GSM-R

GSM-R (GSM-Railway) is a wireless communications platform developed specifically for railway communication and applications. The companies Nortel (www.nortel.com/gsm-r) and Siemens mobile (www.siemens.com/gsmr) are the main suppliers GSM-R infrastructure.

As things currently stand, rail companies use in-track cable networks and analog radio for their voice and data communications. In Europe, there are more than 35 different railway radio systems. The UIC (International Union of Railways), in the framework of the EIRENE project, has developed a new digital radiocommunications standard which is common to and compatible with every European railways network.

GSM-R technology was developed in an EU-funded MORANE (Mobile Radio for Railways Networks in Europe) project. The project’s goal is to develop a uniform digital radio system for European railroad traffic. GSM-R is a platform for voice and data communications as well as for traffic control system (ETCS, Electronic Train Control System).

After comparing the different digital technologies, GSM technology was chosen by the 32 railway companies involved in the project. GSM was extended with special features developed for rail traffic. As they are closed networks, it is possible to build special applications needed for the railroad environment.

GSM-R is used for traffic control, serving amongst others engine drivers as well as personnel working on railroad works both along the rail network and in railway stations. The system ensures a more secure and smooth flow of train traffic.

GSM-R is currently being introduced as the European standard for railway communications and is already in commercial use in several European countries. Several countries outside of Europe, e.g. China and India, decided already for GSM-R as their railway communication system. This allows for a single international communication standard for train communication and also improves interoperability between the various railway companies at international level.