Case Study: Norfolk Southern achieves safer, more efficient rail communications with Nokia IP/MPLS networking

Norfolk Southern Rail boosts safety and efficiency with IP network

Norfolk Southern Corporation, a major North American freight railway, was challenged by an aging legacy communications network that could not support new IP-based applications, such as mission-critical Positive Train Control (PTC). This infrastructure could not efficiently scale for future growth, integrate rail data with the enterprise network, or reduce the high costs of legacy solutions. The company needed to migrate to a modern, secure, and unified network to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Nokia provided a converged IP/MPLS network solution using its 9500 Microwave Packet Radio, 7750 Service Router, and 7705 Service Aggregation Router, all managed by the 5620 Service Aware Manager. This allowed Norfolk Southern to seamlessly migrate from its legacy systems onto a single, unified infrastructure. The results included increased safety and efficiency, high network availability and resiliency, significant cost savings, and the creation of a flexible, future-proof network ready to support next-generation applications and business expansion.

Norfolk Southern Corporation

Richard Carter

IT Manager