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RFI and the University of Rome Tor Vergata launched in 2018 a research on the mobile radio system that could replace the GSM-R. At the start of the study, LTE was a strong candidate for this role; however, the continuation of research and the rapid maturation of 5G have changed the application perspective in favour of the latter technology. We point out that the result of this study can be used for the methodological utility as basis for RAMS evaluations of the 5G system. The goal of this research work is to perform a reliability analysis and select the most suitable LTE (Long term Evolution) model according to Italian Infrastructure Manager’s (RFI-Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) needs. Through the Isograph tool, this research work has designed 6 LTE network models. Model 5 allows the LTE network to have a redundant architecture in the core parts, to be deployed to different (geographical) nodes and to work in the pool area. In conclusion, this research work shows that Model 5 is an adequate balance that combines, besides the value of total down-time, the high availability and the possibility to have a redundant network architecture. Those advantages enable RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) to satisfy the safety requirements of ERTMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally unveil the monitoring capabilities of guided waves in the context of railways engineering when operating in a harsh environment. To this end, the integrity of damaged rails is probed by way of resonant and nonresonant transduction mechanisms based on piezoelectric sensing and actuation. The experimental analysis is accomplished through the selective excitation and measurement of guided wave modes propagating through the rail, which are herein used to qualify: (i) the maximum distance reachable through the elastic signal; (ii) their capability of detecting damages. We show that guided waves are excellent candidates to detect modified dynamic behaviors inherently linked to forthcoming failures and are naturally applicable in the context of railway engineering where the environment plays a critical role in the wear of structural components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard telecommunication system for the railways is GSM-R (The Global System for Mobile Communications Railways). Since 2004 the GSM-R has been the international mobile standard for railway communication, and it is at present the standard radio network solution adopted by the European railways. The ROC Industry Group (Railway Operational Communications Industry Group) has indicated that the support of GSM-R products and services is guaranteed until 2030. Based upon this information, the railway sector has to mitigate the risk of the non-availability of GSM-R as radio system for train operations after this date. With the fast development of high-speed railways, the new radio communication systems can be used to improve operational efficiency and to create important services. The most promising one is 5G-Railway. In this paper the authors give a first vision of the new possibilities and technical solutions regarding the new changer network. A great importance in given to railway services rather than technology and architecture. Technology and architecture will be the target of future articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the application o f satellite technologies to the railway sector, where such technologies are playing an increasingly important role for signaling, communications, diagnostics and security. The aim o f this work has been to examine and evaluate GPS satellite observations in combination with data from a RTK receiver obtained from the projects 3InSata> and ERSATI2>, a trial and validation test site has been placed in Sardinia, it is based on the combination o f the ERTMS / ETCS and the satellite tracking technology, integrated with TLC (i.e. GSM-3G, Tetra, Satellite) systems using the IP protocol. These projects have been recently set up by Ansaldo STS and Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) and the University o f Catania in order to create a trial and validation site in Sardinia - that is located along the railway track ‘Cagliari-San Gavino’ - for assessing the consequences o f satellite-based technologies on the railway infrastructures and systems. The acceptability o f the work has been supported by the fact that the average precision position per train trip was always lower than 3 meters in line with railway standards(3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]