Colibri is the snappy acronym employed by DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH to designate "Coach Link for Broadband Information Exchange." It serves as a versatile, expandable communication solution, operating on trains, in buses, at ticket vending machines, stations, and service centers.

The Colibri project, staffed by approximately 40 dedicated individuals, focuses on advancing train digitalization. This initiative extends beyond mere technological deployment; it encompasses component installation, conversion, maintenance, and further development. Colibri's roots trace back to the DB pilot project "Digital im Regio," which began several years ago. Real-world tests conducted on a specific rail segment highlighted the practical benefits of railway digitalization. Since 2015, passengers have accessed the onboard Wi-Fi network. They can check seat and bicycle stand availability on their mobile devices and in-train monitors, with precise occupancy rates displayed for each carriage.

The demands for communication systems within rail transport have significantly surged. Modern passengers expect uninterrupted mobile device connectivity during their rail journeys. Catharina Schick, Marketing and Sales Officer for the Colibri product line, notes that Wi-Fi installation on trains commenced in 2015. Passengers have grown accustomed to reliable onboard internet access. The importance of connectivity has progressively become evident to manufacturers and integrators. Colibri aims to broaden its device and service offerings, emphasizing diagnostics and security alongside the established entertainment systems.

The move towards digitalizing and optimizing maintenance processes is gaining traction. A growing number of sensors and digital technologies are employed to acquire, monitor, and analyze train condition data, facilitating more efficient and preventative maintenance.

Colibri adds "digital intelligence" to rail vehicles, enabling diagnostic systems, safety applications, real-time entertainment content, and travel information. The DB rail network will soon see around 2,000 Colibri systems in operation. Each hardware component connecting to the vehicle and Colibri is closely monitored.

Westermo Eltec, in addition to the earlier CyBox AP 2-W generations, now introduces the successor product, the CyBox AP3-W. This third-generation device supports the connection of up to 1,024 mobile Wi-Fi-enabled devices per access point. The CyBox AP 3-W offers enhanced Wi-Fi data rates compliant with the Wave 2 standard, featuring MU-MIMO support.

The new access point empowers balanced bandwidth distribution to all passengers. With two Wi-Fi radios operating in the IEEE802.11ac Wave 2 standard, it offers data rates of 2 x 1700 Mbps. Wave 2 also incorporates multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) for reduced device waiting times, boosting network speed. Load balancing ensures smart client distribution among access points, promoting fair bandwidth allocation. As passengers move throughout the train, fast roaming guarantees seamless connections, with connected devices shifting between access points without disruptions.

All Wi-Fi access points from Westermo Eltec offer top-tier security and user-friendliness. A configurable firewall safeguards individual subscriber data against unauthorized access, supporting secure data exchange with the internet. The CyBox APs boast flexible configuration via a user-friendly interface or SNMP commands. Apart from global parameter adjustments, complete Wi-Fi interface configuration, including channel selection, SSID, encryption, and firewall settings, is readily accomplished.

All electronic components in the access points are designed to withstand temperature variations and exhibit resilience to shock, vibration, and humidity. Westermo Eltec developed these devices in line with current industrial and railway standards like EN 50155.

The CyBox AP-A access point significantly enhances data throughput per passenger, delivering a superior onboard Wi-Fi experience. This unit features an integrated SENCITY® Rail antenna, reducing installation costs. Redundant Wi-Fi networks bolster operational reliability, where in case of an access point malfunction, the remaining access points take over, minimizing noticeable bandwidth reductions. The CyBox AP-A access point requires only a single Ethernet cable, which not only provides data connectivity but also delivers power via PoE+. This compact option simplifies installation, eliminating the need for extra antennas or RF cables. The access point can be ceiling-mounted horizontally for dense network coverage or vertically on the wall to expand coverage.

Westermo Eltec's CEO, Marco Gerhard, emphasizes the urgency of efficiently advancing onboard connectivity and rail infrastructure developments. The company has introduced the modular computer platform PCEye MC-R, designed for railway applications and presented to the industry. This individually configurable BoxPC conforms to the ModBlox7 standard, equipped with interfaces for Gigabit Ethernet, RS232/422/485, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and audio in its basic version. Its modular design allows the addition of up to seven interface, communication, or mass storage modules. The associated housing concept supports various mounting options, from top-hat rail to 19"-rackmount.

The modular, scalable, and individually configurable PCEye MC-R complies with railway standard EN 50155 and functions maintenance-free within an operating temperature range from -40 °C to +70 °C. This computing platform serves train manufacturers, railway operators, integrators, and numerous other industrial sectors where traditional proprietary BoxPCs were previously deployed. It caters to a range of applications, including predictive maintenance, voice communications, passenger information, ticketing systems, IoT gateways, diagnostic systems, edge computing, and data-based cloud services.

The modular concept accommodates the implementation of various extension modules to meet specific customer requirements and functions. Common expansion modules include various Wi-Fi modules. The radio interfaces are prepared for 11ac Wave 2 and 11ax Wi-Fi 6, along with integrated Bluetooth and 5G capabilities for enhanced network efficiency and increased data throughput, allowing for global deployment.

In summary, Westermo Eltec's third-generation CyBox AP 3-W access points enable numerous mobile Wi-Fi-capable devices to connect to the internet onboard passenger trains. Advanced features offer higher data rates with MU-MIMO support, ensuring seamless Wi-Fi coverage and reliable, uninterrupted connections. The advancement in rail technology has made relaxed train travel, complete with onboard internet access, an indispensable part of many passengers' journeys. Westermo Eltec's suite of IT products, including access points, gateways, modules, and a computer platform, promises new solutions and practical testing in the rail sector, offering passengers an even more comfortable, productive, and relaxed travel experience in the future.


Featured Products


Westermo CyBox AP 3-W Railway Wi-Fi Access Point

  • Railway WLAN Access Point with WI-FI 5 Wave 2 dual radio
  • 4 x 4 MU-MIMO
  • 4 or 8 x QLS antenna connectors
  • 1 x 1 Gbps ports, M12 connectors
  • 1 x 2.5 Gbps ports, M12 connectors
  • PoE+
  • Power feed 24 to 110 VDC

Westermo CyBox AP-A WLAN Dual Radio Railway Access Point

  • Railway WLAN Access Point with WI-FI 5 dual radio and integrated antenna
  • IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • 3 x 3 MIMO
  • 3 x RF antennas
  • 1 x Gbps port, M12 connector
  • PoE+

Westermo CyBox AP 2-W Railway Wi-Fi Access Point

  • Railway WLAN Access Point with WI-FI 5 dual radio
  • 3 x 3 MIMO
  • 6 x QLS antenna connectors
  • 2 x 1 Gbps ports, M12 connectors
  • PoE+
  • Power feed 24 to 110 VDC


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