Toronto Subway Utilizes Westell Solutions for the Wireless Communications Network

Providing Network Connectivity, Power, and Site Monitoring

AURORA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Westell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSTL), a global leader of intelligent site and outside plant solutions, has been chosen by BAI Canada to provide a comprehensive enclosure and monitoring solution for the initial phase of the cellular and Wi-Fi network it is deploying within the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) subway stations. BAI Canada owns and operates the robust carrier grade, high quality communications network that will service the TTC’s 1.7 million daily riders.

Westell was chosen to provide critical components for the Wi-Fi and cellular service solution including IP66 compliant equipment enclosures and managed Ethernet switches. Due to the various architectures required in the network, Westell is currently providing seven enclosure configurations to meet the multiple requirements. The eSmartAccess™ ESP8200 series managed Ethernet switches will provide network connectivity and power via Power over Ethernet (PoE) to the wireless radio equipment. The Ethernet switch also provides integrated telemetry to provide critical site data without a site visit such as temperature, system voltage, and cabinet status such as an open door.

“Choosing Westell’s enclosures and Ethernet switches for the wireless network we are deploying within the TTC subway environment was an easy decision,” explains Brian Jacks, Chief Executive Officer of BAI Canada. “Our sister company, Transit Wireless, is utilizing a similar Westell solution in the New York City Transit Authority’s system. Once we reviewed their solution, efficient design, assembly capabilities, and competitive costs, it was an easy decision.”

BAI Canada is also utilizing Westell’s Custom Systems Integration (CSI) services to provide a complete enclosure solution. The Westell service includes material procurement including non-Westell products, assembly, and compliance testing. This simplifies BAI’s installation process and improves deployment time.

“Wireless access is being demanded in harder to reach places such as subways, and we are pleased to be working with BAI Canada on this exciting project,” said Rick Gilbert, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Westell Technologies. “BAI was looking for an integrated and cost effective solution for the edge of their network to improve network connectivity and receive early warnings on environmental issues, and Westell’s offering is a perfect fit.”

About Westell

Westell Technologies, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, is a global leader of intelligent site and outside plant solutions focused on the critical edge and access networks. The comprehensive solutions Westell provides enable service providers, industrial customers, tower operators, home network users, and other network operators to reduce operating costs while improving network performance. With millions of products successfully deployed worldwide, Westell is a trusted partner for transforming networks into high quality, reliable systems. For more information, please visit www.westell.com.

About BAI Canada

BAI Canada is part of a group of global experts that design, build, operate, maintain and own underground communication networks. BAI Canada is a subsidiary of Canadian-owned BAI Group, a global leader in wireless communications for underground transit systems. BAI Group is building and operating the wireless network in the New York subway. It has also been involved in deploying and maintaining communication networks for some of the most complex subway systems around the world, including Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation. BAI Canada is building a robust, high quality network in Toronto for the TTC and its riders. BAI Canada will own and operate the subway wireless communications network to extend cellular services to the TTC's more than 1.7 million daily riders. For more information, please visit www.BAICanada.com.

For additional information, contact:
Westell Technologies
Cathy McFadden
Director of Public Relations
+1 (971) 226-8487
cmcfadden@westell.com

Source: Westell Technologies, Inc.

Released January 28, 2014