Implementation of Roadside ITS

Project Overview

Qatar's rapid development in places such as Doha and Lusail faces challenges such as traffic congestion, high vehicle volumes, and complex infrastructure involving roads, tunnels, and public transport systems. The Public Works Authority and other stakeholders aimed to address these issues by implementing an ITS that included technology such as traffic monitoring systems, smart navigation, and real-time analytics. A strong, secure, and low-latency network was necessary to connect roadside equipment to the Road Management Centre (RMC).



Challenges

  • The network must be capable of accommodating hundreds of junctions with minimal downtime during upgrades and accommodating simple expansion.
  • The ITS integrates multiple subsystems that required seamless interoperability over a single network.
  • Equipment installed in roadside cabinets is required to withstand sandstorms, high humidity levels, temperatures that can exceed 50°C and constant vibrations from road traffic.
  • ITS network needs failover time of less than 100 milliseconds to eliminate safety risk. 3G/4G networks were not reliable and cost a lot.

Objectives

  • To provide a scalable, resilient, and secure data communication network for Qatar's roadside ITS by connecting traffic signals, cameras, variable message signs (VMS), and other equipment to the RMC.
  • To enable real-time traffic management and promote safety, the system required to be highly available, with low latency and excellent cybersecurity.
  • Comply with Public Works Authority's ITS verification and validation requirements.

Westermo was selected by Public Works for the following reasons:

  1. Westermo has a strong global presence in railways, ITS, road and transportation networks with numerous proven references all over the world particularly in Europe, North America and the Middle East.
  2. The Public Works Authority prioritises the protection of ITS data against cyber threats and places a significant emphasis on OT cybersecurity. Westermo layer 3 switches are equipped with integrated firewall, VPN, and secure management functionalities that are not available in other leading brands.
  3. The ITS networks are exposed to heat, dust, electrical disturbances and vibration. Westermo switches and routers are designed to withstand harsh temperatures, humidity and vibration ensuring reliability in Qatar climate.
  4. Westermo switches use the WeOS operating system developed by Westermo that gives a unified software platform across Westermo’s networking products, ensuring consistent functionality, management, and security. A common OS means consistent features across product lines, reduced training requirements, reduced maintenance complexity and simplified network expansion.
  5. ITS is mission-critical so any communication downtime can disrupt operations and monitoring. Westermo switches support open standard protocols such as STP and RSTP. They also developed a unique redundancy protocol FRNT (Fast Recovery Network Topology) for faster network recovery accommodating up to 200 switches per ring.
  6. Designed and manufactured in Sweden. Westermo designs their products with long term availability and provides extended life cycle. This would eliminate the possibility of sudden end of life or forced upgrades for Public Works Authority.



Products Supplied by Easy World


Solution Architecture


Implementation Process (Easy World Contributions)

The deployment of Westermo switches was executed by a GCC-based ITS system integrator. Key implementation steps included:

Proof of Concept, Network Design and Proposal

  • Executed a proof of concept with Public Works Authority and and system integrator.
  • Provided sample units to the system integrator to test and evaluate internally.
  • Helped the customer in designing the network based from the project requirements.
  • Recommended suitable and cost-effective product models to use.
  • Provided all the necessary documents for the equipment approval.

Testing & Commissioning

  • Assisted with the configuration of Westermo switches and improved network security.
  • Rigorous testing ensured seamless communication and simulated different network failure scenarios.
  • Sent Easy World’s FAE to witness and assist the site commissioning.

Training and Maintenance:

  • The network operation and maintenance team were trained on Westermo switches, ensuring effective operation and maintenance of the network.

Technical Support

  • Respond to all technical enquiries related to Westermo devices.
  • Sent Easy World’s FAE to the site if necessary.

Benefits

  1. Continuous operation with 99.99% uptime across critical ITS infrastructure.
  2. ITS network is protected from external and internal threats due to enhanced cybersecurity.
  3. Optimised traffic flow has reduced emission by enhancing fuel efficiency for commuters supporting Qatar's green goals.
  4. The Public Works Authority has not encountered any single failure on Westermo products for the last five years.
  5. A long product lifecycle guaranteed sustainable investment and minimized total cost of ownership.