ZTE 5G is emerging as a key enabler in the digital transformation of China’s railways. As part of the national push to modernize transportation infrastructure, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (CHINA RAILWAY) has laid out ambitious targets in its "Digital Railway Plan" to advance digitalization by 2027. Central to this plan is the modernization of digital infrastructure—an area where ZTE’s 5G solutions, particularly millimeter wave (mmWave) technology, are offering meaningful contributions across critical railway operations.
Aiming for a Smarter Railway System
In recent years, the CHINA RAILWAY has placed high importance on networked intelligence. The current 5G for railways (5G-R) network carries essential traffic—such as high-speed train control and dispatch communications. While it addresses core operational needs, its limitations in bandwidth restrict wider application across emerging use cases. This includes data-intensive services like real-time maintenance diagnostics, digital twins, and large-scale locomotive monitoring.
That’s where ZTE 5G, particularly through mmWave deployment, is providing a practical extension to existing infrastructure. Its expanded capacity and low-latency design make it suitable for next-level applications in railway communications.
Why Legacy Data Collection No Longer Suffices
Modern locomotives are equipped with multiple monitoring systems, from derailment sensors to diagnostic tools, which collectively generate significant volumes of operational data. For instance, the onboard safety system (referred to as the 6A system) can produce approximately 1 GB of data per hour for each camera. Over a single day, one locomotive might accumulate as much as 24 GB of data—and across several days, hundreds of gigabytes.
Currently, Wi-Fi-based solutions are unable to meet the data transfer demands. Transmission speeds are low, cross-station transfer is not feasible, and most depots still rely on manual copying—an approach that is slow, labor-heavy, and subject to errors.
ZTE 5G mmWave Delivers a High-Speed Alternative
ZTE has introduced a purpose-built solution that integrates mmWave technology into the train-to-ground data pipeline. High-capacity mmWave base stations are installed strategically at locomotive depots and major rail hubs, where idle time allows for high-speed data transmission. Paired with dedicated mmWave onboard terminals, this setup allows for streamlined, wireless data offloading that drastically reduces turnaround time.
A single 50 GB data package can be transmitted in five minutes—a speed not possible with conventional solutions. More importantly, the use of dedicated spectrum ensures that all data remains within railway-operated networks, reinforcing data security.
ZTE’s End-to-End Infrastructure for Efficient Management
The company’s railway bureau solution spans multiple layers. It includes:
1. A lightweight 5G dedicated core network
2. mmWave on-board terminals
3. Wireless product series
4. A unified network management platform
All data generated across different onboard systems is consolidated into the mmWave terminal, which then transfers the information to base stations. To ensure performance, network planning includes 3D environment mapping and channel simulations at each target site. This guarantees stable connectivity during the brief windows available for data offloading.
The system architecture is optimized for uplink-heavy transmission, modifying the standard frame configuration to prioritize outbound traffic. Once data reaches the dedicated core, it’s seamlessly forwarded to back-end analysis systems for actionable insights.
Building the Digital Maintenance Depot
Traditional locomotive maintenance processes involve time-intensive manual inspection. With hundreds of components requiring oversight, performance testing, and calibration, these tasks often extend maintenance cycles and reduce operational efficiency.
To address this, ZTE has implemented 5G-enabled digital twin systems inside maintenance workshops. These systems replicate the workshop environment in real time, capturing all activity within a synchronized virtual space. Staff can monitor operations through a digital interface, assess component health, and simulate adjustments before applying them physically.
ZTE’s Minimalist 5G Private Network
For enclosed environments like workshops, ZTE provides a minimalist 5G network anchored by its NodeEngine base station and mmWave indoor unit Micell. Unlike larger networks, this configuration doesn’t require a full core—offering a cost-effective option for localized deployment.
The NodeEngine also acts as a computing platform, enabling localized application hosting and immediate data processing. This helps bridge the gap between physical operations and their digital counterparts, especially when real-time updates are critical.
Seamless Feedback with mmWave’s Low Latency
Thanks to mmWave’s low-latency performance, the digital twin responds to physical interactions in near real-time. When complex 3D model data or machine telemetry is transmitted, operators experience no perceptible delay. This minimizes human error and supports faster turnaround in maintenance activities.
More importantly, the digital twin allows for predictive diagnostics. By visualizing systems through a detailed 3D model, maintenance teams can identify wear patterns or potential faults before they escalate into service interruptions.
ZTE 5G mmWave in National Development Strategy
In November 2024, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology—alongside 11 departments—unveiled an upgraded action plan promoting the large-scale use of 5G. Within this framework, mmWave is identified as a core technology for future development across multiple sectors, including railways.
This plan recognizes mmWave’s performance in gigabit uplink capacity and low-latency responsiveness—attributes that align well with the railway industry’s evolving requirements for data-rich applications and autonomous system operations.
Application Potential Beyond Locomotive Communication
ZTE’s mmWave strategy does not stop at data offloading and workshop operations. It is laying the groundwork for broader deployment scenarios, such as:
1. Trackside sensors with edge computing
2. High-speed video surveillance for real-time safety checks
3. AI-driven diagnostics supported by live data feeds
4. Automated inspection systems operating in coordination with the digital twin
These developments signal a substantial shift in how railway systems are managed. With mmWave infrastructure, multiple independent workflows can now converge into an integrated, real-time operational framework.
Looking Ahead: Scalable Innovation for Smart Railways
ZTE 5G’s contribution to railway transformation is already producing measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and data reliability. With mmWave supporting high-capacity, low-latency communications, railway operations gain a new dimension of responsiveness and flexibility.
As rail networks continue their digital upgrade, scalable deployment of ZTE’s mmWave solutions is likely to grow. From central control rooms to edge-based maintenance depots, the network footprint is expanding—bringing high-speed wireless capabilities wherever needed.
With continued investment and support from national initiatives, ZTE’s technology portfolio is well-positioned to support the railway industry’s transition to an intelligent, data-driven model.
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Company Name: ZTE Corporation
Contact Person: Stella Zhao
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Country: China
Website: https://www.zte.com.cn/global/
