The researchers claim that their work could soon transform on-board entertainment and Internet access services. "Our research should make it far easier for train operators to offer a broader range of Internet and live media services in many more locations and at a lower cost," says research team leader John Thornton, a research fellow at the University of York.
In order to offer Internet services in any location, trains need to be equipped with a dish, or "reflector," that both transmits to and receives signals from an orbiting satellite. This is currently only possible on a relatively small number of routes where there is sufficient headroom between the train cars and tunnels or overhead cables. Using alternative technology to satellites results in reduced bandwidth and patchy geographical coverage.
A dome-like "lens" structure, which is much lower in height, is an alternative to a dish, but the technology's use is limited by both its cost and reduced effectiveness at receiving signals. Thornton claims that his team has developed a much simpler lens model that uses common plastics and outperforms existing versions. He adds that the team has also devised a system that will allow a single lens to track a variety of satellites simultaneously, giving train operators increased reliability and the opportunity to offer passengers a much broader range of services.
"There is a growing expectation among consumers that they should be able to enjoy access to the Internet and other media wherever they are," Thornton says. "Providing these services on a moving vehicle such as a train ... is a huge technological challenge and that is reflected in the limited number of routes where they are currently enjoyed by passengers." Thornton adds that the team's research should make it far easier for train operators to offer "a broader range of Internet and live media services in many more locations and at a lower cost."
The research conducted at the University of York has been supported by a grant from the European Space Agency. The school is now looking for a commercial partner to move the project forward.
