Performance Analysis of a novel Passenger Train Wireless Communications Architecture for High-Speed Trains

Abstract

Achievable wireless networking performance in High Speed Trains (HST) experiences significant challenges originating from the high speed at which those trains travel. In this paper, we have studied a train communications architecture that leverages a Railcar-to-Railcar (R2R) wireless communication scheme known as Wireless Digital Train Line (WiDTL) as the core in-train network architecture. We have also provided simulation results for Train-to-Ground (T2G) networks for different network evolutions, environments and FCC regulations and a comprehensive in-train network simulation based on realtime passenger and user-portable device interactions. According to the simulations we could conclude that present fourth generation (4G) network architectures can not meet IMT-2020 specifications, whereas 5G-New Radio (5G-NR) shows positive results towards supporting the continually increasing bandwidth-intensive services provided to - and demanded by - passengers data traffic. We also have shown how the modularity provided through physically decoupling user and control plane traffic in WiDTL enables shifting of network burden towards the locomotive and central station.