Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia supply IP network for Grand Paris Express

ALCATEL-Lucent Enterprise and Nokia have announced the formation of partnership to supply an IP backbone network for the Grand Paris Express automated metro network now under construction around the French capital.

Grand Paris Express involves the construction of 200km of new metro, adding lines 15, 16, 17 and 18 to the Paris network and extending Line 14. There will be 68 new metro stations.

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise and Nokia are supplying integrated end-to-end mission-critical IP communications infrastructure, incorporating a Nokia multi-service IP/MPLS high-speed backbone network to meet all operational and maintenance requirements.

The ruggedized LAN OmniSwitch range from Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise is being deployed in stations and in remote industrial environments to enable management of CCTV and air quality control via IoT sensors.

The suppliers say that the backbone will increase efficiency, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience by transmitting operational data in real time.

Communications between the control centre and the automated stations, metro lines and depots are closely monitored, forming an important part of the project’s cybersecurity strategy.

Deployment of the new network will be a long-term project, with the partners working together to roll out the new technology until 2035.

“Together we will provide a certified mission-critical network, supporting carbon-free transportation,” says Ms Rukmini Glanard, chief business officer at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise.

“We are thrilled to strengthen the relationship with our technology and go-to-market distribution partner Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, providing mission-critical end-to-end network architecture based on Nokia leading-edge IP/MPLS technology,” says Mr Nathan Stenson, vice-president, global partner, at Nokia

“This state-of-the-art technology enables a powerful multi-service IoT network that provides air quality and video monitoring in stations with 13,000 cameras and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance safety and security throughout Grand Paris Express.”