Thomas Putz looks at the very first prototype of a GSM-R-compliant mobile station for use in locomotives.

Safe and efficient. These are the two words that underpin the operations, infrastructure development, locomotive specifications and applications of rail and track operators worldwide. It is therefore no surprise that the integrity of the processes and hardware that make up a safe and efficient rail network for passengers and freight also apply to its voice and data communications systems.
Growth in passenger and freight kilometres in Europe requires train communication systems to be upgradeable, modular and work seamlessly across international borders. The flexibility and evolutionary potential offered by GSM led to its selection by the UIC (Union International des Chemins de Fer/International Railway Union) as the basis of the GSM-R specifications for integrated high quality, interoperable digital communications for the rail industry. Rail operators, technology vendors and national rail agencies in Europe all participated in the creation of the GSM-R package of specifications maintained by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute).
Following the development of the GSM-R specifications, Kapsch TrafficCom was given the opportunity to create the very first prototypes of a GSM-R-compliant mobile station for use in locomotives. This commitment extended to its participation in the MORANE (Mobile Railway Radio Networking Europe) and EIRENE projects that have proven to be a critical source of application know-how that has benefited the whole rail industry. Kapsch's participation has also ensured that many of its new family of radio modules have been tested at MORANE trial sites in Germany, France and Italy and proven on several other GSM-R networks in Europe.
The Kapsch EIRENE-compliant Mobile Station (EMS) provides discerning railway operators with all of the features defined by the GSM-R specifications, including full voice and ETCS (European Train Console System) data communications and the ability to connect to existing analogue radio systems. Kapsch's participation in these EU projects means that its products such as the GSM Mobile Termination (MT) module supports all of the GSM Phase 2+ features, Advanced Call Items (ASCI) and readiness to support GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). The MT modules can also be configured to meet custom requirements such as combining GSM-R and analogue radio communication in the same 3U 19-in rack.
The Kapsch EMS family of products represents:
* A clear upgrade route from analogue to digital and GPRS.
* Designs from the ground up for in-cab use.
* Proven resilience in harsh, high vibration environments.
m Modular architecture to ensure minimal down time and low cost of ownership.
* Conformity with Siemens and Nortel GSM-R infrastructure.
* Ease of integration with Public Address (PAI) and other existing peripherals.
* Capability to interface with automatic train control systems (ACS).
* A fully backed 15 year repair commitment.
In short, this means that a rail operator can now invest confidently in an upgradeable, modular family of GSM-R radios for in-cab voice, data and telemetry complying fully with ETSI and EIRENE specifications. A full transition from analogue to GSM-R operation can then be accommodated at the pace and budget of the rail operator whilst meeting the need for interoperable communications on rail networks throughout Europe using GSM-R.

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Thomas Putz is with Kapsch TrafficCom AG, Vienna, Austria. www.gsm-r.com