Cannon Technologies Protecting systems within the Rail Industry

With the UK’s rail network increasingly reliant on IT for its day-to-day activities, Glenn Conlon, director of business development at Cannon Technologies, explains why the rail industry’s SISS, CIS, GSM-R, FTN communications and control infrastructure needs to be protected by robust and reliable active indoor and IP65 outdoor enclosures and cabinets.

Cannon’s S-TYPE R cabinet range provide up to IP65 sealing against water and dust ingress along with the necessary active cooling for customers’ specific requirements.

24,500 trains run on the UK’s railways every day, and in order for the system to run as smoothly and as safely as possible, a seamless communications and IT network infrastructure is vital. However, with a growing number of disparate technologies such as customer information screens, CCTV, access control, ticket machines and signalling all operating over it, this important equipment needs to be protected by state-of-the-art passive and active electronic indoor and outdoor enclosures and cabinets.

Work in progress

Network Rail recognises the role commercial communications and IT equipment is playing in its objective to transform the nation’s Victorian-era infrastructure into one that will be able to support an estimated 400 million extra passenger journeys by 2020. Central to this objective is Offering Rail Better Information Services (ORBIS), a five-year £325-million project to improve Network Rail’s approaches to the acquisition, storage and usage of asset information. Network Rail hopes this strategy will transform a ‘fix and fail’ model into one based on ‘predict and prevent’.

Safety information

Keeping passengers safe and up-to-date with information on a real-time basis is also a top priority for rail franchise operators. The use of surveillance and CCTV within rail stations has grown rapidly over recent years and this technology is now widely deployed on platforms, concourses and trains. As well as making passengers feel safer, particularly in smaller remote or isolated stations, these systems have contributed to deterring criminals and providing evidence in the investigation of criminal acts.

Always on

A key part of maintaining the integrity of a network is the use of high-quality active cabinets that protect the sensitive electronic equipment that keeps the information flowing. The attitude that ‘it’s just a cabinet and they’re all the same’ creates issues that could be avoided initially and in the future. It might come as a surprise to some to find out that leading manufacturers are designing products that not only enhance functionality but also offer greater flexibility, and have features that can save time and money.

Active cabinets are used in a wide variety of outdoor locations station-side and platform-side, and are often the
first line of defence. They must be as difficult as possible to move or infiltrate, and are therefore usually installed using Network Rail’s standard LOC (Location Cases) bases or a ‘transformer root’ mounting system for attachment to either a steel platform or concrete pad.

Tough call

Exposed to the elements, cabinets are designed to resist the effects of sun, rain, dust and other debris, and must be able to withstand the potential for damage as a result of vandalism. Thwarting the efforts of those who want to access the equipment inside cabinets requires special measures, and only the use of sophisticated locking and access control technology can adequately protect it. Cabinet-locking systems can be approved to one of The Loss Prevention Certification Board’s (LPCB) LPS1175 Security Ratings to provide the necessary delay and means of detection required to protect against methods of intrusion, including the use of a wide variety of power tools.

On track

As the public’s reliance on the rail infrastructure increases, IT will continue to deliver a leaner, more efficient and
reliable system that also provides greater value to its customers. Active cabinets, cabins and modular data centres are at the forefront in providing a temperature-controlled and secure environment for the valuable and sensitive active equipment that will allow this to happen, and are the first line of defence in maintaining an always-on communications, control and IT network.

For more information please contact:

Cannon Technologies

T: 01425 632600

E: sales@cannontech.co.uk

W: cannontech.co.uk

Background Information

Established over 40 years ago, Cannon Technologies specialise in the design, manufacture and delivery of Micro to Multi Megawatt Data Centres for Core to Edge facilities around the world. Cannon is viewed by its peers as a global leader and is a multiple award winner with successful projects, delivered to; Financial, Data Centre, Transportation, Industrial, Government and Military sectors.

Today, Cannon Technologies is a world leader and known for its’ high level of investment in R&D product development.

