Mobile Wi-Fi Pelican Case
A Powerful Case for Unstoppable Connectivity
Portable Wi-Fi routers revolutionize service for rail fleet operators by insuring connectivity, but portability comes with a cost—it makes these devices more vulnerable to physical damage during storage, transport, and in use around the rail yard.
We supported Nomad Digital in the design and manufacturing of robust pelican cases enclosed, R3200 and R3500 wifi solutions powered with cellular switching technology.
Harbor Designs & Manufacturing’s Role: Engineering support, turnkey assembly, provisioning, testing & QA, inventory control, and logistics.
“Install Anywhere” Mobile Wi-Fi Router
The R3200 and R3500 Central Control Unit (CCU) portable wifi access points are built to take abuse and provide wifi instantly to anyone on the go in cell range. Their proprietary cellular switching technology is what set Nomad Digital apart. Nomad CCUs are loaded with multiple carrier’s SIM cards and switch from one provider to the next seamlessly when a signal from one gets stronger as trains travel down the rails. To the user there is no interruption in service during the behind the scenes switch.
The PeliCase boast easy-to-open yet secure double throw latches and a handle for convenient carrying by hand. Units provisioned at Harbor are ready to go by the time they arrive in the field.
What’s inside the case? Secured at the bottom of the case is the R3200 portable router, a compact, four-ethernet port mobile router that automatically powers up and creates a mobile internet connection for passengers or rail yard workers. It comes with 8 internal antennas, one external optional antennae, an access point, and a harness for secure attachment to a vehicle.
The router features Linux-based software with a built-in web server, ideal for train onboard information systems. It also includes a GPS receiver for monitoring location—exactly what every fleet operator needs to track rail assets.
Superior Durability and Scalability
Given the dynamic environment of a moving train, the client wanted flexible mounting options for the cases—both horizontally on the floor and vertically for rack installation. Additional fixing points were incorporated to ensure sufficient mechanical strength to withstand mechanical loads, even when mounted on flanges and surfaces.
Moreover, the cases were specifically engineered to securely position the removable antenna adjacent to the router while leaving ample space for other components, facilitating safe and ergonomic deployment wherever and whenever needed.
Assembly of R3200 CCU portable unit inside the Harbor Designs and Manufacturing facility
“It’s absolutely an expectation that when you jump on a train that you’ll have the ability to operate in the same way that you would almost if you are in your home or office. This underlying expectation that broadband or internet will be available everywhere is something that really drives us.”
Transforming Travel With Future-Ready Rail Solutions
The end result of a product’s success hinges on its thoughtful design, cost-effectiveness, and ability to distinguish itself from the competition. When the R3200 and R3500 units launched in 2017, there was nothing like it on the market. They changed the game by leveraging multiple SIM cards with cellular switching technology for Wi-Fi nearly anywhere. The units are delivered not only in durability, capable of enduring rugged environments, but also in cost-effectiveness for medium-scale production.
We have proudly supported our nation's infrastructure upgrades, with connectivity equipment now on every train in the nation, as well as a number of bus fleets, light rails, and local commuter lines.
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