Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (FfWHR), one of the UK’s most iconic heritage railways, operates a 40-mile narrow-gauge line through the scenic landscapes of Snowdonia. With a legacy dating back to the 1830s, the railway blends historic charm with modern tourism, attracting thousands of visitors annually. As part of its "Regenerative Railway" initiative, FfWHR sought to future-proof its digital infrastructure while preserving its heritage.

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Challenge​

The railway’s existing network was outdated, and vulnerable to cyber threats. Key operational sites—including Boston Lodge Works, ticket offices, and remote stations—suffered from unreliable connectivity, limited bandwidth, and inconsistent security protocols. The railway needed:

• A unified, secure network across all sites

• Improved network performance for staff and visitors

• Scalable infrastructure to support, the railway Safety system, digital ticketing and booking functions, CCTV, and IoT devices

• Enhanced cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and operational systems

 

Solution: Fortinet Implementation by Aurawolf Global LTD

FfWHR partnered with Aurawolf Global LTD, a trusted IT solutions provider, to deliver a comprehensive network refresh powered by Fortinet technologies. The solution included:

• FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls: Deployed at key nodes to ensure robust perimeter security and traffic inspection.

• FortiSwitches & Forti Extenders: Provided high-speed resilient switching and secure access across stations, workshops, and offices.

• FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer: Enabled centralised management, real-time monitoring, and analytics for network performance and threat detection.

• Secure Inter-connected sites: Encrypted remote site interconnects with reliable, cost-effective solutions, reducing dependency on legacy interlinks.

 

Aurawolf Global LTD oversaw the full lifecycle of the project—from design and procurement to deployment and optimisation—ensuring minimal disruption to railway operations.

 

Results

The Fortinet-powered refresh, expertly implemented by Aurawolf Global LTD, delivered transformative benefits:

• 99.9% network uptime across all operational sites

• Reduction in IT support tickets due to improved reliability

• Enhanced visitor experience with fast, secure network access at all stations.

• Real-time monitoring and alerts for cybersecurity threats

• Streamlined operations with secure access to cloud-based management.

 

Impact

This digital transformation supports FfWHR’s long-term vision of sustainability and regeneration. With Aurawolf Global LTD as its technology partner, the railway now operates with greater resilience, efficiency, and security—empowering staff, delighting visitors, and preserving its legacy for future generations.