Securing the Backbone: Why Railroads Must Modernize Their Private Wireless Networks with IEEE 802.16

IEEE 802.16t delivers modernization path for legacy rail infrastructure with advanced security, interoperability, and network flexibility

Ondas in collaboration with railroad operators is bringing field-tested, standards-aligned wireless solutions to railroads at scale

Railroads have long served as the lifeline of the national economy. Because of this legacy, safety and reliability are baked into their DNA. In this environment, modern railroads must secure not only extensive back-office technologies, but also fully digitized rail corridors and rolling stock. The stakes are high. Cybersecurity has become a matter of public safety and national resilience.

At Ondas Networks, we have long recognized the strategic role of private wireless networks in supporting critical rail operations. From Positive Train Control (PTC) and Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) to Head-of-Train / End-of-Train applications, railroads depend on dedicated wireless links to safely and efficiently move freight and passengers across thousands of miles of track. But much of the technology supporting these systems, built on legacy narrowband infrastructure, was never designed to withstand modern cyber threats.

Today, those vulnerabilities are no longer hypothetical. Nation-state adversaries and cybercriminals have demonstrated the intent and capability to disrupt transportation systems. For the rail industry, the consequences of inaction could be severe: operational paralysis, economic disruption, or in the worst case, loss of life.

Fortunately, there are now options available for an upgrade

The Cyber Risks of Legacy Narrowband Systems

Legacy private wireless networks used by the rail industry, operating across 900 MHz, 160 MHz, 220 MHz, and 450 MHz bands, were designed at a time when cybersecurity threats were far less sophisticated. These systems rely on narrowband channels, proprietary protocols, and hardware-dependent radios. They lack the flexibility and advanced security features required to address today’s complex and persistent cyber threats.

Many of these legacy systems still operate with outdated or insufficient cryptographic protections, leaving them vulnerable to interception, spoofing, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Limited bandwidth further restricts the deployment of critical cybersecurity capabilities such as intrusion detection systems, real-time network monitoring, and secure over-the-air (OTA) updates.

These networks were also not built with software-defined architectures, making it difficult to respond quickly to newly discovered vulnerabilities. Security patches often require lengthy development and deployment cycles. In some cases, upgrading the system means replacing hardware in the field, which is both costly and time-consuming.

Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), are now clearly focused on the security of these critical environments. The rail industry faces elevated expectations regarding cyber risk management, system resiliency, and regulatory compliance. The TSA and CISA understand that continuing to operate on aging communication infrastructure increases potential exposure to operational disruption and broader national security risks.

Modernization is no longer a matter of improving performance alone. It has become essential for ensuring cyber readiness. Without a deliberate and timely upgrade, legacy wireless networks will continue to present an attractive target integrally embedded in the rail industry’s digital ecosystem.

IEEE 802.16t (dot16): A Purpose-Built Solution for Rail

IEEE 802.16t, a newly ratified standard built for private wireless industrial networks, addresses these challenges directly. Developed with support from the rail industry, dot16 delivers the cybersecurity resilience that legacy systems lack:

• Advanced encryption and authentication using AES-256 and EAP-TLS protect communications from interception and spoofing.

• Significant bandwidth expansion via efficient spectral use and aggregation enables security tools such as real-time monitoring and fast      OTA patching.

• Vendor interoperability reduces the risk of single-supplier lock-in and allows faster deployment of security updates.

• Quality of Service (QoS) controls prioritize critical data, ensuring PTC and security alerts are delivered even under adverse network conditions.

• Software-defined architecture enables rapid updates and future-proof integration of emerging technologies.

These capabilities transform what were once rigid and fragile networks into adaptive, hardened infrastructure that meets the demands of a modern threat environment.

Success on the Rails: U.S. Railroad Adoption of 802.16t

In April 2025, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) formally selected IEEE 802.16t as the communications protocol to support the next-generation upgrades of legacy End-of-Train (EOT) and Head-of-Train (HOT) systems. This decision reflects a broader industry commitment to modernizing critical rail communications infrastructure with a secure, scalable, and standards-based platform.

Ondas Networks is proud to lead the deployment of dot16 across the U.S. freight rail sector. In close collaboration with Class I railroads, we have delivered dot16 solutions across multiple private wireless bands, including the 450 MHz and newly reallocated 900 MHz networks. These deployments are delivering measurable improvements in performance, security, and network resiliency.

Where legacy systems have faced limitations in capacity, flexibility, and cybersecurity, IEEE 802.16t provides a unified, IP-based foundation that meets the rigorous operational and regulatory demands of the modern rail environment. Our successful integration of dot16 into freight rail command-and-control networks demonstrates that the transition to broadband wireless infrastructure is not only necessary, it is fully underway.

A Trusted Partner in Network Modernization

Ondas is deeply experienced in delivering secure solutions for critical infrastructure. As a trusted supplier to the rail industry, we understand the regulatory, operational, and cybersecurity requirements unique to this sector. Our platforms are designed to support both legacy compatibility and next-generation performance.

We do more than supply radios. We partner with our customers to drive transformation. With dot16, railroads no longer need to patch aging systems. They can build a modern, resilient, and cybersecure communications foundation.

Ondas Networks and dot16

Private wireless networks serve as the digital nervous system of the rail industry. As cyber threats grow in frequency and sophistication, these networks must be secured with the same diligence applied to physical infrastructure. IEEE 802.16t delivers the performance, security, and adaptability needed to meet these evolving demands.

Ondas Networks is prepared to lead and support this critical transformation. The time for action is now. Ensuring the safety and resilience of rail operations requires more than robust steel and reliable signals. It demands modern, software-defined wireless networks built with advanced cybersecurity at their core. 

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Eric Brock is Chairman and CEO of @OndasHoldings (Nasdaq: ONDS), the parent company of @OndasNetworks. Ondas Networks is a developer of software-based wireless technology for large established and emerging commercial and government markets. Ondas Networks' standards-based (802.16s/t), multi-patented, software-defined radio FullMAX platform enables Mission-Critical IoT (MC-IoT) applications by overcoming the bandwidth limitations of today's legacy private licensed wireless networks.