InnoTrans, Berlin, September 21, 2010 –  Draka Communications, a global leader in the cabling and optical fiber industry presents its latest generation fiber optic railfoot cables as part of its extensive signalling cable program at this years’ International Trade Fair for Transport Technology in Berlin. Used to transport data to the antennae alongside the track, railfoot cables are simply clipped to the metal track giving cost savings in deployment as ducts and trenches are not required. They are a low-cost, effective solution for non-electrified tracks to bring regional networks up to the high standards of advanced mobile data communications technology.

With the rapid expansion of mobile GSM-R technology placed on masts alongside the track, Draka today offers a fiber railtrack cable solution which not only supports high data rates for GSM-R technology but also withstands vibrational forces rated to 160 km/h on track.   Draka’s latest generation of fiber railfoot cables offer installation efficiency, featuring metal-free rodent protected design that does not require cable grounding and removes static electricity in cable laying and track maintenance.  

Draka’s family of fiber products used in fiber railfoot cables is 100% compliant with G.652, the most deployed single-mode optical fiber worldwide. The ruggedness and resilience of Draka fiber is made possible through Draka’s proprietary Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (PCVD) fiber manufacturing platform which leverages a proprietary trench-assisted core structure design. Draka fiber is ideal for the challenging terrains of the most extreme applications found in the railway industry. Its user-friendliness and ease of handling offers added-value as well as total cost of ownership benefits from improved installation efficiency.

Three core double twisted pair copper railfoot cable

In addition to fiber railfoot cable for GSM-R applications, Draka also introduces a 3 core, double twisted pair copper railfoot solution for localised trackside telecommunications. With rugged polyethylene outer and inner  sheath protection, this water and moisture proof cable is easily clipped to the metal track speeding installation without the expense of ducts and trenches. With the same vibration-proof design as its fiber brother, this latest copper version from Draka’s railfoot cable portfolio opens up a low cost method for railway operators to upgrade their networks to the regulatory requirements for  telecommunications connectivity, meeting TNP 03/05 standards.

Defining railway telecoms standards

Draka enjoys a close relationship with all major European railway operators and systems integrators to provide products and support in defining standards.Draka is certified to DIN ISO 9001 as well as having evaluation and certification as a Q1-supplier of Deutsche Bahn AG. Our company undergoes regular audits, customer surveys, evaluation and test reports as well as comprehensive laboratory analysis and certification from other national and international companies and committees. As a result, Draka guarantees quality at  the highest level.

 Draka

Draka (Euronext Amsterdam: DRAK), headquartered in Amsterdam, has 9400 employees in countries worldwide and 2009 revenues of over € 2 billion. Draka has a presence in 31 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

Draka’s activities are divided into three groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Speciality and Communications. Draka Communications with its four business units, Telecom Solutions, Multimedia Specials, Optical Fiber and Cable Solutions is a global market leader in the development, production and sales of fibers, cables and advanced network solutions. More information at www.draka.com/communications

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Photo:   Draka’s fiber cable clips on train rails, solves handling issue of static electrical shocks. It has a central glass fiber reinforced plastic rod; 6 loose thermoplastic tubes, each containing up to 4 fibers and water tightness compound. Double sheath design is a PE inner sheath with 2 ripcords and outer HDPE sheath, with 2 ripcords. Moisture barrier is copolymer laminated aluminium  tape.

More Information

Contact:

Draka Communications,

Vilko Drewes,

Tel: +49 30 654 85 694 or  vilko.drewes@draka.com

Draka Communications PR,

Nicole Esser,

Tel: +49 221 677 3551 or  nicole.esser@draka.com