Researchers develop new technology to prevent passengers losing Internet connections on trains
Researchers have designed a 'lightweight' flat panel antenna which connects to satellites in space
Wifi dead spots on trains could be a thing of the past (Image: Nottingham Post)
Whether you're writing an important email or catching up on your favourite TV show, losing internet connection on trains can be frustrating.
However, researchers believe they have developed new technology that will stop passengers losing wi-fi connectivity on trains, even in rural 'dead spots'.
Academics at Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, have designed a flat panel antenna which connects to satellites in space, allowing your wi-fi connection to remain stable even while on the move.
Excitingly, the prototype is expected to enter field trials with a major rail operator before the end of this year.
Research engineer Samuel Rotenberg, who helped design the antenna, said: "Poor connectivity on journeys is one of the leading frustrations of passengers globally.
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"Today's users are used to fibre-optic superfast broadband, with 4G connectivity seen as the minimum standard. Yet, on the move, our connectivity is patchy and continually interrupted.
"Cities provide continuous connectivity using a large network of antennas. However, there are fewer placed in rural areas, especially along railway tracks, which results in the signal being lost.
"However, extending the ground network to improve access in rural area is expensive and unreliable for transportation."
Mr Rotenberg said most antennas are large and impractical for high speed trains to carry- this is where the new technology is different.
He added: "Our research has developed a flat panel antenna which will communicate with satellites throughout a journey, without loss of connectivity. It's fairly lightweight, at a fraction of the cost of existing solutions and will provide global coverage.
"Its design specifications mean it could also be adapted for the internet of things, and planes as they fly in the middle of the ocean."
He said using satellites means connectivity is "seamless" for all passengers, regardless of the number trying to connect.
Project funders include the European Space Agency, Department for Transport and Scottish Enterprise.
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