The Wireless Train Communication Network: Roll2Rail vision

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of a wireless Train Communication Network (TCN) to replace traditional wired systems, aiming to improve reliability and reduce costs in railway vehicles.

Contribution

It introduces a new wireless TCN architecture aligned with IEC61375 standards, enabling a paradigm shift from wired to wireless train communication systems.

Findings

Wireless TCN reduces wiring and installation costs.

Enhanced operational reliability through wireless communication.

Simplifies train coupling procedures.

Abstract

This paper explains the main results obtained from the research carried out in the work package 2 (WP2) of the Roll2Rail (R2R) project. This project aims to develop key technologies and to remove already identified blocking points for radical innovation in the field of railway vehicles, to increase their operational reliability and to reduce life-cycle costs. This project started in May 2015 and has been funded by the Horizon 2020 program of the European Commission. The goal for WP2 is to research on both technologies and architectures to develop a new wireless Train Communication Network (TCN) within IEC61375 standard series. This TCN is today entirely wired and is used for Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS) functions (some of them safetyrelated), operator-oriented services and customer-oriented services. This paradigm shift from wired to wireless means a removal of wirings implies, among other benefits, a significant reduction of life cycle costs due to the removal of cables, and the simplification of the train coupling procedure, among others.