Requirements of wireless communications for control and operation of railway systems

Currently one of the most interesting applications of mobile communications is the development of intelligent transportation systems. This article describes the use of wireless communications in railway systems to increase efficiency, security and reliability of services and to reduce operation and maintenance costs. The requirements for GSM-R, TETRA and WLAN communications are analysed with reference to their application to the signalling and information systems used in high-speed trains and advanced metropolitan railways. These communications systems are currently used for the interoperability of high-speed trains and WLAN technology is used in metropolitan railways to reduce the interval between trains and to increase efficiency and reliability of operation.