Verkehrsbetriebe Schaffhausen (vbsh) are planning to introduce a central data router in their vehicles to securely and reliably network all IP-based communication devices. To achieve this, in addition to a high-performance on2810 router, suitable managed switches are also required to securely separate systems such as onboard computers, ticket machines, cameras, passenger counting sensors, or advertising screens.

Each vbsh vehicle will be equipped with an on2810 vehicle router featuring two LTE modems, Wi-Fi, and a CAN/FMS interface to enable a sustainable and future-proof vehicle-to-ground connection. The Wi-Fi can be used internally or offered as public Wi-Fi for passengers, and vehicle parameters (according to VDV 238) can be centrally transmitted via the CAN interface. The simultaneous operation of two 4G modems ensures maximum network coverage, enabling nearly seamless roaming in the border area with Germany.

The integrated router also offers the ability to logically separate all data traffic within the vehicle. This ensures that only verified components can communicate with each other at all times. Data transfer between the vehicle and stationary systems is only permitted via encrypted VPN tunnels and mutual firewalls. This modern network infrastructure can connect all applications securely and reliably, while providing sufficient bandwidth to meet future demands.

“With onway’s solution, we now have a modern, secure, and scalable network in which all of our onboard components communicate with the internet via a single central router. This gives us enhanced data security, and we can scale the solution freely across our entire fleet,” says Mirko Hofer, IT specialist at vbsh.

The key benefits of the onway solution for vbsh are its automation and scalability: Thanks to the fully automated network configuration, vbsh can ensure that the setup is fully consistent and identical across all vehicles. Subsequent updates or configurations — including security patches — can be rolled out across the entire fleet in just a few minutes. By the end of summer 2025, the conversion of the existing fleet of seven vehicles and six new vehicles is scheduled. The rest of the approximately 70-vehicle fleet will be upgraded in stages thereafter.