Bringing meaningful cybersecurity to edge-based traffic signal control

Q-Free, a global leader in mobility solutions for smart city infrastructure, is pleased to announce the launch of Dynamic™ Signals, the first local traffic signal controller software built to a modern standard of cybersecurity. Designed for today’s connected world, Dynamic Signals sets a new benchmark for cybersecurity, interoperability, and ease of management—delivering the secure, future-ready solution agencies have been waiting for.

Raising the bar for cybersecurity in traffic control

Traffic signal controllers have long relied on outdated and insecure protocols like SNMPv1, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable. Dynamic Signals redefines local traffic control with end-to-end encryption, secure API-based communications, and advanced authentication methods, making it the only controller software designed to address modern IT security standards:

• End-to-End Encryption – Secure, encrypted communications between Q-Free controllers and central systems prevent unauthorized access and data breaches, using similar technology to what powers online banking.
• Advanced Authentication – Supports both online and offline authentication, allowing agencies to seamlessly manage access to large networks of controllers with Q-Free’s Kinetic® Mobility platform used for centralized user permission management.
• Seamless User Federation – Leveraging the Identity and Access Management (IAM) features of Kinetic Mobility, Dynamic Signals allows agencies to manage all users through their existing systems, like Microsoft or Google accounts, allowing for single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to apply to controllers.  If an employee is removed from the agency’s IT system, their access to the controllers is automatically revoked, eliminating security gaps.

Designed for IT and traffic engineers alike

“For too long, traffic engineers have operated in a way that is disconnected from IT security requirements,” said Whitney Nottage, P.E., PTOE, EVP of Traffic Management at Q-Free. “That ends now. Dynamic Signals is built to be the first traffic signal software to provide the cybersecurity your agency needs, the protection your IT department expects, and the signal functionality your engineers love.”

Beyond security: Everything you love, now on a secure platform

Dynamic Signals introduces essential cybersecurity measures—like encryption and secure authentication—into an industry where they’ve long been missing, while preserving the trusted functionality of Q-Free’s MAXTIME software in a more secure and modern platform.

• Modern Web-Based UI – A sleek, intuitive interface that makes traffic signal management simpler and more efficient than ever.
• Advanced Traffic Control Features – Built on the comprehensive local control logic of MAXTIME, providing the same trusted functionality with next-generation security.
• Future-Ready Expansion – Dynamic is the foundation of Q-Free’s next-generation controller ecosystem. Future enhancements will bring advanced solutions like Connected Vehicles (CV), ramp metering, and adaptive signal control into the same secure platform, making it easier than ever for agencies to scale their capabilities.

“Cybersecurity is no longer optional when it comes to critical infrastructure,” said Q-Free CEO Mark Talbot. “The transportation industry must prioritize its deployed and connected technology as part of our country’s critical infrastructure. With Dynamic Signals, agencies now have a platform that meets both operational and IT security requirements—without compromising performance.”

Q-Free will debut Dynamic Signals at Booth 911 during ITS World Congress, taking place August 24 – 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. This marks the first opportunity for attendees to experience the new cybersecurity-focused signal controller software live and in action. Interested parties are also invited to register for an exclusive virtual launch event on September 11, 2025.