The Challenge
V/Line operated multiple Train Control platforms — Bendigo WestCAD, Aspectus and Melbourne Metro Phoenix — on obsolete, unsupported hardware running end-of-life operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Server 2016). This created significant and growing risks of hardware failure, security vulnerabilities and loss of vendor support, with no viable path to continued safe operation on existing physical infrastructure.
The Solution
L2iQ developed a comprehensive virtualisation design package to migrate the obsolete TCS platforms to a modern VMware vSphere/vSAN environment. The approach encompassed detailed technical architecture, cyber hardening controls, stakeholder workshops with V/Line Operations, IT/OT and Cyber teams, and bench testing to validate performance and failover behaviour before progressing to delivery.
What L2iQ Delivered
- Virtual environment architecture design (VMware vSphere, vSAN)
- IP Address Register (RG-0007) and Cable Register (RG-0009)
- Hardware and thin client specifications for virtualised environment
- Cyber hardening and system security controls for virtualised TCS platforms
- 198-page Final Design Report (RP-0001) — endorsed through multiple client review stages and independent technical review
- Provisional Type Approval pathway enabling standardisation of workstation and server designs across V/Line TCS
- Proof of Concept execution validating TCS performance and failover validation using bench testing environments
The Outcome
V/Line gained a robust, independently endorsed design for virtualising its critical train control systems, removing the operational risk of continued reliance on obsolete hardware. The hardware-agnostic, future-proof platform design enables migration of critical TCS workloads with a clear Type Approval pathway, reducing operational risk and ensuring continuity of regional rail services.