Critical assessment of ERTMS systems reliability based on the example of the GSM-R system

It can be assumed that at least some of the systems associated with the train traffic operation work in the “mission” mode, i.e. their availability and operational dependability are related to safe “move” of a train through the strictly defined section of the railway line, i.e. systems (devices) must operate reliably during “mission”. In the remaining time, operation of devices does not affect the safe train traffic operation. For example, it is possible to list crossing signalling systems or the GSM-R system, which along with the ETCS 2/3 system, constitutes the ERTMS system. In the article, the GSM-R system operation analysis, in terms of the above-mentioned factors, is presented. In general, it can be assumed that the GSM-R system devices (e.g. BTS base stations) should be efficient within the specific periods, i.e. during the train passing through the relevant section of the railway line. According to the authors’ calculations, it is stated that within longer periods, the selected GSM-R system devices (BTS stations) cannot be fully efficient, i.e. possible failures occurred and removed in these periods will not affect the safe train running.

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Opracowanie ze środków MNiSW w ramach umowy 812/P-DUN/2016 na działalność upowszechniającą naukę.