Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Solution
Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) is an advanced, automated system designed to streamline toll payments on highways, bridges, and tunnels by eliminating the need for cash transactions or manual stops. Using technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), ETC systems enable vehicles to pass through toll plazas seamlessly while deducting fees electronically from prepaid accounts or linked payment methods.
ETC solutions enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, minimise fuel consumption, and lower operational costs for toll operators. Globally adopted in systems like E-ZPass (USA), FASTag (India), ETC (China), this technology represents a significant step toward smart transportation infrastructure, improving efficiency, convenience, and sustainability in modern road networks.
By integrating with digital platforms and IoT-enabled devices, ETC systems also support real-time data analytics, fraud detection, and dynamic toll pricing, making them a cornerstone of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) worldwide.
Challenges in Electronic Toll Collection Solution Deployment
A critical aspect of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems is ensuring seamless communication between end-devices (such as RFID readers, ANPR cameras, and vehicle sensors) mounted at toll gates and the central billing/data center. These devices typically rely on wired (Ethernet) or wireless connections linked to network switches, which must maintain high availability and stability under varying conditions. Key challenges include:
Harsh Environmental Conditions
Network switches installed outdoors must endure extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and vibrations. Standard commercial-grade switches may fail under such conditions.
Network Redundancy
Since toll transactions must be processed in real time, any network failure (e.g., a switch malfunction or cable cut) can result in lost vehicle data, revenue leakage, or traffic bottlenecks.
Real-Time Data Transmission
Toll transactions must be instantly recorded and relayed to the billing centre to prevent fraud and ensure accurate charging.
Cybersecurity & Data Integrity
Since ETC networks handle sensitive financial transactions, switches must support advanced security features to prevent hacking or toll evasion.
Fiberroad’s Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Solution
FR-7M3208SP Layer 2 Managed Industrial PoE Switch
The Industrial PoE Switch is a high-performance, ruggedised networking solution designed for demanding industrial environments, offering 8× Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports with IEEE 802.3af/at PoE+ support, enabling simultaneous data and power delivery to connected devices such as IP cameras, Traffic Lights, and Toll displays. With 2×100/1000BASE-X SFP, it provides flexible long-distance or noise-resistant uplinks, while the 2×RS-485/422/232 serial ports ensure seamless integration with legacy industrial equipment like toll barriers and meters. Featuring high port density and full Gigabit L2+ management, this switch supports advanced networking protocols, including RSTP and ERPS, for ultra-reliable redundancy and fast failover. Administrators can easily configure and monitor the network via CLI, WebGUI, or NMS, while smart PoE management allows real-time power monitoring, scheduling, and load optimisation.
FR-6014IP Web Smart Fibe Media Converter
The Fierroad Web Smart Fibre Media Converter is a compact, cost-effective solution designed to extend and enhance network connectivity with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. Featuring four 10/100/1000Base-T copper ports and one SFP uplink port, it seamlessly bridges copper and fiber networks while delivering PoE/PoE+ (IEEE 802.3af/at) power to connected devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and LED Info Board.
With in-band remote management, administrators can easily configure and monitor the device, while advanced features like storm control, VLAN, and QoS ensure optimised traffic prioritisation and network security. The PoE ports are equipped with 6kV surge protection, making the converter highly durable in industrial and outdoor environments.
FR-5M34F8 Layer 2 Managed Ethernet Switch
The Fiberroad Layer 2 Managed Ethernet Switch is a robust, full-featured networking solution designed for rack-mount installation in critical infrastructure environments like Toll Control Centres. Combining 24 Gigabit RJ45 ports and 4 Gigabit combo ports (RJ45/SFP), this switch ensures seamless integration of terminal-site industrial switches and media converters, enabling high-speed data aggregation and reliable communication across distributed systems.
FR-6216 Series Managed Media Converter Platform
The Fiberroad Managed Fibre Media Converter is a high-performance, modular platform designed for carrier-grade optical access networks, seamlessly integrating Ethernet-to-fibre conversion with advanced telecom networking technologies. Engineered for reliability and scalability, it supports a wide range of modules, including 10/100/1000BASE-TX to 1000BASE-FX conversion, CWDM/DWDM multiplexing, and OEO regeneration, making it ideal for diverse applications such as metro networks, industrial backbones, and smart city infrastructure.
Conclusion
Fiberroad’s Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Solution provides a reliable, high-performance, and scalable system designed to streamline toll operations while enhancing efficiency and reducing traffic congestion. By integrating advanced Layer 2 managed switches, fiber media converters, and industrial PoE devices, Fiberroad ensures seamless data aggregation, real-time communication, and robust network redundancy across toll plazas and control centers.