Icomera, a subsidiary of ENGIE Ineo, has partnered with Northern England-based train operator Northern to launch the operator's first fully-refurbished digital train.

Working with Northern’s other third-party solution providers, Icomera is providing the core connectivity platform; the platform provides onboard connectivity from which a full suite of business-critical operational and security services are hosted, as well as delivering customer Wi-Fi to the vehicles.

The platform roll-out has already begun, with full installation of Northern’s 243 refurbished trains expected to be complete by 2020. The vehicles will operate throughout the Northern network in the UK, connecting regional hubs including Carlisle, Chester, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle. From the initial system design and configuration, through to the commissioning process, and providing both remote and onsite ongoing support, Icomera is playing a pivotal role throughout.

Working as network integrators, Icomera has designed the system architecture to support the needs of Northern's third-party solution providers, and to mitigate cybersecurity risks through secure network design. Running on Icomera’s X6i multi-radio and applications router, the platform provides connectivity for a whole host of onboard services including CCTV, passenger counting, seat reservation indicators, media displays, and energy metering.

As part of the project, Icomera has also supplied a secure wireless bridging solution, enabling the onboard network to be extended when trains are coupled together, and working in collaboration with Northern’s team of designers to ensure that the installation position on each different fleet of trains will continue to support this wireless bridging in the future.