Zenitel has announced its public address and voice alarm (PAVA) technology has been featured in the London Transport Museum.

The intelligent communication solutions company highlights that its place in the interactive exhibit presents its long-standing role in ensuring safety and communication across London transport networks.

Zenitel’s feature is also said to showcase the next generation of reliable, efficient and sustainable solutions at the London Transport Museum.

Communication solutions safeguarding millions

For over 30 years, Zenitel has said to have played a crucial role in supporting Transport for London (TfL), including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Crossrail, London Underground and London Overground.

Zenitel articulates that its communication solutions are designed to meet the highest safety standards providing clear, reliable connectivity 24/7.

The organisation’s communication solutions are said to safeguard millions of passengers and transport staff everyday.

The evolution of PAVA systems

The London Transport Museum’s exhibit showcases two PAVA systems, illustrating the evolution of public address and voice alarm technology.

One of the PAVA systems was developed by Millbank and ASL for the Jubilee Line Extension (JLE) in 1999, while the other is Zenitel’s next-generation IP-based VIPEDIA system.

Zenitel joined forces with ASL in 2021.

Displayed side by side at the London Transport Museum in an original JLE 19″ cabinet, Zenitel emphasises that the contrast is striking – the original Millbank system occupies 30U of rack space, whereas the new VIPEDIA system requires just 3U.

This reduction is said to highlight Zenitel’s advancements in audio technology, sustainability and operational efficiency over the past 30 years.

Transported through time

According to Zenitel, the original JLE system (created by Millbank and ASL) was a ground-breaking achievement as it was the world’s first fully digital PAVA system.

Zenitel has articulated that it was installed ahead of the Millennium and played a crucial role in providing emergency and routine communication within Stratford Market Depot, key control centres and across ten stations within London.

Designed with fire alarm integration, localised announcements and automated evacuation messaging, Zenitel praise the original JLE PAVA system as it set a new benchmark for public transport safety.

Security systems: One step ahead

Zenitel’s latest technology builds on this legacy, offering a more compact, sustainable and advanced solution for modern transportation networks.

Zenitel’s VIPEDIA system, now installed across TfL’s network, is said to demonstrate remarkable advancements in scalability, energy efficiency and hardware design.

By reducing the size of equipment cabinets and optimising power consumption, Zenitel has delivered a solution that is said to not only meet but exceed today’s rigorous safety and sustainability goals.

“Safe, connected and sustainable”

Henry Rawlins, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, Zenitel said: “Safety, reliability and sustainability have always been at the heart of Zenitel’s mission.

“Being featured in the London Transport Museum reflects the trust that TfL and transport authorities worldwide place in our technology.

“We are proud to continue innovating for the next 30 years, ensuring that London remains safe, connected and sustainable.”

Continuous availability

Given that PAVA systems operate 24/7, they must be highly energy-efficient while ensuring continuous availability through hardware redundancy and battery backups.

By optimising energy consumption and modularity, Zenitel is said to enable its customers to meet sustainability goals without compromising safety or performance.

The interactive PAVA exhibit offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of communication technology and its vital role in public safety.