---
title: Amtrak PTC Secure Wireless
url: "https://www.systra.com/usa/project/amtrak-ptc-secure-wireless/"
type: projects
date_published: 2023-02-12
date_modified: 2023-09-08
schema:
  @type: WebPage
language: en-US
word_count: 177
reading_time: 1 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/usa/project/amtrak-ptc-secure-wireless/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/usa/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/02/20181031-amtrak-ptc-1.jpg"
type-market:
  - Rail and Transit
type-service:
  - Train Control and Systems Safety
type-solution:
  - Engineering
---

# Amtrak PTC Secure Wireless

![Amtrak PTC Secure Wireless](https://www.systra.com/usa/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/02/20181031-amtrak-ptc-1.jpg)

**SYSTRA developed specifications for implementing secure wireless networking and key management for Amtrak’s ACSES Positive Train Control (PTC) system.**

This work enables PTC messages to be sent securely across land-line and wireless
links in the PTC network using cryptographic message integrity and
authentication, as required by Federal law. The design and implementation
ensures interoperability among Amtrak and other operators throughout the
Northeast Corridor.

SYSTRA was the consultant for Phase 1 of this effort, providing functional
analysis, investigation, evaluation of applicable techniques, issues, and
options that supported the detailed specifications developed by SYSTRA.

SYSTRA developed the implementation plan that guided Amtrak’s efforts and
contractors in Phase 2: final software and hardware design for implementation
and integration and Phase 3: testing and commissioning of the overall program.

Amtrak relied on SYSTRA’s technical experts with profound knowledge of and
experience with ACSES, enhanced by international expertise in secure
communications and key management technologies. SYSTRA’s ability to assemble a
highly-skilled technical team quickly, executing multiple complex technical
efforts in parallel, made it possible to meet aggressive schedule needs.