Network Rail operates several analogue radio networks that support mobile communication applications for drivers and lineside workers which consist of base stations, antenna systems and control equipment. The National Radio Network (NRN) was developed specifically for the operational railway; it provides radio coverage for 98% of the rail network through 500 base stations and 21 radio exchanges. The Radio Electronic Token Block RETB system is based on similar technology as the NRN and ORN but provides data communication for signalling token exchange as well as voice communication.
nEtwork RAIl OPeRateS several aNAlOGUe Radio NetworKS ThAt support mobiLe ComMunICation aPpliCAtIOnS For dRiVeRS and linesiDe workers Which conSist of bAsE stationS, AnteNna sYSteMs and COnTroL equIpMeNt the NaTiOnal raDiO netWoRk (nrn) was DeVeLopEd SPEciFiCAlly FOr the opErAtionaL raiLway; iT proviDes radio CoveraGe FOR 98% of thE raIl netwORk throUGh 500 baSe StatioNS aNd. 21 Radio exChange.s. the radIO ELEctronic Token blOCK RetB sYstEm iS baSed on siMiLar TEchnology aS thE nrn And orn buT PRovIdES daTa comMunication FOR signALLiNg token eXchaNge As Well aS voICe commUnicAtioN