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Media
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Firstco
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PRESS INFORMATION ISSUED ON BEHALF OF:
Firstco Ltd, 4 Celbridge Mews, LONDON, W2 6EU
Tel +44 (0) 207 034 0833; Web
www.firstco.uk.com
20th November 2007
Firstco oversees HEx Optical Transport Network upgrade
Firstco, the technical consultancy, project management and systems
integration specialists, have recently completed an upgrade to the
Heathrow Express (HEx) Optical Transport Network (OTN) system.
The OTN system carries all of Heathrow Express's data and communication
links and the loss of any part of the system would have a dramatic
effect on their operations. However this improvement in communication
efficiency was carried out without any disruption to HEx's operations.
Firstco's Project Manager, Cecile Searle, explained: "The project
involved upgrading the OTN system - the primary means of transporting
voice and data communications (including security) around the various
HEx demises from Terminal 4 and Heathrow Central Stations all the way
into Paddington.
"The OTN system allows different types of media to be transported over
long distances via a dual fibre-optic backbone ring. At each point of
input or output along the route, such as at stations and shafts, there
are devices, known as nodes, which multiplex the signals onto the fibre
backbone."
In total, the system has 19 nodes located throughout the stations,
tunnels and platform areas.
The fibre backbone ring is constructed in such a way that it allows
communications to reroute should there be a break in one of the primary
fibres.
The existing system had limitations on available bandwidth and with the
introduction of more and more IP based products it was necessary to
significantly increase the bandwidth capability. Firstco specified the
Siemens OTN 600 product for the upgrade project.
In order to minimise risk and potential disruption, all of the works
had to be carried out during engineering hours, between 00:30 and
04:30. Such short working periods meant that the whole process had to
be meticulously planned to ensure all systems were fully re-established
at the end of each shift.
Steve Chambers, Head of Service Proposition at Heathrow Express said:
"Reliable and up-to-the minute data and communication links are the
backbone of Heathrow Express' successful operation.
"This important project had the potential to cause massive disruption
to the Heathrow Express service. However the expertise and dedication
of the Firstco team meant that work went without a hitch."
The change out process involved the establishment of a new backbone
ring supporting the new OTN 600.
Once this system had been installed and commissioned the task of
migrating the numerous services onto the new system could begin. These
works which included migration of critical services such as Fire, PA /VA,
CCTV, tunnel emergency systems, voice and data systems, were then
completed over a number of nights until all services had been
established onto the new system.
The benefits of the new system include:
The high bandwidth makes possible many extra services including
Ethernet and video, with new interfaces which were not previously
supported.
In addition to operational systems, customer features such as WiFi can
be provided - from Heathrow to Paddington - to further enhance the
travelling experience.
Ongoing development means that the OTN600's facilities will continue to
be extended and updated.
Using modern technology and components will keep the product current.
Additional nodes and interfaces are available for future system
expansion.
end
Notes for Editors:
About the Open Transport Network (OTN) system
The OTN system allows different types of media - voice and data
communications, including control, information and security and CCTV -
to be transported over long distances via a fibre backbone. At each
point of input or output there are devices known as Nodes which
multiplex the various signals onto the fibre backbone. The fibre
backbone is constructed in a ring arrangement that allows the
communications to reroute should there be a break in one of the primary
fibres.
The OTN36 was the first generation in the OTN family, developed by
Siemens. Demands for more bandwidth and support for additional
interface types have prompted newer OTN products. This project upgraded
the OTN36 to the OTN600, which has a much higher backbone bandwidth
(600Mbps) as well as the ability to deliver more data to individual
nodes.
About Firstco
Established in 1998, Firstco is now a major force in the areas of
technical consultancy, project management and systems integration.
Working in a range of industries - notably transport, especially rail
installations and airports; power and construction - Firstco
specialises in controls and communication solutions for assignments of
all sizes from buildings through to large scale infrastructure
projects.
Firstco's in-house team includes specialists in: electrical
engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, consulting,
project management and commissioning management.
Through its core services of consultancy, system delivery and project
management, Firstco provides its clients with a total solution - from
concept to commissioning and maintenance, based on collaboration and
integration with clients and partners.
Its mission is to advise, deliver and support high quality control and
communications solutions that improve transport and workplace
environments, create value for clients and make a positive difference
to their end users.
Firstco's approach is based on four core values:
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Service Excellence - achieving client confidence by truly understanding
the business drivers and the project requirements, delivering the
agreed solution to plan, managing issues and communicating clearly and
regularly - while being easy to do business with and enjoyable to work
with.
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Integrity - applying professional and technical expertise to ensure the
right solution for the right reasons, as well as being open, honest and
fair in all of its dealings.
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Teamwork - deploying the right blend of talent and experience to get
the job done, and integrating effectively with client and third party
personnel and activities.
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Development - continually seeking to enhance its own capabilities and
processes, enabling it to remain innovative and challenging - and
sharing this with its clients.
Firstco's clients include: BAA Heathrow Airport Ltd; Esso Petroleum;
Heathrow Express Operating Company; London Underground Ltd; Standard
Life Assurance; Morgan Stanley; Arup Associates; Balfour Kilpatrick;
Landis & Gyr; London Electricity Services, and Transmanche Link.
Further information from:
David Blight / Rupert Exham, Firstco, 0207 034 0833;
www.firstco.uk.com
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405
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