The rail industry is critical to the UK’s infrastructure. It not only keeps our cities connected with a safe public transport network, but it provides a vital, fast and more sustainable way of transporting goods around the country. Within this vast and intricate network of rail infrastructure, a key element that often goes unnoticed is the Station Information and Security Systems (SISS) cabinets. These cabinets house the technology and equipment that keeps the trains running smoothly, passengers safe and information flowing. They come in various forms and serve different purposes, from outdoor station platform cabinets to indoor telecommunication wall boxes. Here’s a look at the ‘what’s what’ of SISS cabinets.
Station Cabinets: Station cabinets, often located at railway platforms and within station buildings, house equipment that supports various SISS functions. These cabinets contain surveillance systems, communication equipment and fire detection systems, among others. They are crucial for monitoring and controlling passenger safety and facilitating smooth operations within the station.
Network Cabinets: The rail industry relies heavily on data communication to monitor and control trains, stations and other infrastructure. Network cabinets are designed to house servers, switches, routers, and other networking equipment that enable the seamless flow of data within the rail network. These cabinets ensure that information is transmitted reliably, enabling real-time decision-making for efficient train operations and passenger safety.  Network cabinets come in all shapes sizes and variations dependant on the footprint and environment, from indoor to outdoor, passive to forced air cooling, some even require electromagnetic compatibility.  Â
Fibre Optic Cabinets: Rail networks rely heavily on fibre optic communication for high-speed data transfer and remote monitoring. Cabinets for fibre optic equipment are used to house and protect optical switches, routers, and related infrastructure.
Signalling Cabinets: An integral part of railway infrastructure, although not typically considered a part of SISS infrastructure itself, they deserve an honourable mention. Signalling cabinets house train control and track signalling equipment, critical for the efficient and save operation of railways. Housing this equipment in the correct enclosure is crucial for managing the systems that govern railway traffic. Both SISS and signalling enclosures are critical for the overall operation of the railway system.
The SISS infrastructure in the rail industry is a complex and multifaceted system that relies heavily on cabinets to house and protect the technology and equipment that keeps the train network running safely and efficiently. Environments for these enclosures are challenging and face a wide range natural and human-made threats from extremes of heat and cold, rain, vibrations and wind speeds of up to 180km/h caused by high-speed rains, plus theft and vandalism. Choosing the right enclosure for systems is critical for equipment longevity and reliability.
We’ve been designing and manufacturing enclosures to the highest rail industry standards for more than 40 years. We understand that every site, every combination of equipment and every digital deployment plan creates a unique set of enclosure requirements.
Our rail industry specialists take the time to consult with customers, understand their needs and design the most appropriate solution. All our enclosures are manufactured in the UK, ensuring stringent quality control, and keeping supply chains short. At every step, our goal is simple: reliable, long-term protection for your equipment.
