Kapsch successfully completes interoperability tests for GSM-R

One of the most important requirements for cross-border railway transportation is for all the components used in managing the trains to function and interact seamlessly. Digital train communications (GSM-R) plays an integral role in train management. As one of the leading providers, Kapsch has carried out and successfully completed comprehensive interoperability tests of end-to-end GSM-R solutions under strict rules as part of a project sponsored by the European Commission. The European Railway Agency (ERA), an EU organization, has confirmed the compatibility and interoperability of the systems in accordance with European Commission guidelines.

In the shape of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management Systems) the European Union has defined a standard which ensures cross-border railway transportation is based on a uniform “Control, Command and Signaling” system. ERTMS comprises two elements: a standard signaling system (ETCS, European Train Control System) and GSM-R radio technology. End-to-end solutions for rail communications are made up of many individual elements – ranging from infrastructure components to end-devices, called terminals. In international railway transportation, all these elements must interact perfectly together, even when they come from different providers. This way, railway customers can rely on the fact that train safety systems meet the highest of standards in their own national railway network, and can be used in international transport without any additional expense or follow-up cost.

Functional and technical system requirements fulfilled, end-to-end

One basic concept of ERTMS is to bridge individual national solutions and create one standard train communications framework in Europe. Kapsch has successfully completed interoperability testing for its own GSM-R infrastructure and that of another European provider in view of end-to-end connections. This has been taking place at regular intervals since 2002 following the updates of the EIRENE specifications. EIRENE stands for European Integrated Radio Enhanced Network, and lays down the functional and technical system requirements for cross-border railway transportation.

As part of the ongoing TEN-TA ERTMS project, MAP 3rd Call/2011, interoperability tests are being carried out between the latest generations of GSM-R solutions to ensure compatibility with the new version of EIRENE currently in preparation. This project is supported by the European Commission too.

Kapsch CarrierCom is a global systems integrator and offers end-to-end telecommunications solutions for mobile telephony and fixed-line operators, railway operators, local public transport companies and enterprises requiring real-time asset management solutions. Kapsch CarrierCom is a trustworthy partner for customers all round the world. Alongside solutions for corporate and business-critical telecommunications, Kapsch CarrierCom also offers a full range of end-to-end services. With a strong focus on innovation in a total of eight research and development centers throughout Europe and Asia supported by strategically important partnerships, Kapsch CarrierCom has vast know-how in the telecom industry. Kapsch CarrierCom is part of the Kapsch Group and is based in Vienna.

For further information: www.kapsch.net.