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Kaohsiung Light Rail Traditional Radio to 5G Technology Pilot Project

Application Scenarios and Technology

From dense urban metro systems to expansive intercity high-speed rail (HSR) and Taiwan Railways (TRA), and from everyday buses to innovative electric bus routes, each mode of transportation plays an indispensable role. Introducing advanced product technologies into these diverse application scenarios not only enhances transportation efficiency but also significantly improves the safety and comfort of the ride.

First, using standard industrial communication protocols as the foundation of our technology ensures seamless integration and information exchange between different systems and devices. This standardization of communication protocols makes the management of the entire transportation network more efficient and flexible, allowing for precise scheduling and operational control across the metro, HSR, and bus systems.
Regarding wireless communication interfaces, various transmission characteristics of technologies such as Wi-Fi, TETRA, 5G, ZigBee, and LoRa are utilized in different application scenarios. For instance, the high power characteristics of digital radio TETRA are used for voice communication and simple message transmission to ensure traffic dispatching at the control center. Wi-Fi, with its ability to transmit large amounts of data, is used to send real-time images from within the vehicle, enabling the control center to monitor the real-time situation inside moving carriages. Alternatively, ZigBee’s low power characteristics are used to transmit train arrival location signals.

With the development and application of 5G communication technology, public transportation systems have entered a new era of communication transmission. The introduction of 5G technology brings unprecedented high speed and low latency, making real-time data transmission possible, thereby greatly improving the responsiveness and service quality of transportation systems. Whether it’s real-time vehicle tracking, dynamic passenger information updates, or intelligent traffic management, 5G is the key technology driving these innovations.
 

 
Figure 1. Radio to 5G Technology Transition

Pacific Smart System has completed the integration and transition from traditional radio to 5G communication technology (Figure 1), marking a significant advancement in communication technology. This innovative technology allows radio signals to be transmitted through the 5G network, paving the way for highly efficient and high-speed data exchange. In the practical application of the Kaohsiung Light Rail, radio signals are sent to the trains, converted to 5G signals by the Pacific Smart System’s equipment, and then transmitted to the stations and control centers. This not only improves the reliability and speed of communication but also lays a solid foundation for the development of future intelligent transportation systems. Currently, the Pacific Smart System is conducting a scientific pilot project for the Kaohsiung Light Rail, demonstrating its leading position in the application of advanced communication technology.