Rail Journey - Telecommunications and Technology July 2016 John Hall Customer Interface Manager
Transcript
Rail Journey -Telecommunications and TechnologyJuly 2016
John Hall Customer Interface Manager
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BACKGROUND
• Historically • Analogue two way Radio
• VHF / UHF• Railway of Australia
• ARA co-ordination regarding the purchase of One.Tel 1800 MHz Spectrum license
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Historically, the Australian Rail Industry use a variety of analogue two way VHF / UHF radio systems for Train Control operational communications. There is very little if any coordination and development of railway telecommunications in each state until the early 80s, when a common 400MHz Spectrum was informally allocated to the rail industry. �This was extensively used by the Rail Industry and was informally known as the Railways of Australia (RoA) band and there are many analogue systems still in use by Rail today. In 2006, with the co-ordination with the Australasian Rail Association (ARA), the formally owned One.Tel 1800 MHz spectrum License was purchased by the state based rail authorities, for the use of Global System for Mobile Communications - Railways (GSM-R). This 1800 MHz Spectrum allows for the standard deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management system (ERTMS), for the use in the metro networks in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
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TRANSFORMATION OF TECHNOLOGIES
Advanced Telecommunications include• Digital Train Radio Systems (DTRS)• Advance Train Management Systems (ATMS)
Establishment and adoption of National Standards• Local Train Radio (LTR)• ACMA Rail Industry Only (RIO) band
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The Rail Industry is transforming itself through the establishment and adoption of the national standards and introduction advanced telecommunication Technologies, foe Example Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) and The Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) being deployed by ARTC. Jonathan White from ARTC, will be providing a presentation this afternoon on the Advanced Train Management System. Significant amount of work and effort has been performed by the rail industry over the last 8 – 10 years this included ARA Telecommunications Committee working with the ACMA and rail industry with the formation of the Rail Industry Only Band and, the goal for a standard Local Train Radio Channel (LTR) using the 450.050 MHz simplex frequency and also know as WB channel in NSW.
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ACMA – “THE WAY AHEAD”
23rd December 2010 the ACMA released
“The Way ahead: timeframes and Implementation Plans for the 400 MHz Band”
Followed by in April 2010“The Way Ahead – Decisions and Implementation Options for the 400 MHz Band’Consultation paper
400 MHz Band Plan
Presenter
Presentation Notes
On 23rd December 2010, the ACMA released a paper “The Way Ahead: Timeframes and Implementation Plans for the 400 MHz Band.” Which was a follow-up document to the previous “The Way Ahead – Decisions and Implementation Options for the 400 MHz Band consultation paper” released in April 2010, and advised of the transition and implementation arrangements going forward. To ensure rail operations were not adversely impacted by the changes to the 400 MHz Band and costs to the Industry are minimised, the Industry needed to take a co-ordinated approach to transition and migration.
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TIME LINESHigh and Medium Density areas
Transition Phase Applicable to DeadlinePhase 1: Creation of Vacant Channels. Government users operating in, and remaining in, the Government Band. 31 December 2012Users to transition to 12.5 kHz operation. Commercial users currently operating in a commercial band or the Rail
Industry Only (RIO) allocation.Rail Industry users operating in, and remaining in, the RIO allocation.
Phase 2: 10 MHz split in parts of 450 to 470 MHz Step 1. 31 December 2012Clearance of all users from 452.5 MHz to 453 MHz, 462 MHz to 462.5 MHz and Segment Y (467.50625 MHz to 469.9875 MHz).Step 2 31 December 2014Transition to 10 MHz operation for all users in Segments S, T, X and Y
Phase 3: Finalisation of harmonised government band. Users to transition to correct band segment
Government users currently operating in a commercial band or the RIO allocation
31 December 2015
and 12.5 kHz operation Commercial users currently operating in the government bandRail Industry users operating in the government band and transitioning to the RIO allocation
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TIME LINESLow and Remote Density areas
Transition Phase Applicable to DeadlinePhase 1: Creation of Vacant Channels. Government users operating in, and remaining in, the Government Band. 31 December 2013Users to transition to 12.5 kHz operation. Commercial users currently operating in a commercial band or the Rail
Industry Only (RIO) allocation.Rail Industry users operating in, and remaining in, the RIO allocation.
