TRAINS CONNECTED PROJECT

Harsh Verma, Director, R&D and Senior ITS Consultant GLOCOL Inc th th 980 9 Street, 16 Floor, #1030, Sacramento, CA 95814, US Tel: +1(916)684-3262 E-mail: hverma@glocol.net http://www.glocol.net Jean-Luc Ygnace, Research Engineer, ITS Socio-Economic Assessment INRETS 25, avenue Francois Miterrand, 69675 BRON cedex, France Tel : +33 4 72 14 24 29 E-mail : ygnace@inrets.fr http://www.inrets.fr Hamed Benouar, Executive Director California Center for ITS Technologies University of California 2105 Bancroft Way, Berkeley CA 94720 Tel: +1(510)642-5224 E-mail: benouar@calccit.org http://www.calccit.org

SUMMARY
This paper reports on the Trains Connected project, including the project partnership, objectives and the business and technology considerations relating to the deployment of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) on trains. The goal of the project is to pursue Pilot Demonstrations to provide Wireless LAN, High speed Internet connectivity and Infocentric Services on trains in California with research co-operation on similar efforts with SNCF in France. The focus is to improve passenger service as well as train safety and security.

RELEVANCE OF THE PROJECT

The project is part of the CALFRANCE transportation research collaboration between France and California to take advantage of the synergy that exists between the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) work that is performed in both countries, specially in the development and deployment of ITS products and services that improve mobility choices [1]. It involves a public/private partnership with the goal of dramatically increasing the attractiveness of train passenger transportation in both areas and to speed up the market deployment of passenger services by solving major technological barriers in the field of 1

internet connectivity and telecommunication. The partnership is organized with global industry players from both countries, major train operators, outstanding academic teams and supported by the departments of transportation in both countries who are really concerned by the economic viability of the train passenger transportation sector. Providing reliable wireless communication connectivity on trains has also the potential to improve safety and security. Providing new services is essential to make railway transport more attractive. New services making the distances seem shorter and the train journeys more pleasant and efficient is a favorable way of attracting new travelers to trains which is one of the best transportation means for conservation of natural resources and protection of environment. For example, The European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC), an initiative of the European Commission, the European Railway sector and the EU Member States has issued the Strategic Rail Research Agenda 2020 (SRRA) which highlights research priorities necessary to achieve targets in terms of future market share for railway transport [2]. The agenda A Turning Point for the European Railway Research gives an outlook for innovations of paramount importance such as highperformance telematics systems to increase Quality of Service (QoS) and guaranteeing customer security [2], [3]. On the other hand, the industrial side of the ITS business has mainly targeted the automotive sector as a core application to support new technology and customer oriented ITS services; the railway sector remains a very important field for ITS market deployment and business opportunities. The rationale of the R&D project is to foster market deployment of services well beyond the California and French local markets. One solution for the passengers is to use their mobile terminals. Both the mobile terminals and base stations have to be upgraded to be able to withstand the severe railway environment and to answer the high-data rate and traffic needs. In the prospect of a beyond-2.5/3G system made of an aggregation of optimized sub-networks, this project will study the combination of a satellite access and discontinuous terrestrial subnetworks.

RAIL REQUIREMENTS
Recent innovations in wireless technology and Traveler Information Systems across the world has the potential to offer citizens elevated levels of safe and secure transportation services and travel information including opportunities to plan their travel for business or leisure However, these new systems should not increase the cost of transportation and should improve mobility and accessibility. To provide a real connectivity of information access for business or leisure on trains, it is important to provide seamless interoperability of information across multiple wireless networks-in-motion on various kinds of mobile devices. There is also an increasing concern of security on trains that can be addressed with better train wireless connectivity [4].

The main objective is to bring seamless high speed internet access and connectivity to train commuters in order to dramatically increase the attractiveness of train by offering the possibility of a safe and secure productive content of the journey to work as well as for business purpose. The time spent daily by many workers for e-mail and files downloading or uploading purposes related to work can be used very efficiently during the train trip. Other valuable internet services can be accessed during the trips. This is a major challenge to increase train customer base, to steer a modal shift in favor of environmentally friendly transportation by train and to develop a more efficient and attractive mode of transportation based on a train commuting concept [4]. The key research aspects are to research and develop a delivering mechanism for communication across multiple Advanced IP services while ensuring data and system integrity when using public networks and wireless as well as providing a base that can be used by related efforts in improving train safety and security. To gain an understanding and insight for such requirements, the project would deploy a mobile access router in trains info-stations and demonstrate handovers between different communication networks during the itinerary. It will experiment how various users would be able to use such communication possibilities, including information related to the trip itself from mobile info-terminals and other in-train displays where one can pass, upload/download information through multiple network interfaces as well as connected with wireless LANs, as integral components of Intelligent Transportation Systems.

