Press Releases(Archive)
FY2012 - FY2003

Installation of the First Network Signal Control System

East Japan Railway Company

November 7, 2006

  • Control of signals and shunts in station yards uses copper cables laid from the control unit to each signal device. When performing work on signal devices, it is necessary to lay a large amount of cable, undertake complicated wiring work and test the wiring for every signal device.
  • To avoid these problems, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has developed a network signal control system where IP technology is used to control signal devices connected to the control unit by optical cable. This new method decreases the amount of cable to be laid, reduces and simplifies wiring work and enhances reliability through the dual control circuit.
  • This is the first time in the world for a control system to be installed that uses optical cable and IP technology for control of terminal signal devices. Full-scale development began in fiscal 2004 and is nearing completion. The first system is scheduled to be installed at Ichikawaono Station on the Musashino Line in spring 2007.

Conventional signal control

Large volume of copper cable
Complicated wiring work
Test required for each signal device

Conventional signal control

Network signal control

Optical cable and IP technology used
Less amount of cable needs to be laid
Wiring work reduced and simplified
Dual control circuit enhances reliability

Network signal control

Development and installation process

Development and installation process

Results of installation

Results of installation
Results of installation
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