Siemens RailCom Manager Optimizing Rail Communication

Siemens RailCom Manager
Optimizing Rail Communication

Siemens RailCom Manager
Optimizing Rail Communication
Siemens RailCom Manager (RCM) offers a straightforward solu-
tion to a complex task. RailCom Manager is the modular product
platform that adapts easily to your specific needs. It integrates
multiple communication subsystems into one coherent network
controlled by one graphical interface.
RailInfo Manager
Automated, real time passenger information
distributed over public address (PA) systems,
customer information screens (CIS) and
information point intercoms.
RailSecurity Manager
Passenger stations monitored remotely via closed
circuit television (CCTV), train-to-wayside video
supervision, help point intercom (HPI) facilities,
integrated alarm sensors, intelligent video processing
and emergency management systems.
RailControl Manager
Asset monitoring, supervisory control and data
acquisition (SCADA), life-cycle management, voiceover-IP,
radio systems and network management:
Service Platform Siemens RailCom Manager is an
integrated system for controlling the communica-
tion network and equipment used in public transport
environments.
Functional Overview
Multi-service railway communication networks
typically include various subnetworks to support
passenger information dissemination, security and
rail control applications. RailCom Manager unifies
these sub-networks and addresses each of these
applications through functional modules. Train
control functions are usually centralized within the
Operations and Control Center (OCC) to facilitate
immediate response and interaction. To enhance
system integrity, both hardware and software components
of RCM (and of transit control networks, in
general) are distributed to the stations so they can
continue to provide crucial communication services
in the event of backbone network failure.
RailCom Manager
GUI
CCTV HPI PA/CIS CCTV ATS SCADA
HPI – CCTV
Logic
Scheduler
Automatic Train
Information Logic
Controller Controller Controller Controller Controller Controller
Presentation layer
Common “look and feel”
for all applications
Locical layer
Meets the needs
of the users
Adaption layer
Communicates to the vendor-dependent
hardware
Hardware with vendor
specific interfaces

Open Platform for more Flexibility
RailCom Manager Functions and Architecture Overview
The RailCom Manager software architecture is based on a
three-layer model that separates the presentation layer from
both the business logic and hardware-specific driver layer.
The three layers of the RailCom Manager
software structure include the:
• Presentation layer (Graphical User Interface)
• Logic layer
• Adaptation layer
These three layers are separated functionally and
feature well-defined interfaces that are unaffected
by software changes. Similarly, changes in the
Graphical User Interface (GUI) will not impact any
of the layers’ internal logic or functionality.
Siemens RailCom Manager is scalable from a few
to more than 1000 stations. For smaller systems, a
centralized approach may be more cost-efficient;
whereas a decentralized architecture for larger
systems can enhance performance, availability and
scalability. Both, centralized and distributed architectures
are supported by the RailCom Manager.
Core Functions
RailCom Manager enables operators at workstations
in the OCC or elsewhere in the transit system
to manage and control equipment installed in dispersed
passenger stations. Each of these passenger
stations is equipped with one or more station controllers
that provide a bridge between the communication
network and the station’s local area network (LAN).
RailCom Manager performs the following functions:
• Receives event messages and inputs from external
systems, such as one or multiple Automatic Train
Supervision System (ATS).
• Triggers workflow related preprogrammed actions
• Coordinates exchanges between related subsystems,
such as public address and customer information
displays, or the audio and video components
of the help point intercom system
• Provides a single integrated GUI for all
subsystems.
The RailCom Manager design is based upon a TCP/IP
infrastructure and takes full advantage of standard IP
technology. The innovative software architecture is
based on advanced technologies and concepts, such
as J2EE (Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition), XML
(Extensible Markup Language) SOAP (Simple Object
Access Protocol) and others. RailCom Manager incorporates
ultra-reliable database redundancy approaches
and security strategies for optimum reliability and
system integrity. Interfaces to central components,