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT RESEARCH

Deploy Mobile Access Routers allowing trains to ground connections for passengers Create Wireless Info-Stations for Mobility for Commuters Create a Network-in-Motion of Mobile Hot-Spots for Commuters Scale to provide high speed internet connections and Traveler Information for Commuters Integrate with related train safety and security efforts This project would apply research techniques to Mobile IP routing protocols for transportation connectivity, a part of a very important suite of technologies called as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and collaborate with French industry and researchers. Capital Corridor in California [5] and SNCF [6] in France will be the main users of analysis techniques for problems related to connectivity on high-speed trains. The California Department of Transportation may also make the results available to the rest of the train service in California [7]. The research will focus on techniques for extending the edge of the IP network to new areas of Networks-in-Motion and facilitate application of high speed internet communication. On the other hand, we will assess Traveler Information System and enable wireless connectivity across multiple networks to support the deployment of

mission-critical application components in Traveler Information System for the States Department of Transportation. The methodology would be to deploy mission-critical Traveler Information broadcast from the train operators or any transportation stakeholder on a Peer-to-Peer Network with a Cisco (a project participant) Mobile Access Router, 3200 [8], deployed in trains and allow commuters and authorities using mobile web-enabled devices within close proximity on the train to upload/download information on 802.11a and 802.11b/g wireless LANs or 802.16/ 802.20 Wireless Man as well as through multiple network interfaces connected with cellular networks or satellite channel seamlessly. There will be a strong effort to develop uplink and downlink satellite communication between the train and the outside to provide internet connection to the train users. The Traveler Information content which is part of the California side of this project would be displayed, on in-train displays or at home, using hand-held devices like Tiqit, 1 GHz Crusoe Processor by Transmeta, Audiovox Thera or other suitable devices interfaced with a combine of CDMA2000 1xRTT PCMCIA Card Modem and Cisco 3200 Mobile Access Router and Satellite communications (supported and to be tested in France by France Telecom, another project sponsor [9]) to extend the IP frontier to Networks in Motion and provide seamless mobility independent of location or movement. One of the goals is to understand how to use IP networking to provide a method for sharing identified Traveler Information System applications among users regardless of transport medium and apply to the mobility of public safety, homeland security, and commercial transportation markets. Users in emergency situations can make more informed decisions immediately, thereby increasing their productivity effectiveness in the field while traveling and still making use of the ITS components. We do believe however, that passenger travel decisions are made prior to being on the train where such information would be provided. Instead, the goals of making such information available via the internet and readable from anywhere should be expanded however these, we feel, are beyond the real scope of this project and driven by other initiatives. The other goal is to understand how the Mobile IP standard could be used to provide the roaming architecture that could allow client devices for Traveler Information System such as a laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or in-train panels to maintain a single IP address and roam between multiple networks without losing their connection to the home network, thus eliminating the need to rewrite legacy applications. In order to achieve these goals, it is planned to set up a wireless networkin-motion to build: Secure data communications with seamless mobility independent of location or movement

Advanced IP services and interoperability with standard software High performance in a compact, rugged design for in-train access

Also, to deploy mobilization of internet connection as well as Traveler Information System would require making multi-media content available through wireless devices using preference profiles which can be defined by Composite Capability/Preference Profiles (CC/PP) (see w3.org), and these profiles can be delivered to a proxy server over HTTP. Intelligent Content Transformation of Traveler Information System is proposed by using a technology like World Cruiser from MobileWebSurf (another project participant) (http://www.mobilewebsurf.com) which automatically determines the user agents capabilities at the time of information request and ensures that the content will be transformed correctly for this device in real time. In addition, through the use of the World Cruiser customization tool, the Traveler Information System application provider can tailor content for a specific class of profiles. This technology could make wireless and wired experiences seamless and may involve deployment of WorldCruiser server software which acts as a proxy server between the traveler end user and Internet-based content for Traveler Information System. As such, the best position for placing it anywhere in the chain between the gateway to the device and the original content would be explored or somewhere along with the mobile access router. The server also would need to allow for serialization, such that already converted traveler information content is passed through the subsequent servers; or the subsequent servers can provide additional rules for further transforming the content, to provide the one-stop feeling for the traveler. In addition to the benefits of providing info-centric services, Internet and Wi-Fi connectivity to commuters in trains, this research is expected to provide a major impact on acquisition of knowledge and identification of various issues which would be beneficial for CCJPA and SNCF such as: First and foremost, this would help to blend, in addition to technology, also the funds and effort to develop an RFQ and actually select a concessionaire and establish a mutually beneficial relationship. In a sense, with California taking aggressive steps to establish a relationship with a concessionaire, it may inform the process of establishing expectations in other train systems throughout the world. In another sense, California is doing a real trial of a formal business relationship where wi-fi service between the private sector and the State. The challenge will be to create an environment where the expected shortcomings of this new relationship may be overcome by mutual cooperation. Study of effective communication of mission critical voice, video, and data for commuters in addition to simple e-mail using Mobile Access Routers on a peer-to-peer network formed in a train, a part of ITS Performance comparison and evaluation of various research parameters for use of daily and occasional commuters for the identified scope. Issues of large number of train travelers client devices connected to a mobile access router to use the router IP address for mobility and various implementation and interoperability issues with Service Quality in trains. Demonstrate advantage of the higher speed connectivity that the IEEE802.11a/b/g radio module and 5 GHz client adapter cards provide to power

