Telecommunications engineering

With key expertise in telecommunications systems for transportation, our qualified engineers provide objective advice in areas as diverse as GSM-R, fixed transmission networks, lineside communications, data networks, CCTV and passenger information, whether on-train or at the station. Our knowledge of both legacy systems and emerging technologies allows us to offer pragmatic solutions.

How we can help

Telecommunication systems are critical components of transport infrastructure and form a backbone supporting a multitude of other systems. Telecommunications failures can consequently affect many systems and processes, with a corresponding impact on safety and business performance. Lloyd's Register has the skills to analyse and understand the composite requirements of the interfacing systems and devise systems and processes that meet these requirements. Our approach seeks to provide balanced solutions that take account of interfacing systems, other technical disciplines and the commercial realities associated with telecommunications systems.

At a strategic level, we are able to provide informed and impartial analysis and advice on issues such as asset stewardship, adoption of and migration to new systems and technologies, and safety or commercial risk management.

Within projects, we can provide a wide range of services to support technical, project / programme management, project engineering, commercial and assurance activities, including:

• Technical: interface management, design and development, standards development and compliance review, asset management strategies and systems, feasibility studies, requirements capture and specification, reliability analysis, research and trouble-shooting investigations
• Commercial: business case development, development of tender documentation and evaluation processes, contract negotiations, variation management
• Assurance: product and system acceptance and approvals, engineering safety management, Notified Body services, independent reviews, safety assessment and audit.

What are the benefits?

Independent, accurate advice gives you a sound basis for the development and management of your telecomms infrastructure and services. In an area of rapid technological change, it helps to reduce your risks, enhancing system performance in line with business needs.

Recent projects

• We have been appointed as Independent Safety Assessor for a national GSM-R radio and fixed telecoms infrastructure design and implementation project. Our role covers the impartial scrutiny and audit of the engineering safety process and deliverables, including strategies and plans, requirements specifications, design substantiation documentation, test evidence and safety cases.
• We undertook an in-depth investigation into the in-service reliability of legacy train radio systems. This project examined the asset management processes and failure history of legacy radio systems in order to identify any signficant themes contributing to equipment failures. We made recommendations to improve fault asset stewardship and failure data gathering processes.
• We provided commercial support to a major TETRA radio and fixed telecommunication infrastructure project. On behalf of the client, we undertook technical aspects of the evaluation of contract variations and negotiated with the contractor.
• We conducted system acceptance of a bus and stop passenger information system, GPRS, GPS technologies. Our work included investigation of technical issues, supervision of the principal contractor documentation and acceptance testing leading to system acceptance.

What next?

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