Network Rail partners with Thales to advance their digital ambitions in the UK

20/07/2021

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Thales will develop and implement a new signaling communications system, known as an Online Key Management System (OKMS), on the East Coast Main Line of Network Rail.

This system should go live in 2023. It will then be rolled out across the UK as part of Network Rail's long-term programme to transform the UK's rail system.

Network Rail have entrusted Thales to develop and implement a new signalling communications system on the East Coast Main Line. The new system, known as an Online Key Management System (OKMS), will be trialed in late 2022, before it goes live in 2023. It will then be rolled out across the UK as part of Network Rail's long-term programme to transform the UK's rail system.

This advanced data security solution will play a key role in the safe and smooth running of a modernised rail network, by securing critical data exchange between trackside equipment and in-cab European Train Control Systems (ETCS) equipment. ETCS communicates safety critical information, such as train positioning between track and train, meaning that the trust and integrity of the transferred information is paramount.

The new Thales OKMS will build on proven offline key management technology that has been developed by Thales in the UK and Germany and deployed in both Poland and Israel.

However, this version will incorporate new innovative online connectivity, adding a greater level of automation. This will enable control keys and instructions to be issued more effectively than on current networks, which rely on a human interface.

We have a long established relationship with Network Rail and we are delighted to be collaborating with them to deliver this innovative solution for such a strategic and important project. - Thales's Customer Account Manager, Guy Cleall

The online element of this solution is truly innovative, having not yet been implemented elsewhere in the world, meaning Network Rail will be leading the market in the new generation of systems. The Thales solution will be developed in both our cyber security development centres in Germany and closer to home in Thales's worldwide Digital Competence Centre (DCC), located in Manchester in the UK . - Andy Bell, VP for Thales Ground Transportation Systems in the UK

Thales will collaborate with Network Rail to deploy its extensive global cyber security experience from across multiple industries, such as energy, banking and aerospace to deliver a world leading OKMS for public key infrastructure.

Documents

PR - Network Rail

CP - Network Rail

Contact

Chrystelle Dugimont - Media Relations, Ground Transportation

+33625157293 / +33492927406 chrystelle.dugimont@thalesgroup.com

LINK:	https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/transport/press-release/netwo...
	See more stories from thales

Network Rail partners with Thales to advance their digital ambitions in the UK

More from Thales

29/07/2022

27/07/2022

26/07/2022

21/07/2022

13/07/2022

13/07/2022

12/07/2022

12/07/2022

11/07/2022

11/07/2022

11/07/2022

11/07/2022

11/07/2022

07/07/2022

05/07/2022

04/07/2022

01/07/2022

30/06/2022

30/06/2022

29/06/2022

22/06/2022

21/06/2022

20/06/2022

20/06/2022

17/06/2022

16/06/2022

16/06/2022

15/06/2022

15/06/2022

15/06/2022

14/06/2022

13/06/2022

13/06/2022

09/06/2022

09/06/2022

09/06/2022

08/06/2022

06/06/2022

31/05/2022

25/05/2022

24/05/2022

24/05/2022

19/05/2022

18/05/2022

18/05/2022

17/05/2022

17/05/2022

16/05/2022

16/05/2022

12/05/2022