Cannon Tech Gives Down Time the Brush Off

When designing a modular Data Centre, Cannon Technologies are well-aware of the many considerations present to maintain the optimum environment for technology to function at its best. As industry leaders Cannon Tech have supplied and installed scalable modular data systems across all continents. These projects test our solutions to the max, be they in the deserts and jungles of Africa or the sub-zero tundra of Antarctica. Our security features are second to none and our award-winning design features ensure our customers have total peace of mind knowing their hardware is safe, secure and operating at maximum efficiency.

Maximum efficiency is the aim and there’s zero compromise when it comes to customer expectation.  At Cannon Tech, reputation is built on our promise of problem free delivery, installation and integration. Part of this promise is not only an ability to address and solve problems as they arise, but to examine current products and improve.

Ambient temperature control is vital for any data centre and when we consider the variables of external temperature and how this affects racks temperature which in turn affects generated conditioning, it is easy to see how temperature could, in theory create a data issue. The issue? How to guarantee temperature maintenance within modular sections, some of which are separated by only a few millimetres.  The only point of weakness in this issue is the floor grommet and now Cannon Tech’s award-winning R&D team have it covered.

The issues of temperature and cable management have resulted in the unique design of the aptly named Cannon Brushgland.

In the office, the traditional floor grommet is valued for its cosmetic appearance rather than its functionality. However, in the context of a modular data system the design can have a measurable effect on data transfer. The issues of temperature and cable management have resulted in the unique design of the aptly named Cannon Brushgland.

This latest solution to the age-old problem of cable management has an almost organic design using the best possible cable control which offers an impressive and comprehensive air blocking system. Built to the highest spec each unit improves on the inadequacies of old-fashioned floor grommets, giving end users the real peace of mind that full and complete temperature control can offer.

Briefly, this cable and air management system cuts temperature “pollution” by providing a strong yet totally flexible pre-stressed “brush insulation” system which is robust enough to withstand the air pressure created by the temperature extremes necessary for optimum functionality. In short, the Brushgland maintains temperatures where they should be in every section of your data centre thanks to a strong and reliable air seal which is fully accessible and controllable. The brush design also creates a non-invasive cable control system which protects, separates and isolates power and data cables from possible damage. Cannon Technologies has even designed the Brushgland so that it can be instantly and easily retro- fitted on all existing installations, offering users yet another layer of security, safety and most importantly peace of mind.

Cannon Tech are always available to help and advise so please feel free to contact the team at any time on 01425 632600 or email sales@cannontech.co.uk

Background Information

Established over 40 years ago, Cannon Technologies specialise in the design, manufacture and delivery of Micro to Multi Megawatt Data Centres for Core to Edge facilities around the world. Cannon is viewed by its peers as a global leader and is a multiple award winner with successful projects, delivered to; Financial, Data Centre, Transportation, Industrial, Government and Military sectors.

Today, Cannon Technologies is a world leader and known for its’ high level of investment in R&D product development.

Cannon Network Switch & Patching Cabinet SMART Range

A network switch cabinet is designed to hold and protect your network switch equipment enabling you to create or expand your Ethernet network between your computers. These can be used for the storage of routers, patch panels, switches and a variety of networking equipment and accessories.

Network switch cabinets are designed as a smaller unit compared to server rack cabinets as they are required to hold less equipment. Our range of network switch cabinets are an enclosed unit that helps protect the equipment inside them from particles and external matter. Generally, network switch cabinets do not contain perforated or vented panels as the equipment held inside them is not prone to overheating like server equipment and fan units are not required.

Cannon Range of Wall Mount with 19″ rack mounts shown above.

With below images showing the option to retrofit KP027x Castor/Rear Panel Door – A Perfect solution to switch Cannon Wall Mount  into a Mini Floor Standing 19″ rack 

 

There are various network switch cabinets available as each business may have differing requirements for their equipment and the location that is stored in may require a different solution. This why we offer a range of options which includes our wall mountable cabinets.