high-bandwidth traveler information using video streaming, advanced engineering applications and online collaboration for Traffic/Rail Information. Performance comparison of various hardware and software components and networks and their interoperability with various other networks for their appropriate use in trains, for example possible impact of IEEE802.16 standard and third generation (3G) 1xEVDO and UMTS. Scalability issues of the Mobile Network including mobility management and Open Standards for using In-train Network with Wayside infrastructure and Backhaul Network Study of various factors related to Mobility, Inter-city Rail and ITS service network as below: use of open standards capability of growth scope of applications cost of deployment & maintenance data rate & capacity mode of communications coverage area, - financial involvement of companies in the project assuming the technology and the services can increase the productivity of the employees (to be evaluated through surveys) - various business models will be evaluated in light of the potential involvement of employers/employees Safety and security implications

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF WORK

The project intends to set-up Pilot Demonstrations to provide WirelessLAN, Internet connectivity and Info-centric services on the Capitol Corridor trains operated by AMTRAK and other inter-city trains in California as a continuous improvement of train Service using Open Standards with research co-operation to deploy similar experiments for high speed TGV trains operated by SNCF in France and to evaluate the effects and performance measurements of connectivity issues at high-speeds and networks-inmotion across multiple Advanced IP services for clients and travelers in inter-city rail passenger cars. In California the project will focus on the business viability, customer needs as well as the coordination with train security efforts; in France, the project will also study the combination of a satellite access and discontinuous terrestrial sub-network to address high speed rail wireless connectivity issues.

SUMMARY OF OBJECTIVES
To conduct telecom research applied to transportation objectives in order to facilitate the deployment of internet connectivity services to train customers to 6

increase the market share for passenger rail transportation as well as improve train operations, safety and security. Collaborate and integrate effort with safety and homeland security activities to improve the safety and security of train travel To provide seamless high speed mobile Internet access to train customers and operators different networks, e.g. Wi-Fi in the train, and WirelessMAN (802.xx, 802.16, 802.20), cellular, satellite for the link outside the train. Prospective cooperation with French and California transit agencies on this topic and revitalization of local economies To maximize research investments for CCJPA and SNCF through Caltrans and French DoT [12] Cooperation CALFRANCE in order to speed up a commercial deployment phase The cornerstone of the Trains Connected Project is to define, specify and experiment innovative services offered both to passengers and train operators of a running train through a wireless and seamless communication system over different networks, e.g. WiFi in the train, and WirelessLAN (802.xx, 802.16, 802.20), cellular or satellite for the link outside the train. The communication system will secure the connection of the passenger terminals to Internet providing them with all the existing services and in addition with new specific services defined within the project. A high data rate bi-directional link is necessary to offer as many passengers as possible simultaneous access to multimedia services delivered through IPv6 protocol while supporting other high-data rate applications. This link intend to satisfy communication needs of passengers and aims consequently at increasing railway public transport attractiveness as well as comfort feeling of passengers. This type of connectivity can serve as the basis for improved security systems as well as train to infrastructure connectivity for enhanced safety at grade crossings. In addition, this connectivity will improve train operational efficiency in terms of equipment maintainability and even food car supply just in time delivery. The passenger terminals (Laptop, PDA or 2.5/3G mobile phones) will be linked via a wireless LAN (WiFi or other) deployed across the train to an access point which could be considered as a Super Mobile Communication Device from the outdoors of the train. This Super Mobile Communication Device will be connected to the outside transparently through bi-directional satellite and terrestrial links that could be a cellular system (1xRTT, GSM-GPRS, UMTS, IS95, ..), 802.xx, 802.11 or 802.16 links. The terrestrial link will substitute the satellite link when the satellite is not in the line-of-sight of trains or will alternatively provide other ranges of data rates. The transparent handover between the satellite and terrestrial systems will be specified and evaluated in the framework of the project. The combination of these two techniques should enhance dramatically the global system availability and the QoS offered to the end users. The project will support the satellite use in the railway domain. It will evaluate the effects and performance measurements of connectivity issues at high-speeds up to 350

