests, which would include integrating vehicles, training staff, and making sure that cybersecurity compliance was stronger in line with the European Cyber Resilience Act.


Working with Huber & Suhner also helped Funkwerk show off the OBRAD and OBANT interfaces in a way that followed ETSI guidelines. This strengthened Funkwerk's role in creating future FRMCS standards.
As one of the top technology companies in Germany, the Funkwerk Group keeps making new communication, information, and security systems that improve mobility and digital infrastructure all over Europe.