The rollout comprises the replacement of existing GSM-R base stations with Huawei GSM-R components, and covers 12,000km, or 40% of DB's network. The new network is compliant with Eirene GSM-R and ETCS level 2/ERTMS standards, and the contract includes the option to expand the network to mobile broadband services, including 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE).
As part of the migration process, Huawei's GSM-R radio infrastructure will be integrated into DB's existing switching centre. The consortium says that "substantial measurements" have been performed to make sure that Huawei's GSM-R components are interoperable with the existing network.
