Broadband networks for transit applications

In the past, NYCT (New York City Transit) relied heavily on copper cable runs to provide the communications and control functions required to operate the railroad. A decade ago, NYCT installed a proprietary (not based on industry standards) fiber optic network to supplement the copper in some areas of the railroad. However, the fiber network transmission equipment was installed in power substations, bypassing the passenger stations where most of the traffic originates. As various technological improvements were made to enhance the performance of the railroad, there was an exponential growth in the need for copper cable emanating from the passenger stations. The proliferation of copper had grown to such an extent, that it became increasingly difficult and costly, and at times impossible, to expand the copper plant. In recognition of these difficulties, NYCT embarked on an ambitious plan to install a new fiber optic network that would be capable of servicing the entire railroad along with all of its support facilities.