Why Certification is Essential
Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) incorporate advanced technologies such as deep learning, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) with the latest wireless and electronic connectivity to create more efficient, safer, and more secure transportation systems. These systems begin with data collected at IoT endpoints and transmitted over secure networks for analysis and action. However, ITS systems are only as effective as their underlying infrastructure. Whether managing traffic to avoid congestion, lower emissions, or improve driver experiences, ITS infrastructure requires robust hardware and software to ensure reliable performance. That’s why ITS certification is so important. It ensures network components such as industrial switches meet standards for reliable, safe, and secure operations.Â
What is ITS Certification?
ITS certification is relevant for a range of technologies, from electronic emission standards to data security. Some devices only require a single certification, while others require several.Â
IEC 62443-4-1
IEC standards address security for industrial automation and control systems (IACS). The document also sets a secure development lifecycle (SDL) environment standard. Helping to foster a secure-by-design philosophy, this standard places security considerations within the product design rather than at the end of development. The standard covers secure design and implementation, verification and validation, defect and patch management, and end-of-life procedures for hardware, firmware, and software.
ISO 27001
The ISO standard outlines best practices for securing data from unauthorized access and offers a framework for establishing control objectives to reduce the risk of data breaches. This standard requires a 14-step certification process to identify and protect critical data, including a documented plan for responding to an intrusion attempt.
E-Mark Certification
The Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) maintains a uniform system of regulations regarding vehicle design. Managed by the UNECE, the regulations list the requirements for automotive components and vehicles sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). The E-Mark designation certifies that the product complies with ECE requirements.
EN 50155
EN 50155 is a European electronic equipment standard for rolling stock for railway applications. This standard describes performance capabilities when operating a device in extreme environmental conditions, including high humidity, shock, temperature, and vibration. It is equivalent to the international IEC 60571 standard.
The standard assumes a rolling stock system will operate 24/7 for 30 years without failure. System components must withstand environmental extremes and not interfere with other systems installed nearby.Â
EN 50121-4
The European standard is the equivalent of the international IEC 62236-4 standard regarding the emission and immunity of signaling and telecommunications equipment, including power supplies, inside the railway system. This standard sets performance criteria to reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) outside the railway environment. The standard applies to telecommunications ports placed within the following distances from a railway:
- A three-meter zone.
- A ten-meter zone with connections inside a three-meter zone.
- A ten-meter zone with cable lengths greater than 30 meters.
This standard does not apply to ports used for radio communications. EN 61000-6 covers compliance requirements not covered in EN 50121-4.
EN61000-6 Parts 2 and 4
EN 61000-6 is a four-part standard to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) among electronic devices. It establishes requirements to reduce disturbance and improve immunity in industrial, residential, and commercial environments.
Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS)
ERPS is a network design methodology for Ethernet environments requiring high-level redundancy and efficient traffic flow. Its design creates network nodes connected in closed loops (or rings). Joining nodes provides redundancy for single-point failures by rerouting traffic until the failed node is restored. The standard mandates a recovery time of less than 50 milliseconds, delivering uninterrupted data flow for reliable operations.Â
IEEE 1588
The IEEE 1588 standard defines how to provide precise clock synchronization in packet-based networks. The protocol standard creates a heterogeneous system even though clocks may vary in precision, resolution, and stability. The standard helps maintain a reliable communications network with minimal packet loss.
Understanding ITS Certification
Intelligent transportation systems are complex ecosystems that integrate data from multiple mobility modes, such as buses, trains, cars, and trucks, to create a comprehensive real-time view of a city’s traffic. Artificial intelligence and data analytics can help civil transportation authorities improve travel experiences and enhance driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety while protecting the infrastructure from unauthorized access.
ITS certifications let city planners know the operating capabilities of ITS components. Whether it’s an IoT device collecting environmental data or a network switch managing data flow, certifications ensure that network devices meet the appropriate standards. For example, manufacturers with IEC 62443-4-1 and ISO 27001 certifications are committed to cybersecurity best practices, providing comfort for city governments.
Planet Technology USA’s ITS product line includes industrial switches, such as:
Planet’s ISW-808PT-M12
Network switches like Planet’s ISW-808PT-M12 industrial PoE+ switch with EN 50155 certification can withstand extreme environmental conditions, including shock and vibrations from railway systems. It has eight 10/100BASE-TX auto-negotiating M12 connectors in a water- and dustproof package.
The switch operates from -40 to +75 Celsius or -40 to 167 Fahrenheit. The IP67-rated industrial aluminum case provides immunity against electromagnetic interference and electrical surges.
The unmanaged switch uses power over Ethernet (PoE) technology to send power and data over the same Ethernet cable, simplifying deployment in locations with limited or no access to power. The switch has a large MAC address table for device identification and wire-speed packet transfer without packet loss, making it ideal for installations with high data throughput.
Planet’s IGS-5227-6MT-X 
The IGS-5227-6MT-X managed Ethernet switch offers the same industrial capabilities as the ISW-808PT-M12, with auto-negotiating M12 connectors in an environmentally hardened case that can withstand shock and vibration. This product also operates in the same temperature ranges as the ISW unmanaged switch.
The IGS-5227-6MT-X uses ERPS technology for redundancy and rapid self-recovery capabilities to reduce connectivity disruption. It also supports IEEE 1588 and synchronous Ethernet to minimize packet loss, making it ideal for telecommunications and Carrier Ethernet applications.
Static Layer 3 routing delivers immunity against EMI and electrical surges. Layer 2 to 4 access control lists can restrict network access based on source and destination IPs, TCP/UP ports, or defined network applications.Â
As cities become more innovative, they will rely on ITS solutions to improve their transportation systems. To ensure the reliability of these critical systems, they will need ITS-certified products. To learn more about its ITS-certified products, contact Planet Technology USA.