such as the interface to the ATS system at the OCC,
can be implemented by redundant servers to maximize
their availability.
Vendor Independence
The RailCom Manager solution is designed for multivendor
environments and can be implemented in
new projects or upgrades of existing systems. The
RCM architecture supports the integration of multiple
vendor-specific equipment, even within the
same subsystem. This feature makes it possible to
build, test and upgrade subsystems, individually,
and to add new systems in the future.
System Architecture
Functional subsystems are segregated into modular,
independent units, simplifying maintenance
and restoration activities and assuring continuous
operation during subsystem maintenance and upgrades.
External subsystems are connected at a
basic interface level.
Major system design highlights:
• RailCom Manager is a modular system of
independent software components, each
responsible for its designated tasks
• The independent software structure of
distinct functional components enables robust
operation. For example, should a PA-server fail,
other systems will not be affected
• The modularity of the design enables any
subsystem to be modified without affecting the
functionality or performance of other subsystems
• For redundancy purposes main software servers
may be duplicated on different hardware platforms
• Multiple control centers can be implemented in
operating transit systems to improve availability.
The common ”look and feel” of the RCM shared man
machine interface (MMI) replaces individual GUIs or
control panels for individual subsystems, providing
greater flexibility in choosing subsystem suppliers. The
integration of all subsystems under a common GUI:
• Reduces floor space requirements at the
control center
• Reduces training requirements
• Reduces the likelihood of operator errors
RailInfo Manager
Customer Information Screens (CIS) and Public
Address (PA) hardware equipment can be provided
by a wide variety of manufacturers. Most of which
can be easily integrated in the RailCom Manager.
Controlled functions include message assembly,
generation, queuing and scheduling. The RailCom
Manager can be programmed to query the CIS and
PA systems for status and error reports. Station
announcements can be schedule-driven or linked to
an ATS to provide real-time train status information.
RailCom Manager provides on-demand connections
between dispersed information intercoms and a
central call center to supply customers with individualized
information. Passengers requiring travel
assistance can converse with travel agents over these
intercoms to obtain train routing and schedules.

RailSecurity Manager
Increasingly rail transit system operators are installing
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) capability to
enhance passenger and system security. RailCom
Manager supports most of the modern video data
compression technologies, including 3D-Wavelets,
MPEG-2 and MPEG4. With RailCom Manager,
system operators can integrate equipment from
multiple CCTV vendors. RailCom Manager manages
the many surveillance cameras commonly installed
in a rail environment. Optional Intelligent Video
functions are programmed to alert operators to
abnormal situations. An integrated incident
management module can guide operators through
the subsequent steps required to cope with a
potential emergency situation.
Experience has proven that interactive, immediate
response to passengers’ physical needs greatly
enhances their comfort level, safety and sense of
security. Help Point Intercom (HPI) enables passengers
to receive customized travel information or
request emergency help with the simple push of
a button. Attractive, easily identified HPI kiosks
put passengers in contact with trained customer
service agents who can provide needed
information or summon emergency response
services in short order.
RailControl Manager
RailCom Manager environment and asset monitoring
products provide new and more efficient
methods for monitoring and protecting property,
while reducing the system operator’s ongoing
maintenance costs. Greater control of environments
and assets also enhances process support
and optimization, resulting in greater efficiency
and availability of systems and services.
Future Applications
RailCom Manager’s highly modular system architecture
enables it to be adapted easily to new
applications and subsystems, (e.g., train radio),
simply by creating additional modules. Siemens
RailCom Manager optimally supports flexible integration,
modification and expansion, ensuring
maximum investment protection.

Siemens AG
Transportation Systems
Rail Automation
P.O. Box 3327
D-38023 Braunschweig
Germany
Reg. No. 001239 QM
Phone: (+ 49) (531) 226 2888
Fax: (+ 49) (531) 226 4888
E-mail: rail-automation@siemens.com
www.siemens.com/transportation
Printed in Germany
KK0408081 311987 PA09041.5
Order No.: A19100-V100-B843-X-7600
The information in this document contains general
descriptions of the technical options available, which
do not always have to be present in individual cases.
The required features should therefore be specified in
each individual case at the time of closing the contract.