As digitalisation in traffic management accelerates, the complexity of deployed systems continues to increase. Existing traffic infrastructure — from traffic signal systems and cameras to roadside sensors — is increasingly complemented by data-driven control technologies designed to optimise traffic flow and improve the efficiency of existing infrastructure.
In this context, operators and system integrators face the challenge of modernising existing systems without compromising their stability. Many of these infrastructures have evolved over decades and are considered reliable and tried and tested. New technologies must be able to integrate seamlessly without disrupting ongoing operations.
Simple connectivity solutions quickly reach their limits in this environment. Control data from traffic signals, detectors and traffic management centres must be transmitted in real time, while requirements for performance, security and availability continue to rise.
At the same time, external factors such as the shutdown of 2G networks and future regulatory requirements are placing additional pressure on existing systems.
A stable, secure and scalable communications infrastructure has therefore become a prerequisite for modern traffic management — and the industrial router becomes the communication core that significantly determines the availability, security and operational behaviour of the overall system. Industrial routers for traffic management connect control systems, detection systems and traffic management centres, secure data flows and ensure reliable operation across the entire infrastructure.
The router as the core of the traffic management system’s availability, stability and security
Long-lasting and space-saving integration of existing systems
Scalable rollouts through centralised management and zero-touch deployment
Challenges
- Modernising Existing Infrastructure: Established and field-proven infrastructures must be modernised without compromising stability or interrupting live systems.
- Increasing System Complexity: Traffic signal controllers, cameras and traffic detectors must operate in a coordinated manner, while the number of connected devices continues to grow.
- Real-Time Performance Requirements: Traffic-dependent control systems require real-time transmission and processing of operational and status data.
- Long-term investment cycles: Traffic infrastructure is typically operated over many years. Frequent hardware replacement must therefore be avoided, creating high demands for durability and long-term investment protection.
- Workload: Large numbers of distributed and sometimes difficult-to-access sites increase the effort required for operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Technology Migration and External Pressure: The shutdown of 2G networks and evolving regulatory requirements are increasing the pressure to adapt existing systems.
- Installation Constraints and Limited Space: Existing control cabinets often provide limited installation space. New components must integrate into existing environments without requiring extensive modifications.
Solution
- Integration of Existing Systems: Established control and field devices remain operational and can be integrated into modern traffic management architectures without disrupting ongoing operations.
- Scalable Infrastructure Design: A communications infrastructure that scales from individual roadside installations to large traffic management networks while maintaining stable system behaviour under load.
- Redundant Connectivity: Multiple transmission technologies such as cellular, Ethernet and fibre ensure availability even in the event of network disruptions.
- Ruggedised Design and Long-Term Reliability: Industrial routers are designed for operation in control cabinets and outdoor environments and provide reliable performance under demanding conditions over many years without frequent replacement cycles.
- Centralised Management: Industrial routers for traffic management can be preconfigured and deployed automatically through zero-touch deployment. Large device fleets can be centrally managed and updated.
- Security Architecture: The router protects data flows, access and system integrity through encrypted communication, certificate-based authentication and secure firmware updates.
- Compact and Installation-Friendly Form Factor: Devices are optimised for installation in existing control cabinets through DIN-rail mounting, compact housing designs and accessible interfaces — enabling straightforward integration without cabinet redesign.
Benefits for Operators and System Integrators
Scalability and Operational Efficiency
- The communications infrastructure scales with increasing numbers of locations and devices through centralised management and zero-touch deployment — without increasing operational complexity.
- KPI Benefits: Reduced installation effort; fewer on-site interventions; faster roll-outs; reduced need for specialist personnel during commissioning
Reliable Connectivity for Traffic Control
- The industrial router ensures that control data is transmitted reliably at all times, directly influencing the availability and stability of traffic management systems.
- KPI Benefits: Reduced operational disruptions; increased system availability
Reduced Operational Effort
- Centralised management and remote access simplify maintenance and troubleshooting processes.
- KPI Benefits: Reduced operational expenditure (OpEx); faster response times in the event of faults
Integration of Existing Infrastructure
- Existing systems can remain in operation and be expanded gradually — even where installation space in existing control cabinets is limited.
- KPI Benefits: Optimised total cost of ownership (TCO); avoidance of complete system replacement; extended service life of existing infrastructure; reduced hardware replacement cycles
Security and Future Readiness
- The communications infrastructure determines how data is protected and how access is controlled — and therefore how securely the entire traffic management system can operate.
- KPI Benefits: Reduced risk of outages; support for compliance with future regulatory requirements
Technical Insight
- Multiple interfaces for connecting traffic signal systems, cameras and detectors
- Support for various transmission technologies including cellular, Ethernet and fibre
- Secure communication through OpenVPN, IPsec and firewall functionality
- Centralised management and monitoring of large router fleets
- DIN-rail mounting and compact housing design for integration into existing control cabinets
- Redundant connectivity options for highly available communications
Why Garderos
Security by Design
Hardened firmware, VPN and firewall functionality, as well as certificate-based authentication aligned with BSI and NIS2 requirements.
Scalable Device Management
Centralised provisioning, monitoring and firmware management for thousands of routers without requiring on-site intervention.
Long-term Investment Security:
Product lifecycles of more than 15 years ensure long-term availability aligned with infrastructure investment cycles.
Customised Integration
Flexible interface combinations, virtualisation of applications through software containers and seamless integration into existing traffic management architectures.
Industry-Proven Hardware
Ruggedised hardware design for extreme temperatures and demanding installations in outdoor enclosures.
Our Clients
Further Information
Which Garderos router series are best suited for this use case?
What software capabilities does Garderos provide?