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Train-to-Train Short Range Communication for Connected Railways
As railway operations become increasingly connected and automated, trains are expected to cooperate and exchange information in real time. Future concepts such as virtually coupled train sets and autonomous driving require reliable communication not only between trains and the ground, but also directly between trains.
The solution
Enabled by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail), this solution explores how direct communication between trains and onboard devices can support more connected, resilient and automated railway operations.
Communication systems are critical enablers for advanced digital services that enhance the performance, safety and efficiency of rail transport. Train-to-Train (T2T) communication provides additional capabilities to connect trains, rail vehicles and communication devices both inside the train and in the close vicinity.
The use of T2T communication enables the coordination of autonomous driving trains and virtually coupled train sets (VCTS), autonomous route setting, as well as cooperative localisation as a basis for swarm intelligence.
In case of limited cellular or satellite coverage, T2T communication can be used to relay FRMCS data. In this way resilience can be enhanced in the event of outages or attacks affecting ground infrastructure.
As T2T communication relies only on onboard equipment, no additional track-side infrastructure is necessary. Consequently, deployment costs, maintenance efforts and environmental impacts can be reduced.
The integration of sidelink communication into the 3GPP’s 5G standard as vehicle-to-vehicle or device-to-device links makes it a natural fit to enhance FRMCS with T2T communication capabilities. This standardisation ensures interoperability, security and seamless integration with existing 5G ecosystems and beyond.
Readiness for Industrialisation and Deployment
Single T2T communication links and parts have been tested in relevant railway environments. The technology concept for combining complementary T2T communication links has been formulated, and an experimental proof of concept is planned. Further development is required in combination with cellular and satellite-based FRMCS and the ACS/Mult-Connectivity Platform.
Maturity level
TRL 5
Expected benefits
- Increased resilience and additional coverage by relaying FRMCS information from base stations or satellites.
- Increased capacity on dense railway lines.
- Enhanced localisation functionalities based on cooperative localisation.
- Reduced trackside infrastructure costs.
Who benefits
Infrastructure managers
Railway operators
Conclusion
T2T communication enables operational solutions that enhance capacity, flexibility and resilience.
By supporting reduced headways, it can contribute to increased capacity, while allowing the orchestration of trains with T2T communication–based VCTS instead of mechanical coupling.
The enhanced flexibility and resilience can also contribute to higher punctuality and improved traveller satisfaction, while reducing infrastructure costs.
In addition, T2T communication system has the potential to support track–worker protection and the detection of obstacles or non-equipped workers on the track.
Finally, this solution supports the long-term competitiveness of the market and sector by enabling a more resilient, efficient and technologically advanced European rail system.
Learn more about the project
FP2-R2DATO
To meet the increasing demand for transportation of both passengers and freight, FP2-R2DATO will take the advantages of digitalisation and automation to develop the next generation ATC and deliver scalable digital and automatic (up to autonomous) train operation (DATO) capabilities in order to enhance the capacity of the existing rail networks.