Towards modeling and evaluation of ETCS real-time communication and operation

The future European Train Control System (ETCS) will be based on mobile communication and overcome fixed blocks. It is introduced in order to increase track utilization and interoperability throughout Europe while reducing trackside equipment cost. Data processing on board the train and in radio block centers as well as the radio communication link are crucial factors for the safe and efficient operation. Their real-time behavior under inevitable link failures needs to be modeled and evaluated. The paper presents a stochastic Petri net model of communication failure and recover behavior. A second model for the exchange of location and movement authority data packets between trains and radio block centers is presented and analyzed. Performance evaluation of the model shows the significant impact of packet delays and losses on the reliable operation of high-speed trains. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.