Q-Free has launched Dynamic Metering, a freeway ramp metering module that adds end-to-end encryption, centralised user management and single sign-on to the controllers transport agencies use to regulate traffic joining highways.
Dynamic Metering is the third module of Q-Free‘s Dynamic Software suite, following Dynamic CV for connected vehicles and Dynamic Signals for local traffic signal control. It has been developed to bring cybersecurity, interoperability and simpler management to ramp metering, which agencies use to control the rate at which vehicles enter freeways in order to reduce congestion and improve safety.
“Dynamic Metering is an important step forward in the battle to stay ahead of the cyber threat,” says Mark Talbot, chief executive of Q-Free. “It will feel comfortable and familiar to our customers using our popular MAXTIME suite, but comes with additional, industry-leading protections that meet the moment head on.”
Encryption and identity management
The module uses end-to-end encryption, which Q-Free likens to the technology used for online banking, to secure communications between its controllers and central systems, with the aim of preventing unauthorised access and data breaches.
When paired with Q-Free’s Kinetic Mobility platform, Dynamic Metering also provides centralised user permission management together with online and offline authentication, allowing agencies to manage users across large networks of field devices.
The combination also enables agencies to use their existing organisational identity systems, including Microsoft or Google accounts, for single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA). As a result, when an employee is removed from an agency’s IT system, their access can be revoked automatically at every level, from the central system down to the front panel of the individual controller.
“Cybersecurity needs to be built into transportation technology from the start—not added after the fact,” says Whitney Nottage, executive vice president of traffic management at Q-Free. “Dynamic Metering gives operators the proven metering capabilities they know, combined with the cybersecurity, modern interface, and management tools they need to operate confidently in today’s connected environment.”
Ramp metering functions
Alongside its security features, Dynamic Metering provides the operational tools agencies need to run ramp meters as part of a wider network. Its capabilities include:
- Ramp metering control: regulating vehicle entry rates onto the freeway and coordinating with nearby intersections and other ramp meters
- Platoon management: breaking up groups of vehicles entering the freeway to reduce conflicts as drivers compete for limited gaps in mainline traffic, with the aim of improving throughput and reducing delays
- Operating modes: traffic-responsive operation, time-of-day control, metering rates based on traffic volume and lane occupancy, queue management, and automated shutdown when ramp queues reach defined thresholds
- Web-based management: monitoring and adjusting ramp metering operations through a browser interface on a PC, tablet or smartphone
- Field device support: multiple detectors and metered lanes, radar-based detection, Ethernet communications, global positioning system (GPS) time synchronisation, local intersection integration and peer-to-peer communications
Dynamic Software roadmap
According to Q-Free, Dynamic Software was created to provide security at various points throughout the traffic management cycle. An adaptive control module is also in development, which will extend the suite’s cybersecurity features to further areas of traffic management.
Early adopters of the Dynamic Software platform include the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), which is working to deploy Dynamic Signals at more than 8,500 intersections across the state.
