Introduction
New Sydney Metro underground stations at Crows Nest and Waterloo include In-Building Coverage (IBC) solutions to ensure Public Safety Network (PSN) coverage and help keep commuters safe.
Challenge
The underground stations at Crows Nest and Waterloo were part of the major Sydney Metro City and Southwest rail project. Underground stations and tunnels typically challenge radio communications and can result in a reduced PSN signal.
A tested, reliable and consistent network coverage solution was required to ensure Emergency Services Organisations (ESOs) and essential services can access the PSN when operating underground. This helps first responders to keep Sydney Metro commuters at these stations safe during incidents and emergencies.
Solution
Transport for NSW installed IBC solutions in both stations, in consultation with NSW Telco Authority. Each of the IBC solutions involved installation of a Distributed Antenna System with base stations, optical repeaters and leaky feeders in the tunnel. The solutions extend PSN radio signals to cover these and all Sydney Metro stations and ensure strong, continuous critical communications coverage for ESOs and essential services, especially as they move between outdoor and underground areas.
Expected outcome
The integration of IBC solutions at Crows Nest and Waterloo stations provide uninterrupted critical communications for first responders during emergencies and incidents across the entire Sydney Metro network, helping to keep the many thousands of daily commuters at these stations safe.
Further information
To find out more about In-Building Coverage managed by NSW Telco Authority, visit our In-Building Coverage page or email TelcoComms@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
Read more information about the Sydney Metro.