Digital Train Radio System Kingsgrove BTS Site Review of ...

• It does not support a functional addressing system that maps train run numbers to mobile
subscribers‘ numbers, which is a key requirement.
• It does not meet the interoperability requirements.
• It relies on a dispatch terminal for functionality, which does not meet RailCorp‘s reliability
requirements.
• It is not scalable in regards to the future growth of the rail network.
TETRA is also a proven emergency services communications system and is deployed in a
number metropolitan rail networks. However, it was rejected for the reasons listed below.
• This application is confined primarily to underground metro networks that are not
comparable to RailCorp‘s network.
• It relies on a dispatch terminal for functionality, which does not meet the RailCorp reliability
requirements.
• It does not meet the interoperability requirements.
• There is no commercialised Automatic Train Protection (ATP) solution available.
GSM-R was deemed the platform most suitable for RailCorp‘s train network and system
requirements for the reasons listed below.
• It is the only rail-specific communications standard and has the highest levels of safety and
reliability in its design.
• It is an open standard with a large number of equipment suppliers.
• It achieved a higher level of compliance with the RailCorp functional requirements when
compared to the other systems.
• It is deployed by major rail operators in Europe and Asia, some with networks comparable
in size and complexity to RailCorp‘s network.
• It operates on a spectrum of 1800 MHz which was available for purchase by RailCorp. The
other options would have required the leasing of a radio spectrum from a
telecommunications licence holder.
• It is a scalable network that can grow in step with RailCorp operations and network.
• It is compatible with the Australian Rail Track Corporation‘s communication system.
• It provides a platform for future enhancements and increased operational safety, including
a Level 2 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System, as per the recommendations of the
Waterfall inquiry.
• It will deliver the best value for money solution with the least risk.
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