Analytical approach for evaluating LTE communication errors in train control application

Abstract

The current communication solutions train control application that is based on WLAN or GSM-R becomes obsolete with a number of shortcomings in term of capacity and capability. Hence, deploying a new dependability vehicular communication is recommended. In this context, the Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology is considered as a new solution for railway communication because of its ability to support multi-service traffic (voice, video, data). Before widely deploying this new solution in railway industry, it must be evaluated and tested to ensure the desired performance level for train control system (TCS) according to the railway safety standards. In order to overcome the high time execution and low accuracy of statistical evaluation for small probabilities, the analytical treatment is a a complementary approach to the simulation approach. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new analytical approach for analysing and evaluating the communication error types of the LTE based TCS. It is also the goal of this paper. The results presented in the framework of this paper are prerequisites for the dependability analysis of the advanced TCS based on the LTE technology in further works.