Train control
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Challenge
In the railway market, a distinction is made between two types of digital train control systems:
- Systems for metros and underground railways
- Systems for regional and intercity railways
1. Local urban transport systems
The communication based train control (
CBTC) system has become the leading train control system in metro trains. The introduction of CBTC systems allows transportation cycles to be condensed, which produces an increase in capacity. The systems also ensure that trains are operated safely, flexibly and at low cost. The exchange of data between Automatic Train Control components installed in the train and along the track is ensured by a data communication system. To guarantee the availability of the system, each individual component must function correctly regardless of environmental, mechanical or operational restrictions. The CBTC wireless system is generally based on a WLAN network.
The HUBER+SUHNER product range guarantees that these reliable networks can be established in full.
More information about: WLAN based solutions
LTE-based wireless technology is used for some projects. For this HUBER+SUHNER also has an extensive portfolio of products.
More information about: Solutions based on cellular networks
2. Regional and intercity transport
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a European transnational train safety system. It is based on two main technical components:
- The European Train Control System (ETCS) - a digital train control system that will replace a wide range of incompatible, national train control systems in the future
- GSM-R - a mobile communication system for data transmission between tracks and vehicles
A standard system of this type increases safety and ensures efficient, seamless rail traffic by making better use of the train tracks thanks to dense, high-speed and cross-border train control on intercity routes. In the USA, the Positive Train Control System (PTC) will play a similar role in the future. In China, the ETCS implementation is known as the Chinese Train Control System (CTCS).
The wireless connections for regional and intercity trains are generally based on mobile communications technology. Rail network operators are building separate GSM-R mobile communication cells along tracks for this purpose. HUBER+SUHNER can also supply an extensive range of related connectivity solutions.
More information about: Solutions based on cellular networks