French metro rail development, Grand Paris Express, is deploying a 5G-ready IP/MPLS multiservice, mobile core and radio access network (RAN) from Nokia to support implementation of four automated train lines to link 200 kilometres (125 miles) throughout greater Paris and up to two million passengers a day. The contract with Société du Grand Paris (SGP) follows on deployment of a Nokia LTE wireless network systems for network connectivity across three of the new Paris metro lines within the development.

The rail project includes creation of four new lines (15, 16, 17 and 18) around Paris, the extension of line 14, the construction of 68 new metro stations and the development of new neighbourhoods around these future urban centres.

The Nokia solutions include a multi-service IP/MPLS high-speed network to support all Grand Paris Express operational and maintenance requirements. The private mobile radio solution is designed for operational communications and indoor/outdoor connectivity across all Grand Paris Express stations, lines and depots. Mission-critical application requirements across the four lines will be supported by the multi-service IP/MPLS network.

The IP/MPLS communications network will operate as a high-speed backbone between a centralised control centre and the automated stations, lines and depots. The new network is an important component of SGP’s cybersecurity strategy.

With real-time video surveillance inside the trains, centralised operations teams will be able to quickly identify and flag issues and threats, accelerate response times and assure greater safety overall for passengers, emergency response teams and employees. For travellers, the new communications system promises superior levels of service, with intuitive ticketing and enhanced updates regarding passenger information.

Matthieu Bourguignon, Vice President Enterprise Europe Sales at Nokia, said: “These projects provide critical high-speed connectivity and performance at all points within the new Grand Paris metro and its operations, giving SGP the highest levels of confidence in its end-to-end Nokia network. We are incredibly proud to be selected by SGP as a supplier and excited to deploy our world-leading wireless access, IP/MPLS routing and mobile core solutions as a part of this ambitious project to digitally transform one of Europe’s largest rail systems.”