Our wall mountable cabinets are designed to be a compact but secure solution where floor mounting solutions are inappropriate as the floor needs to be kept clear. The wall-mounted cabinets offer a range of options including fixed sides, removable sides and hinged sides to meet the location and access needs to your equipment. These wall mounted units are 600mm wide, 400mm to 600mm deep and come in a choice of six different heights ranging from 375mm to 1,042mm. Each of the wall-mounted units has two fixed side panels and two fixed 10-inch mounting posts. We offer a choice of front door options which include acrylic glass, steel or maxi-vent mesh which are supplied with a cylinder lock. We offer a range of option and upgrades on these products including adding shelves, Power Distribution Units (PDUs) and a choice of colour.

We also offer a range of IP Rated products which includes a wall-mounted box that offers a high degree of protection against water and particle invasion. The ABACUS PRO IP66 Rated Wall Mounted Boxes are stylishly finished in Light Grey RAL7035 with other colour options are available on request. Wall mounted boxes are created from a robust steel construction that have two fixed side panels, front 19-inch mounting posts and a removable gland plate.

         

Above images shows ABACUS PRO IP66 Wall Mount with 19″ rack mounts

 

The IP55 ABACUS PRO cabinets also feature either a plain steel or steel-framed glass front door complete with a lever lock. As with all of our range we offer a range of accessories that can customise your cabinet to meet your exact needs.

                  

Above images show ABACUS PRO IP55 Cabinet Enclosure 19″ rack mounts and either plain steel or glazed doors.

Our range of network switch cabinets have been designed with practicalities in mind which is why we have made them flexible and versatile cabinets that can be tailored to meet your needs. These practical cabinets are attractively designed as they are often found in more public or employee facing areas and therefore we understand that having an attractive cabinet can be just as important as their practicalities.

Take a look at our range of network switch cabinets or get in touch by calling 01425 632600 or email sales@cannontech.co.uk

All New Modular Data Centre Leasing Service

Cannon Technologies is now leasing its Globe Trotter transportable Modular Data Centre range, allowing organisations to use the Globe Trotter range for their short- or medium-term needs.

This dynamic move ensures organisations’ budgets are used efficiently, and technical needs will be met flexibly, as payments will be made on a ‘pay as you go’ basis.

With a minimum one-year lease period, this new service will allow businesses a temporary solution during a period where facilities need to be moved from one location to another. Alternatively, this service can also be used by businesses which are looking for an improvement to a current set-up but need time to commit to a permanent solution.

Cannon Technologies’ MD, Matthew Goulding states:

‘This unique data centre leasing offering is the latest addition to our extensive modular data centre product and service portfolio, and one that will be invaluable to those looking for a flexible and cost-effective solution to their capacity needs.’

The Globe Trotter Modular Data Centre range is your flexible friend. It comprises the smaller-scaled transportable Data Centers. They are scalable, compact and provide the efficiency, support and sustainability that your business needs.

Goulding adds:

‘The Globe Trotter range offers the most resilient transportable modular data centre options available today and is proven to provide unrivalled levels of performance, scalability and functionality, in all kinds of environments.’

For more information on leasing Cannon Technologies’ Globe Trotter Modular Data Centre range, click here.

Alternatively get in touch with us via our contact form or call our sales team on 01425 632600

Background Information

Established over 40 years ago, Cannon Technologies specialise in the design, manufacture and delivery of Micro to Multi Megawatt Data Centres for Core to Edge facilities around the world. Cannon is viewed by its peers as a global leader and is a multiple award winner with successful projects, delivered to; Financial, Data Centre, Transportation, Industrial, Government and Military sectors.

Today, Cannon Technologies is a world leader and known for its’ high level of investment in R&D product development.

Cannon Awarded Major BBC Broadcasting Project

Having worked with the BBC for many years, Cannon have once again been awarded a major project to design, manufacture and install Broadcast Racks and Hot Aisle Cocooning (Aisles) for the new BBC Wales HQ in Cardiff. 

 

“With this project, everything is about the detail,” says Glenn Conlon Sales Director Cannon T4, Cannon’s team of design engineers worked closely with prime contractors and ISG to ensure that the exacting requirements were met to ensure an energy efficient data center was achieved, on time and within budget.

BBC Wales HQ is set over four floors, the building computer & DC rooms will house broadcast / server & communications equipment for the 1,200 BBC Wales staff and will include 150,000 sq ft of office, studio and production space.