Architecture of an ATCS network simulator

Abstract

This paper discusses the architecture of a new system created to simulate a networking protocol called advanced train control system (ATCS). ATCS is a popular protocol used by railways to control track switches, relay sensor readings, and help improve safety. The new simulation environment plugs into the Network Simulator-2 (NS-2) framework, allowing the user to model railroad data networks. This simulator can be used to validate networks, predict how a network will act at load limits, test security vulnerabilities, and find what will happen when nodes fail.