Security Data Network

About Project

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) installed IP cameras at 55 passenger stations, 4 maintenance facilities and 2 yards to enhance system security and incident response. The security video at each location was locally recorded but in many areas could not be accessed via a Wide Area Network (WAN). This systems project utilized existing fiber within the system to develop a Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) WAN network with nodes at stations and facility rooms in order to monitor security video at a centralized location, the Security Operations Center (SOC). Due to the high bandwidth requirements of streaming video, a fiber network was preferred when feasible.  In areas of the system where no fiber cable was accessible, a wireless LTE device was installed to backhaul the video. 

Project Scope, Successes

The project was broken down into phases in order to utilize the funds for construction in parallel with design efforts.  The phases were as follows:

• Project Study Report: This report defined the systems participants and existing infrastructure, proposed alternatives for a video network architecture, identified network equipment, and proposed a phased program to implement the network.  In areas where fiber was not available or cost prohibitive, a cellular study was recommended.  The study selected the Ciena DWDM switch and the Cradlepoint router.
• Phase 1: PRE designed the necessary fiber modifications at stations on the Valley, Ventura, East San Gabriel and River subdivisions.  Large portions of this existing fiber were 100% utilized.  The DWDM system equipment allowed for a 1310nm single mode connection, which was repurposed for the existing train control network. This connection freed the fiber necessary to create the DWDM network.
• Phase 2: PRE designed DWDM system connections using existing dark fiber at stations along the Orange subdivision.  This portion of the project also installed fiber at CP Olympic and over the Redondo Junction bridge.  This fiber closed a critical gap connecting to the Pomona Operations Center and hardening the network.
• Phase 3: PRE designed a new fiber cable installation between San Bernardino station and Fontana station.  The area required discovery and exploration of conduit previously installed over 2 decades ago along the right of way.  This empty conduit was explored and repaired where necessary prior to installing the new fiber cable.
• Phase 4: PRE designed a template for the installation of the Cradlepoint router at station locations in the Metrolink system that had no accessible fiber.  Cellular studies were performed for each location and field verification was used for final antenna selection.
• Phase 5: PRE designed a new fiber cable installation between Fontana station and Rancho Cucamonga station.  The area required discovery and exploration of conduit previously installed over 2 decades ago along the right of way.  This empty conduit was explored and repaired where necessary prior to installing the new fiber cable.  This segment included installation of conduit at one bridge over a flood channel.  DWDM equipment was installed at San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga stations.
• Phase 6: PRE designed the DWDM on the new Redlands Passenger Rail project (RPRP) and integrated the system with Metrolink's East Maintenance Facility.  This portion of the project required coordination with ongoing projects such as RPRP and the Arrow Maintenance Facility (AMF).  Phase 6 also included an analysis of a fiber swap with LA Metro between Chatsworth station and LA Union Station.  Additional fiber was installed to leverage this area for future DWDM connectivity.

Project Highlights

• Funded by the California Transit Security Grant Program (CTSGP), established under Proposition 1B, which was approved by voters in 2006 for the purpose of transit system safety, security and disaster response projects for a period of 10 years.
• PRE performed design, project management and construction management of this $8M project
• A 10Gbps network was designed with two fiber strands and 8 DWDM channels, in order to support the backhaul of video and provide expansion for 7 future isolated network applications. More traditional fiber applications would require the equivalent of 16 fibers to accomplish these same features.  
• Project was executed in 7 phases over nearly 5 years to show progress, realize estimates and optimize outcomes
• All phases were designed, estimated, and managed by PRE through construction completion
• PRE completed bill of materials for a majority of the material procurement
• All phases were competitively bid and constructed using on-call contracted forces