Phase 2: 10 MHz split in parts of 450 to 470 MHz Step 1. 31 December 2013Clearance of all users from 452.5 MHz to 453 MHz, 462 MHz to 462.5 MHz and Segment Y (467.50625 MHz to 469.9875 MHz).Step 2 31 December 2015Transition to 10 MHz operation for all users in Segments S, T, X and Y
Phase 3: Finalisation of harmonised government band. Users to transition to correct band segment
Government users currently operating in a commercial band or the RIO allocation
31 December 2018
and 12.5 kHz operation Commercial users currently operating in the government bandRail Industry users operating in the government band and transitioning to the RIO allocation
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AUSTRALASIAN RAILWAY ASSOCIATION (ARA)
The coordinated activities chaired by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), included the formation of the ARA Telecommunications committee• Aim to improve Rail Industry Interoperability, • Set Communication Standards, • Development the Frequency Assignment Practices FAP7 in-conjunction with the
ACMA, • Communication interoperability between rail jurisdictions, and • Provide industry feedback and consultation with the ACMA and other Industry
bodies.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The coordinated activities chaired by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), included the formation of the Telecommunications committee, The AIM of the ARA Telecommunications committee is to significantly transformed the rail industry’s disparate approach to telecommunication systems, and included activities Improve Rail Industry Interoperability Set Communication Standards, Develop the Frequency Assignment Practices FAP7 in-conjunction with the ACMA, Communication interoperability between rail jurisdictions, and provide industry feedback and consultation with the ACMA and Industry bodies. Verifies and co-ordinates for the ACMA the approved Rail industry bodies for access to the RIO band spectrum
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GSM-R
GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway)Is an international wireless communications standard for railway communication and applications and is used for communications between trains, track workers and railway control centresCurrent Status• GSM-R network supporting operations in Melbourne• GSM-R network close to operational in Sydney• PTA WA is currently going to market for the roll-out of an LTE network operating
on 1800MHz
Presenter
Presentation Notes
In addition, the move to implement the Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) radio system which supports the International wireless communications standard for railway communication and applications the European Train Control System (ETCS) Had also impacted the Rail Industry frequency requirements affect migration strategies and system changes. The implementation of GSM-R and ETCS solution being deployed (or Planned) on metropolitan rail network systems in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth affected the timing and amount of frequencies required. During this time, Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) roll-out of a National Train Communications System (NTCS), based on Telstra NextG™ public telecommunication networks also impacted the Rail Industry requirements for changes and migration. �
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ARTC NTCS SOLUTION•Dual Telstra NextG™ module •(supports simultaneous voice and data)•Iridium Satellite transceiver•Iridium Satellite handset•CCU3 communications processor•Multi Frequency 25W UHF Radio•Dual Redundant Power supply•GPS module•I/O Module with spare I/O ports for expandability•GSM-R Module •Work in harsh environments (-10 to +70°C)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
ARTC has deployed and implemented the NTCS solution across the ARTC, John Holland Rail (NSW Regional), and V/Line (Regional) controlled networks. This solution included the development and installation of an In-cabin Communication Equipment (ICE) unit into the rail operators locomotives. �Locomotives fitted with the ICE Unit can interoperate across all rail networks and communicate over Telstra NextG™, Iridium Satellite, and UHF radio. The ICE unit where development and manufactured in QLD by base2. The hardware component of the ICE equipment comes in a 19” rack mountable box And this houses the following modules Dual NextG Transceiver The Iridium Satellite Transceiver and handset 25 W UHF radio module (Base model Operators have optioned with 2 UHF radios) Main Processor Dual Redundant power supplies GPS Module I/O ports with spare capacity The ICE units includes a GSM-R module to extend this interoperation into high density metropolitan areas.
