Sense

Optimizing the on-board network quality of experience.

The Sense network probe autonomously delivers a real-time view of how wired and wireless networks on transit vehicles are performing against key performance indicators.

With an ever-increasing number of network-based solutions installed on public transportation and in stations – including CCTV, passenger information systems (PIS), contactless payment terminals, train-to-ground (T2G) connectivity, and Wi-Fi services – it is essential to have a clear view of how those networks are performing, and to identify anomalies early to prevent bigger issues from occurring.

Streamriver Sense is a rugged, autonomous network monitoring device specifically designed to be installed in the harsh transportation environment. The compact unit provides always-on, unattended testing of Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks’ quality and performance, directly reporting metrics into the cloud-based Insights Analytics application. Together they provide unparalleled visibility of network operational health, end-user quality of experience (QoE), and tracking against established key performance indicators (KPIs) for service level agreement (SLA) compliance.

HOW SENSE WORKS

Sense is a stand-alone probe device that works fully autonomously 24/7/365, so that network testing can be carried out remotely and at any time, removing the need for testing to be carried out in-person. It is designed for temporary or permanent deployment on vehicles, and in stations and depots, to continuously monitor network quality and performance. Sense continuously collects wired and wireless network metrics both in real-time and to a predefined schedule, and sends them to the Insights Analytics application where detailed results can be viewed. Insights uses machine learning (ML) analysis to track trends and identify anomalies, highlighting them in a daily review. Multiple Sense probes can be installed in different locations – for example, throughout a train or bus fleet – to conduct simultaneous monitoring and testing to get a deep understanding of network operation and quality of service.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE TESTING

Network Quality of Experience (QoE) is important to understand, especially where passengers are concerned. For example, a poor on-board Wi-Fi experience has a high likelihood of creating negative customer sentiment. To address this, Sense performs a series of QoE tests specifically designed to measure and assess the Wi-Fi experience from an end-user’s perspective. These tests include navigating the Wi-Fi captive portal, accessing pre-determined website URLs, and measuring latency and page load times. Additionally, Sense tests the performance of video and audio streams to determine the potential quality and user experience of business applications such as Teams and Zoom meetings. Sense gives you the power to assess network QoE and identify issues before your customers do.

machine learning at the edge

Sense contains a dedicated AI/ML neural processing unit (NPU) enabling it to support machine learning at the network edge e.g., on board vehicles. Running the ML inference at the edge means that Sense anomaly detection will continue to run even if network access is disrupted — a critical feature for applications on trains in remote areas where train-to-ground connectivity is limited or unavailable. It also provides much lower latency in making a decision than if the data had to be sent to the Insights Analytics back office to be processed.

BUILT TOUGH FOR TRANSPORTATION

Sense is designed for operating as a network probe in harsh environments such as trains, buses and busy stations. A rugged IP67-rated die-cast aluminum enclosure provides protection from water, dirt and dust ingress, with M12 and SMA connectors suitable for rail installations. Sense supports power input of 48V Power over Ethernet (PoE+) via an M12 X-coded Cat 6A Gigabit Ethernet interface. With an extended industrial operating temperature range of -25° C to +70° C (EN 50155 OT3), Sense is a fanless, embedded computer design that complies with a range of rail environmental standards for safety, shock and vibration (EN 61373), and electromagnetic emissions including those that comprise EN 50155:2021. Sense is supplied with bracket hardware suitable for mounting in vehicle equipment cabinets and similar compartments.

SENSE AGENT FOR OTHER PLATFORMS & OPEN API

At Streamriver we understand that transport operators may already have computer systems operating aboard fleet vehicles, and may not wish to install additional hardware for network testing. Additionally, exporting Sense data to other network monitoring and visualization tools may be required. In order to provide maximum flexibility in these situations, Sense is available as a self-contained ‘agent’ application in a Linux package, or Docker container, for running on other compatible platforms. Sense also supports a variety of options to integrate data with third party systems, including via the Cortex API.

Sense introduces a robust compute platform at the network edge for quality of network service and passenger experience analysis. Contact us today to discuss your needs and arrange a live demonstration.