Ebony Soltani-James

Said the following about Linbrooke Bromsgrove Telecoms delivery team:

“With collaboration, innovation and teamwork at the heart of our business, Linbrooke are particularly proud of the works, conduct and dedication displayed by our Bromsgrove Corridor re-signalling telecoms team.

Improving efficiencies within the rail industry to facilitate current plans for a digital railway and the supporting European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), we were selected by Network Rail to apply brand-new IP telephony architecture to a mainline network, as an industry first.

With the industry’s planned transition to a digital railway, one of our primary aims was to ensure our infrastructure was compatible with the future and well primed for the European Train Control System (ETCS) roll out. As one of a few skilled teams within the UK deploying new and innovative IP technology, we wanted to be certain we would be able to deliver the project to a high standard, keeping to both timescale and budget. Working seamlessly together throughout the project duration, and integrating well with Network Rail, NRT, Siemens and Volker, our team constantly ensured that communication and collaboration links were effective, and that all the client’s needs were met.

Our project scope was to deliver the GRIP 5 - 8 telecommunications works, delivering the 21st century IP trackside telephony technology for the first time within England. As a modern, faster and more durable alternative to the analogue system, it minimises the requirement for copper cable trackside and provides high bandwidth for future expansion of services, fully meeting the vision for a digital railway future.

Determined to ensure the scheme was delivered successfully, we simulated the project’s environment using a test bed at our supplier’s premises, providing proof of the system integration off-site. This meticulous planning and testing ensured that our team were confident to go ahead with providing the best project delivery possible.

Additionally, during the integration phase, we utilised the CUCM test bed at our National Training Academy (NTA) to mirror the new network, allowing fast response times to issues by replicating faults and making fault diagnosis easier. With our authentic platform and tracks and modern and legacy equipment, we created the test bed to effectively test the compatibility and functionality of our equipment. With each member of our team bringing a different technical skillset to the project, we wanted to ensure that everyone had the best training possible. This included IP/Cisco experts, railway operations specialists and lineside delivery talent.

Introducing new CUCM technology through the expertise of our in-house trained Cisco Certified Network (CCN) professionals, we conducted several training sessions which led to increased confidence and the introduction of new Cisco compatible resource into the industry.

Commissioning our works 9 hours ahead of schedule, Engineering Manager, Mick Carter stated that, “Delivering the Bromsgrove works was challenging, but rewarding – and we all banded together to ensure overall success. It’s all about the team – it isn’t about individuals. Without the team, there is no delivery.”

Providing modern equipment and technology in place of the analogue system that is rapidly becoming obsolete, Linbrooke truly ensured this innovative project has placed Bromsgrove at the forefront of 21st century telecoms, while providing a brilliant foundation for the future of this approach.“