A project on this scale requires a collaboration with various vendors to develop the best solution – an integrated IP-based kiosk featuring high-quality voice communications, straightforward deployment, centralised management, supreme scalability, and the robust network performance needed in a public safety solution.

Several challenges present themselves in this type of environment:  (1) Power issues--such systems involve many connected network devices such as PoE (Power Over Ethernet) wireless access points and PoE IP cameras, and all of these devices require reliable power; (2) Logistics issues--the networked devices have to be installed inside the kiosk units, with specific dimensions adapted to subway station architectures; (3) Bandwidth issues--the networked devices have to have the necessary bandwidth to deliver voice, data and video over IP transmission; (4) Maintenance and durability issues--a key issue is often containing operating costs through minimized repair and maintenance requirements for equipment.

Deployment spaces in subway tunnels and platforms place harsh physical demands on installed equipment. Underground tunnels are usually damp, and there is often water dripping on platforms. Installed equipment must be able to handle the urban climatic swings between severe cold and heat. Furthermore, there is a constant amount of electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic interference in subway stations.

Etherwan's hardened EX78000 Series PoE switches can be and have been employed for this type of extensive subway infrastructure project, supplying ample power for wireless access points and surveillance cameras directly through LAN cables. Due to limited space in the installation areas, Etherwan is able to offer a customised mechanical design in regards to the physical dimensions and connector placement. The resulting PoE switches provide an effective fit inside the new information kiosks.

The EX78000 hardened managed Ethernet switch provides 8 ports of 30W PoE per port with IEEE802.3at standard, delivered over Ethernet cables that offers reliable Power over Ethernet.

The solution's network management functions help facilitate data communications efficiently and securely, while reducing maintenance hassles. Etherwan’s Alpha-Ring self-healing ring technology provides a recovery time of less than 15ms after a fault, ensuring non-stop transmission and minimizing packet loss. Network engineers can access management features such as port security, IGMP snooping, port-based VLAN, GARP protocols and link aggregation, via web browser, Telnet, SSH, SNMP, RMON, TFTP, and RS-232 console interfaces. For quick maintenance, an external storage device is available for switch configuration backup and restoration.

Etherwan’s EX78000 series hardened Ethernet switches are constructed from durable materials, and undergo environmental testing from -40°C to 85°C. The fanless and ruggedised housing provides extra durability against shock and vibration. The switches are also compliant with EN 55022 for high immunity from electrical interference, an important factor in rail environments.

Etherwan provides customized dimensions and mounting methods to make switch installation compatible with the subway’s unique structure.

In one particular installation, 1900 IP-based interactive kiosks were installed and are now successfully serving innumerable passengers throughout subway stations all across the city. Whenever a passenger wants particular information, or needs to report an emergency, he/she can approach one of the kiosks and talk to a subway representative with just the click of a button. With video, voice, and passenger information all communicated as part of a connected solution, passengers reap the benefits of improved punctuality and safety.