Caltrain WiMax tests a success!

Intel and Nomad Digital tested WiMAX on Caltrain yesterday, the first step towards rolling out high-speed Internet on the full rail line from Gilroy to San Francisco. The test was successful at 79 miles per hour (mph) between Palo Alto and MIlbrae, allowing the network to go live within the next two months.

The system uses Sensoria mesh network receivers on the train to provide a WiFi bridge and wireless base stations placed every few miles along the track. Caltrain will offer the wireless service for free, and anyone living or working near the Caltrain line might have a nice fat Internet connection as well.