Nokia Corporation NOK joined forces with Siemens Mobility in Australia to establish an advanced communication infrastructure for driverless Western Sydney Metro. Siemens serves as the systems integrator for this railway project. The initiative is part of the Parklife Metro's SSTOM project, which includes six new stations and 12 new metro trains in the Sydney Metro to Western Sydney Airport line.

For the efficient functioning of the driverless metro system, a robust communication infrastructure is imperative. Seamless communication between the trains and the ground control center is vital for passenger safety. Moreover, cyber-attacks on essential infrastructure, such as transportation networks and metro systems, can disrupt communication, compromise data integrity and hinder traveler safety. Nokia’s comprehensive solution suite boasts the necessary capabilities to address the complex security and performance requirements of Sydney’s driverless metro systems.

Nokia’s offerings include the NetGuard Cybersecurity solution, which is equipped with a wide array of capabilities, including multi-factor authentication, automated endpoint detection and response, real-time alerts and device authentication. These advanced features significantly boost protection against various emerging cyber threats. In the backdrop of growing instances of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure worldwide, the solution efficiently secures sensitive systems and data across the communication network.

Nokia’s IP edge networking portfolio offers scalable, secure and adaptive networking solutions that deliver massive capacity, unmatched performance and efficiency. Powered by cutting-edge software innovations, along with intent-based network automation, the product suites significantly expedite time to market, streamline operating costs and ensure sustainable growth.

In addition to NetGuard, Nokia’s state-of-the-art IP/MPLS backbone network and data center fabric solution will be deployed to create a leading-edge mission-critical network throughout the 23 km new railway system. The state-of-the-art technology will support a wide array of applications, such as CCTVs, train-to-ground communications backhaul for in-station, on-board and trackside applications, along with the associated data center and cloud networking.

Nokia is well-positioned for the ongoing technology cycle, given the strength of its end-to-end portfolio. Its installed base of high-capacity AirScale products, which enable customers to upgrade to 5G quickly, is growing fast. It is driving the transition of global enterprises into smart virtual networks by creating a single network for all services, converging mobile and fixed broadband, IP routing and optical networks with the software and services to manage them. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, it is transforming the way people and things communicate and connect.

NOK aims to create new business and licensing opportunities in the consumer ecosystem. It enables customers to move away from an economy-of-scale network operating model to demand-driven operations by offering easy programmability and flexible automation required to support dynamic operations, reduce complexity and improve efficiency. It seeks to expand its business into targeted, high-growth and high-margin vertical markets to address growth opportunities beyond its traditional primary markets.

The stock has declined 24.7% in the past year against the industry’s growth of 15.5%.