km/h and networks-in-motion across multiple Advanced IP services for clients and travelers in inter-city rail passenger cars. The research will be fully shared among participants from both areas. Nevertheless there will be an emphasis on the California side: to develop a new set of commercially viable services specific to train travelers, opening new social and economic opportunities by allowing full seamless and nomadic user access to new classes of feature rich applications with integration with related train safety and homeland security efforts, and on the French side to: cope with the signal impairments due to high speed by defining a pioneering, high data rate and seamless radio communication system architecture able to offer train traveling passengers wireless access to a variety of new and attractive services contributing to the complementary usage of satellite and terrestrial systems in order to enhance system availability and QoS: Specifying underlying equipment and developing key components such as antennas or specific signal processing. This new service will enhance the safety of trains by providing better connectivity for advance warnings of dangers as well as better communication with grade crossings and other infrastructure. It will enhance safety by providing access to databases for real time registering of passenger, baggage and cargo.

MAJOR TECHNICAL BREAKTHROUGH OF THE PROJECT

COMBINATION OF TERRESTRIAL AND SATELLITE TECHNOLOGIES The most promising solution today is probably the satellite communication systems. Thanks to the absence of specific infrastructure to be placed along the track, the service is potentially available everywhere including the far out areas. The main drawbacks to guarantee connectivity and QoS are due to the satellite visibility due to the occurrence of mask effects related to the specific railways environments (tunnels, cutting, lattice mast supporting the catenary, etc). The Trains Connected Project novel technical approach consists in using the terrestrial infrastructures available to relay the satellite service when necessary. Both technologies are expected to be complementary rather than strictly competing. The innovations of the project lie in the following domains: - Improvement of satellite communication systems with low profile transmit and receive antennas with intelligent pointing capabilities; - Definition of the overall architecture from the passenger seat to the servers connected to the In-Train Access Points as well as Mobile Access Router, Cisco 3200, configured as Work Group Bridges to access wayside and as Access Point to provide Untethered Access for connectivity to Rail-Side Infrastructure which will imply high ROI; - Definition and evaluation of the handovers between satellite and terrestrial systems including any WaySide Infrastructure and Backhaul. This aims at improving the

terrestrial systems deployment. This approach can be also used to improve or to prepare the handover algorithms between the satellite and the terrestrial radio systems. INNOVATION FOR SERVICES The communications system will secure the connection of the passenger terminals to Internet providing them with all standard existing information and entertainment services including video conferences. The data exchanged between the trains and the track may include: - Internet frames; - Digital video streams (video conference, TV.) - Information when arriving at a station; - Targeted information in case of traffic problems - Electronic passenger lists - Electronic manifest - 3200s on the wayside provide perimeter security with IDS & statefull firewall The communication link could be cut due to several problems (incomplete terrestrial coverage and loss of satellite visibility). In order to solve this problem, the communication link between the train and the command centre will be supported by the MOM (Middleware Oriented Messages), which stores messages in case of communication link loss. The messages are delivered to their destination as soon as the link is established again. Cisco specs indicate a Switchover time for the Mobile Access Router 3200, of 100 to 500 msec using a Work Group Bridge. The project may also investigate the feasibility of providing Location Based Services to train passengers. Those services would allow the passengers, either from their own equipment or from fixed information points, to access resources allowing them to plan their stay in the destination city. Services like proximity search (search for hotel, restaurant, car rent), multi-modal itinerary calculation, traffic information could be provided to the passengers.

CONCLUSION AND PROJECT SCHEDULE

This paper provided an overview of the project research and objectives. It also provided an overview of the technology that is considered for the project. However, the California and French teams will be working over the next twelve months to assess train wireless service technologies and business models. It is expected that the research team will seek the participation of industry experts in wireless technology as well as business. The California Department of Transportation and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority will be working with the California Center of Innovative Transportation at the University of California to develop a Request For Qualification that will be used to select potential vendors for this new train service. It is expected that the RFQ will be issued in early to mid 2005. The work under this project will also be coordinated and

used to complement other research efforts that are aimed at improving train safety and security.

REFERENCES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. http://www.berkeley.edu/ http://ww.errac.org http://www.unife.org CalFrance Proposal http://www.amtrakcapitols.com http://www.sncf.com/ http://www.dot.ca.gov/ http://www.cisco.com http://www.francetelecom.com/en/

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