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Pulsaart by AGC

How WAVETHRU™ Retrofit Enhances Onboard Connectivity and Protects Cybersecurity


In today's fast-paced, connected world, passengers expect seamless internet access when traveling by train. While onboard Wi-Fi has long been the default solution, it comes with significant cybersecurity risks and performance limitations. Pulsaart by AGC offers a better, safer, and more efficient alternative—WAVETHRU™ Retrofit—to allow passengers to connect directly to their mobile networks inside the train without the need for public Wi-Fi.



A man on a train with the phone

The Hidden Cybersecurity Risks of Public Wi-Fi on Trains


Public Wi-Fi networks, even when password-protected, expose passengers to a range of cyber threats:

  1. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks – Hackers can intercept data between passengers and the internet, potentially stealing sensitive information like login credentials and credit card details.

  2. Evil Twin Attacks – Attackers set up fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic the train's official network, tricking passengers into connecting and exposing their data.

  3. Data Snooping & Packet Sniffing – Cybercriminals can monitor unencrypted traffic, capturing passwords, emails, and private messages.

  4. Malware Injection & Phishing – Fake login portals can trick passengers into entering personal information or downloading malicious software.

With so many risks, relying on public Wi-Fi for connectivity is far from ideal for both passengers and train operators.


How WAVETHRU™ Retrofit Eliminates These Risks


Instead of relying on a shared, vulnerable Wi-Fi network, WAVETHRU™ Retrofit enables direct mobile network access by making train windows permeable to mobile signals (4G, 5G) while preserving thermal insulation properties. This secure-by-design approach offers multiple advantages:


1. No Need for Public Wi-Fi

Passengers connect directly to their own mobile network, completely bypassing the security risks associated with shared Wi-Fi.


2. No Login Portals or Third-Party Authentication

Unlike public Wi-Fi, which often requires users to log in through portals, WAVETHRU™ lets passengers stay connected without any interruptions or security concerns.


3. Protection from Network Snooping and Hacking

On public Wi-Fi, every connected device shares the same network, creating vulnerabilities such as:

  • Lateral movement attacks, where a compromised device can scan and infect others.

  • Session hijacking, where attackers steal authentication tokens to take over online accounts.

  • DNS spoofing, which redirects users to fake banking or social media sites to steal credentials.

With WAVETHRU™, each passenger's connection is isolated and protected by their mobile provider's built-in security measures.


4. No Data Collection by Third Parties

Many onboard Wi-Fi services are managed by third-party providers that:

  • Track and collect user browsing data for analytics or advertising.

  • Sell anonymized passenger behavior insights to external companies.

  • Monitor device MAC addresses, raising privacy concerns.

With WAVETHRU™, passengers remain in complete control of their data, as they are directly connected to their trusted mobile network.


5. Increased Reliability and Resilience

Public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to cyberattacks, including denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which can disable connectivity for all passengers. By removing the need for centralized Wi-Fi infrastructure, WAVETHRU™ eliminates this single point of failure, ensuring a more resilient and secure passenger experience.


The Future of Secure, High-Performance Connectivity in Rail Transport


With the rise of 5G and high-speed mobile networks, there is no longer a need for costly, vulnerable onboard Wi-Fi systems. WAVETHRU™ Retrofit provides a superior alternative—one that enhances passenger experience while eliminating cybersecurity risks.


Key Benefits of WAVETHRU™ Retrofit for Trains

No public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities – Eliminates hacking and data theft risks.

No login interruptions or tracking – Seamless, secure mobile connectivity.

No shared networks or exposure to hacking – Direct 4G/5G access for every passenger.

Full-speed, congestion-free mobile connectivity – No bandwidth limitations.

Lower costs and zero maintenance for train operators – No need for expensive infrastructure.


As the demand for seamless and secure onboard connectivity grows, WAVETHRU™ Retrofit is setting a new standard for the railway industry. It's time to move beyond outdated Wi-Fi solutions and embrace a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to keep passengers connected.


Keeping passengers connected has never been easier—or safer.




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