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NTCS ICE UNIT COMMUNICATIONSDarwin
Perth
Kalgoorlie
Tarcoola
Adelaide Melbourne
Sydney
Brisbane
Albury
Broken Hill
Alice Springs
Newcastle
Moree
ARTCPrimary Communication – Telstra 3GBack up Communication – Iridium SatLocal Train Radio SA – 418.425 MHz
Local Train Radio Vic / NSW– 450.050 MHz
GWAPrimary Communication – 3G / Iridium Sat
Back up Communication – Thuraya SatAlso UHF in Major Centres
Local Train Radio – 450.050 MHz
Brookfield RailPrimary Communication - UHF
Back up Communication – Mobile / SatLocal Train Radio – 450.050 MHz
V/Line (regional services)Primary Communication – Telstra 3GBack up Communication – Iridium Sat
Local Train Radio – 450.050 MHz
John Holland RailPrimary Communication – Telstra 3GBack up Communication – Iridium Sat
Local Train Radio – 450.050 MHz
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NTCS ICE UNIT DEPLOYMENT
Locomotive ICE Unit installations on ARTC Network – 967 units
base2 has manufactured over 1250 units
VicTrack / VLine approximately 200 units (Broad-gauge locomotives)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
There are 967 NTCS ICE units operating on the Standard Gauge network Operating on the ARTC & JHR rail networks using the Telstra NextG™ network as the Primary Communications and the Iridium Satellite as backup communications. Noting Freight Train also contact Sydney Trains RMC using this communications solution. V/Line Broad-gauge trains are in the progress of having the ICE units installed and use the Telstra NextG™ network as the Primary Communications for their regional network, and the Iridium Satellite as backup communications GWA control the standard gauge network from Tarcoola to Darwin use the Iridium Satellite for Primary Communication, but he ICE unit will use the Telstra NextG™ network as primary communication where available, as well as UHF radio in Darwin, Alice Springs, Catharine, and Tenant Creek, and a separate Thuraya Satellite unit as secondary or backup communications For the Brookfield network the ICE unit is Geo-Fenced to operate using the UHF Radio and automatically selects the correct Train Control channel for Train Operations.
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400 & 1800 MHZ SPECTRUM IN THE RAIL INDUSTRY
• Train control• Local Train Radio• Emergency Response• Signalling• Local Train Control channel (LTR)• Track Maintenance Safety• Security• Automatic train Protection / Braking• Passenger Safety through on-train help points• Train Speed Control• Shunting
400 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum are used for the following daily activities:
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The use of 400 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum in the Rail industry �The 400 MHz Spectrum Is required to support existing infrastructure and is primarily used for voice and long-distance Communications. The 1800 MHz Spectrum is required to deploy new train control broadband systems. �Together, 400 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum are used for the following daily activities: Train control Local Train Radio Emergency Response Signalling Local Train Control channel (LTR) Tack Maintenance Safety Security Automatic train Protection / Braking Passenger Safety through on-train help points Train Speed Control Shunting
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RAIL INDUSTRY ONLY BAND – 400 MHZ The final Frequency Assignment Practice - FAP7 version (V3.2) was released in October 2014 by the ACMA.This granted the Rail Industry a section of the 400 MHz band ( the RIO band) with 5 segments offering • 32 two frequency channels (F and N) and • six single frequency channels (G, H and P)Frequencies range from 408.6375MHz to 450.41875MHz. The ARA manages access to this spectrum on behalf of the rail industry as outlined in the ACMA Frequency Assignment Practice (FAP7).
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The Key differentiator between rail’s use of 400 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum is the type of train control systems, sophistication and certification each band permits. �High-density services require more sophisticated systems and safety certification. 1800 MHz equipment meet these requirements as the GSM-R systems used to operate high density services are not available in the 400 mhz spectrum. GSM-R may not be economically viable other than high-density areas because in low-density areas where signalling systems are simpler is more economically viable to use 400 mhz systems. �In October 2014, The final version (V3.2) was released granting the Rail Industry a section of the 400 MHz band (the Rail Industry Only – RIO band) with 5 segments offering 32 two frequency channels (F and N) and six single frequency channels (G, H and P). Frequencies range from 408.6375MHz to 450.41875MHz. The ARA manages access to this spectrum on behalf of the rail industry as outlined in the ACMA Frequency Assignment Practice (FAP7). �
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RAIL INDUSTRY - 1800 MHZ
• Championed a Determination by the Federal Minister for Communications and the Prime Minister in June 2013 to allocate Carrier spectrum to support the Australian Rail Industry
• Developed the concept and facilitated the Mobile Network Operators in the aggregation of the 1800MHz band to support the early introduction of LTE. LTE initially required contiguous blocks of spectrum.
• Support for 1800MHz in Remote areas of Australia to support Rail.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Rail Industry Telecommunications Committee Successes Championed a Determination by the Federal Minister for Communications and the Prime Minister in June 2013 to allocate Carrier spectrum to support the Australian Rail Industry. Developed the concept and facilitated the Mobile Network Operators in the aggregation of the 1800MHz band to support the early introduction of LTE. LTE initially required contiguous blocks of spectrum. Support for 1800MHz in Remote areas of Australia to support Rail.
