Infrabel Reduces Network Readiness Costs by 80% to Improve Its Digital Transformation ROI

Infrabel Deploys Axis IP Cameras Across 30 Sites Without High Costs, Complexity, or Disruption

3-minute read time

Summary

• Infrabel needed a cost-efficient solution to deploy surveillance systems across 30 new sites.
• Traditional fiber installations posed challenges including high costs and project disruption.
• Partnering with Siemens S.A. and NVT Phybridge, Infrabel used FLEX PoE innovations to simplify installation.
• The solution enabled seamless, non-disruptive deployment of 150 Axis IP cameras.
• The project achieved significant cost savings, fast deployment, and strong performance.

Challenge

Infrabel, the national railway operator of Belgium, is responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of the country’s railway network. As part of its modernization strategy, the organization needed to deploy 150 Axis IP cameras across 30 additional sites. However, traditional fiber-optic cabling installations were not feasible due to high costs, complex logistics, and the risk of disrupting critical operations. The organization required a smarter, less invasive method to support its expanding surveillance needs.

Solution

Infrabel partnered with Siemens S.A. and turned to NVT Phybridge FLEX PoE innovations to overcome infrastructure barriers. FLEX switches enabled power and connectivity to be delivered over existing cabling with extended reach, removing the need for a full network overhaul. The solution simplified deployment while maintaining business continuity, allowing the Axis IP cameras to be installed quickly and efficiently across all target locations. The technology also enabled future scalability and centralized device management.

Result

The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Infrabel achieved its surveillance goals while avoiding the costs and disruptions of a traditional upgrade. “The NVT Phybridge solution was the fastest way to our goal to extend our IP video surveillance system to new sites,” said Roland Bellem, Project Lead, CCTV Systems at Infrabel. The new system not only met but exceeded performance expectations and positioned Infrabel for future technology expansions, including integrated access control and passenger information systems.

Sustainability

The FLEX solution helped Infrabel reduce its environmental impact by reusing existing infrastructure, thereby minimizing material waste and energy consumption. This approach supported Infrabel’s commitment to sustainability and responsible infrastructure development while enabling efficient and eco-friendly digital transformation.

About Siemens S.A.

Our technology empowers customers to transform the industries that form the backbone of economies: industry, transportation, buildings and grids. Our solutions accelerate the digital transformation of multiple industries to scale sustainability impact.

About NVT Phybridge

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns.