Railway Communication System Redundancy via Dual Network Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in railway vehicles lack sufficient resilience against failures of network equipment or terminals, leading to potential disruptions in critical communications.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing two physically separate networks with functionally equivalent and simultaneously operational terminal modules, prioritizing communications and providing redundancy to ensure continuous operation even in case of failures, combining digital and analog networks for enhanced reliability and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication network is used in railway vehicles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability against failures of network equipment or terminals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two physically separate communication networks (first and second networks) with distinct infrastructure. This segmentation allows failures in one network not to propagate to the other, thereby improving resilience against failures while maintaining manageable complexity through modular network design
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of network physical separation by implementing two physically distinct communication networks rather than a single shared network. This parameter change enables independent operation and failure isolation, improving reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity
2Reliability
If standby functional modules are used for redundancy, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time for activation during failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both functional modules are configured to be simultaneously operational rather than using standby modules that need activation. The failover capability is prepared in advance with both modules active, eliminating the time delay associated with activating standby modules when failures occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping both functional modules operational simultaneously. This ensures that communication functionality continues without interruption or time loss, as one module is already active and can immediately take over if the other fails
3Reliability
If both functional modules are simultaneously operational, then the failover time is reduced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts energy consumption by allowing selective deactivation of one functional module when the other is determined to be functioning normally. This dynamic adjustment reduces energy consumption while maintaining immediate failover capability, as the active module can be switched if needed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a communication system for use in a railway vehicle, comprising: a first communication network (10) and a second communication network (20), the communication networks (10, 20) using physically separate communication media; and a plurality of communication terminals (100, 200), each connected to both communication networks (10, 20). The communication system is adapted to prioritize communications from the communication terminals (100, 200) over the communication networks (10, 20) according to at least two levels of service. A first communication terminal (100) comprises a first functional module (110) and a second functional module (120), the functional module (110, 120) being functionally equivalent, the first functional module (110) being adapted to interface with the first communication network (10) and the second functional module (120) being adapted to interface with the second communication network (20). The functional modules (110, 120) are configured to be simultaneously operational.