Rail Access Network Selection Using User Density Forecasts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for seamless train-to-ground communication in rail transport fail to account for the specific characteristics of rail travel, such as precise knowledge of the train's trajectory, travel parameters, and user density, leading to potential network congestion and service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting an access network that calculates a potential user density score for available networks, compares it with a threshold, and configures the communication link based on this score, considering the specificities of rail travel to optimize connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quality measures (bandwidth, latency) are used for network selection, then network performance can be optimized, but network resources are consumed and measurement time is excessive for moving vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores quality metrics (bandwidth, latency, user density) for multiple access networks at different geographic locations before the vehicle reaches them. This preliminary action allows the system to have measurement data ready when needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time measurements during vehicle movement and ensuring continuous communication without interruption.
2Measurement precision
If real-time network measurements are performed, then accurate network quality data can be obtained, but network resources are consumed and the process is too slow for dynamic vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs network quality measurements and stores results in advance at various geographic locations along the vehicle's route. When the vehicle approaches these locations, the pre-measured data is used for network selection, eliminating the need for repeated real-time measurements and reducing network resource consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of network quality data from ground-based networks and stores it in the onboard system. This copied data can be used for network selection decisions without requiring additional real-time measurements, thus preserving network resources while providing accurate quality information for dynamic vehicle environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard hybrid communication methods are used, then basic connectivity can be maintained, but specific rail travel characteristics (trajectory, user density) are not utilized to optimize connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the network selection criteria to specific rail travel contexts. It incorporates local factors such as train trajectory, station locations, platform user density, and nearby train information to make network selection decisions. This localized approach improves both adaptability to rail-specific conditions and reliability of connectivity by considering factors unique to the rail environment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for selecting an access network for establishing a communication link between radio communication equipment (101) installed in a railway vehicle (100) and ground-based radio communication equipment (110, 141, 142) when the railway vehicle's radio communication equipment (111) is connected to a plurality of access networks (131, 132, 133) enabling it to establish the communication link. It includes calculating a potential user density score associated with said access networks and using this potential user density score when making a decision regarding the configuration of the communication link. The invention also relates to radio communication equipment, a system, and a computer program for implementing the access network selection method.