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RAIL INDUSTRY – 1800 MHZ• Secured 2 x 15 MHz of 1800 MHz DCS spectrum in all mainland capital cities • Australia is one of only two countries that has secured spectrum to support
GSM-R and LTE. • This spectrum will support both GSM-R and LTE for
• improved recovery of field data, • Improved Customer information services, and • support for high capacity signalling solutions.
• Europe only has 2 x 4MHz of 900 MHz (plus 2 x 3 MHz in a guard band -restricted individual use only).
• 900MHz is not widely used for LTE and requires more than 4MHz to be economically viable.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Secured 2 x 15 MHz of 1800 MHz DCS spectrum (Digital Cellular System) in all mainland capital cities Noted exception - 10MHz retained in Adelaide This is the equivalent of Telstra and Optus' holdings in the band. Australia is one of only two countries that has secured spectrum to support GSM-R and LTE. This spectrum will support both GSM-R and LTE for improved recovery of field data, Improved Customer information services and support for high capacity signalling solutions. Europe only has 2 x 4MHz of 900 Mhz (plus 2 x 3 MHz in a guard band - restricted individual use only). 900MHz is not widely used for LTE and requires more than 4MHz to be economically viable. 1800MHz DCS is prolifically used for LTE roll-out in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
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RAIL INDUSTRY 1800 DISAPPOINTMENT
Failed to secure 1800MHz spectrum for Regional areas for Australia. • Impedes the ability of Metro rail operations to expand beyond current metro area
Licence boundaries.
• Queensland Rail in Brisbane has experienced this problem with their metro licence boundary not covering the existing northern section of their metro network
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Rail Industry Telecommunications Committee Disappointments Failed to secure 1800MHz spectrum for Regional areas for Australia. This will impede the ability of Metro rail operations to expand beyond current metro area Licence boundaries. Queensland Rail in Brisbane already has encountered this problem with their metro licence boundary not covering the existing northern section of their metro network.
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EXAMPLE OF CHANGES TO RAIL INDUSTRY
ARTC held over 1370 ACMA licenses at the start of the NTCS project
ARTC 400 MHz Migration Process
Licences High / Medium Low / Remote
Phase One 62 57
Phase Two 0 4
Phase Three 21 78
High Power Single Freq
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Totals 126 139
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Next I would like to hi-light briefly the migration of the 400 MHZ frequencies affecting ARTC which includes the above rail operators Back in 207 at the start of the NTCS project and the ACMA 400 way ahead plan ARTC held over 1370 licenses Note this number does not include the leased licenses from VicTrack for the NUTR system in Victoria. The Table in this slides shows the affected ACMA licence numbers and which phase it is associated with. The total affected licenses was 265 and a large amount of licenses where to be cancelled at the completion of the NTCS roll out The NTCS solution was completed 1st December 2014
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ARTC 400MHZ LICENSES
• Local Train Radio (450.050 (WB) NSW & NSW / 418.425 SA)• Wayside equipment (Slip Detectors, Hot Box detects, impact monitors etc.• Shunt Channels (e.g. Pt. Botany, Newcastle etc.)• Signalling Point to Point services• UHF Radio across the Nullarbor (approx. 70)• UHF Radio in SA ( To be turned off once suitable communications has been
deployed for field maintenance staff)• ICAPS frequencies
ARTC has 253 Licenses with the ACMA which are used for
Presenter
Presentation Notes
ARTC has 253 licenses with the ACMA These Licenses are used for Local Train Radio (450.050 (WB) NSW & Vic / 418.425 SA) LTR is also used for Wayside equipment to inform the Train Driver wayside equipment includes Slip Detectors, Hot Box detects, impact monitors etc. Shunt Channels (e.g. Pt. Botany, Newcastle etc.) Interesting point to note in Newcastle, ARTC had to use spectrum in the Commercial band as there was no available spectrum in the RIO or Government band. Signalling Point to Point services UHF Radio across the Nullarbor (approx. 70) UHF Train Control Radio in SA - waiting to be turned off once suitable communications units have been deployed for maintenance support staff ICAPS frequencies (In cabin Activation of points) ARTC Total Licences - 253�Break down NSW – 124 SA – 75 WA – 42 Vic – 4 National - 8
