Mission Critical Communication (MCX) is modern, standards-based broadband communication via 4G and 5G mobile networks. It enables secure, prioritised voice, data and video services in real time. MCX therefore supplements or replaces previous communication standards, which were only suitable for safety-critical applications to a limited extent due to high latency or a lack of continuous network availability.
The MCX specification standardised by the 3GPP ensures interoperability between different systems and devices. At the same time, it ensures reliable and secure communication - even in heavily utilised networks. This is made possible by integrated prioritisation mechanisms for critical communication, such as prioritised voice calls using MCPTT (Mission Critical Push-to-Talk).
MCPTT enables the immediate establishment of group or individual calls and is therefore a central element for fast and precise communication in rail transport. Employees along the track, on trains and in stations can be coordinated efficiently. A key advantage of MCX is that it supports private 5G networks. This is particularly important in the rail sector: in addition to national railway companies, regional operators and urban public transport companies can also use this technology with suitable systems.
The railway infrastructure in Europe uses its own frequency band and relies on the MCX standard, which has been expanded to include railway-specific functions FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System). This is designed to be interoperable and enables continuous train operation across national borders. Local public transport vehicles, on the other hand, cannot always access the railway-specific 5G infrastructure and therefore have to switch to public 5G networks.
Funkwerk offers modular solutions for 5G and FRMCS-based regional and Europe-wide railway operations (mainline) that enable MCX in both new and existing vehicles. In addition, solutions for the regional and urban public transport - for underground trains, trams, elevated trains and buses.
As a leading developer and manufacturer of on-board communication solutions, we develop and produce system-relevant components for existing and new vehicles as well as for the migration of existing train radio systems. Including MCX client applications for voice and data communication.
With the CRLT.50, Funkwerk has developed a 5G-based all-in-one cab radio. This compact next-generation cab radio is designed for use in modern mobile and railway communication systems (5G). Housed in a standard double DIN housing, it offers telephony and data services as well as the option of operating MCX applications.
