As the train enters the high-speed rail era, communication in the railroad private network becomes more and more important; GSM-R and 5G/FRMCS wireless networks are the key to ensure high-speed, continuous and reliable communication for current and next-generation railroad operation and safety. In railroad communication networks including GSM-R and 5G(NR) wireless networks, in addition to coverage and capacity analysis, the environment such as train stations and tunnels has a significant impact on communication and user perception, and modeling of outdoor and indoor areas (including building structures and materials) can accurately predict signal propagation and ensure reliable communication along the railroads.
1、Railway-specific RAN planning refers to the planning of radio access networks to enable communications for railroad operations, such as signaling and railroad mobile communication systems. This is because the railroad industry has unique requirements for security, performance, and reliability that require special consideration in RAN planning. In addition, the railroad wireless communication network must be sufficiently robust, secure and support continuous communication; in the entire railroad track (including tunnels, under bridges and remote or mountainous areas) to achieve uninterrupted coverage is also critical.
2、Continuous coverage railroads often traverse remote and rugged terrain; to ensure that the signal in all areas of the railroad (including tunnels and bridge crossings) to remain strong and uninterrupted, these are critical to maintaining communications security and operational efficiency.
3、In addition to a high degree of reliability, the network must have sufficient redundancy measures to protect against any communications failures, which are essential for safety-critical systems and managing train operations.
4、High mobility support High-speed train mobility is another unique consideration; the RAN must be able to handle high speeds seamlessly and reliably, during which time it is involved in managing switching between cellular sites without dropping lines or data sessions, which are critical for continuous communications.
5、 Capacity Planning, Quality of Service and Interoperability Railway wireless network RAN planning must also take into account the varying load demands, including increased demand during peak hours and significant fluctuations based on passenger train schedules. Quality of Service (QoS) further requires prioritizing critical communications (e.g., emergency service communications) over less important services. Compatibility of technologies and standards for railroad wireless network (RAN) planning is also important as the railroad industry is transitioning from older technologies such as GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications in Railroads) to newer technologies such as FRMCS (Future Railroad Mobile Communications System based on 5G).
