Wireless Communication for VRE Trains and VRE Stations
Introduction
Wireless communications is a rapidly growing segment of the communications industry, with
the potential to provide business organizations real-time quality information exchange between
portable devices located anywhere in the world. In the past, VRE has discussed the benefit of VRE
passengers having wireless capability accessible from their laptops and other devices. However, other
applications enabled by this technology can also benefit VRE operations and should be considered as
part of any implementation strategy. An overview of the technology solutions is provided below.
Technology Solutions
There are multiple ways to offer wireless communications using present technology. Four
options are identified and described below.
Satellite communication - provides coverage to areas where it would be too costly to build a
network. While this may be a solution for remotely located areas such as VRE train stations and
some areas where CSX tracks are run, satellite towers must be available for this technology to allow
communications between two nodes.
Cellular communication – the most common technology being used by mobile phones and
devices. These are also sometimes referred to as 3G or 4G technology using Code Division Multiple
Access (CDMA) cards. This approach may also be the cheapest and most cost effective among the
options described in this document. While service providers are continuously looking for ways to
improve the speed of transmission using cellular service, the limitation in bandwidth and usage is
still considered as a known restriction by many organizations offering this option to multiple users.
Bluetooth communication – presently being used as the form of communications between
wireless devices such as keyboards, mice, and phones.
WiMax communication – similar to mesh networks where access points must be available at a
set distance along the route where wireless communications is required. However, this solution may
not be cost-effective because of the high infrastructure cost involved for the installation of access
points along the railroad tracks.
Proposed Methodology for VRE Rolling Stock and Train Stations
For organizations without WiMax or satellite infrastructure already in place, the least costly
method to providing wireless communication is a router device that will allow CDMA cards running
3G/4G/LTE cellular services as the Internet source. CDMA routers can currently hold up to 16 CDMA
cards subscribed to the same or multiple service providers and can provide redundancy and high
availability of services. When signal strength and bandwidth are reduced, the card with the best signal
takes over providing service. For VRE train stations, a router with 2 to 4 CDMA cards subscribed to the
provider with the best service in that area should be sufficient. For VRE rolling stock, where signals vary
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due to train movement, 8 to 10 mixed cards from different providers should enable continued wireless
communication services.
The CDMA router would be installed in the cab car. Each trailer would require an access point
for communication with the router. The access points would provide the wireless signal to the receiving
devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc). A caching media server would also work with the router to
enable cached content that is accessed by multiple customers at the same time. Since the data is cached
or saved in the media server, repeated attempts to download the same data is unnecessary, reserving
bandwidth resources for new content such as VPN and corporate secure connections.
Guest Internet with Multimedia
Wireless communication will allow VRE passengers to surf the Internet and access corporate
email and files. Additionally, access to low-bandwidth content, such as news and other daily tickers will
be allowed. However, large video and audio files that require constant streaming over the Internet will
be restricted to maximize the available bandwidth. In order for VRE passengers to enjoy some video and
music content, customers will be able to connect to a limited selection of video and music media
content that will be uploaded to a media server during non-service hours. This will help reduce the
utilization of bandwidth and reserve usage of bandwidth to customers accessing corporate resources
and web content that do not require high data streams.
Cost - The following cost estimates are based on pricing for the entire VRE fleet provided by router
vendors with Verizon as the Internet Service Provider (as of June 2011).
Total Infrastructure Cost - $1.434 M (non-recurring)
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Routers - $630,000
Access Points - $504,000
Network Operating Center - $100,000
Installation - $200,000
Total Annual cost – $230,000
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ISP Annual Subscription - $70,000
Equipment Annual Maintenance - $160,000
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Other Wireless Projects for Consideration
The ability to communicate quickly and effectively is necessary to provide the best customer
service. If wireless technology is pursued for passenger use, there are also several project opportunities
that should be considered for operational benefit as well.
Positive Train Control (PTC)
Positive Train Control is being implemented along the CSX and the NS tracks that VRE uses for
service. Prior to October 2008, PTC systems were voluntarily installed by various carriers. However, the
Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 has mandated the widespread installation of PTC by 2015. PTC
refers to technology that is capable of preventing train-to-train collisions, over speed derailments, and
casualties or injuries to roadway workers operating within their limits of authority as a result of
unauthorized incursion by a train. PTC is also capable of preventing train movements through a switch
left in the wrong position. One of the major requirements for this technology is wireless communication
between the train and the transponders located on the tracks, which communicates to the monitoring
and dispatch center. Currently, carriers are testing CDMA and radio frequency as communication
platforms for rolling stock.
Cost - TBD
Central Diagnostic System (CDS)
The latest VRE locomotives, manufactured by Motive Power, are designed to include a
centralized diagnostic system that allows real-time system diagnostic and reporting capabilities. This
monitoring tool is designed to provide real-time information on the health of the locomotive and most
of the major system components being utilized during service. While this tool can operate offline
through direct downloads using local connectivity at the yards, the intent of having real-time
information transfer can only be accomplished with continuous and constant communication.
Presently, low bandwidth modems are installed in the locomotives to allow limited real-time
information to be relayed to VRE. However, this data then only includes locomotive diagnostic
information. The full potential of CDS, and the ultimate goal of receiving real-time diagnostic
information for the entire train consist, can only be achieved if wireless communication is implemented
on the entire fleet.
Cost - TBD
Unified Messaging System (UMS)
VRE uses two different messaging systems for VRE trains and stations. Each system is capable of
delivering visual and audible messages using interfaces designed for the individual systems. The
messages displayed at train stations on LCD displays are operated by VRE personnel at headquarters and
the messages displayed on board VRE trains on scrolling LED displays are operated by Keolis personnel
on the trains. Since there are two sources of operating groups, the messages being delivered to VRE
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customers are not always perfectly in sync. The system at VRE headquarters, called TRIP, could be
designed to integrate with the messaging system installed on the VRE fleet using wireless
communication to connect both systems. A unified messaging system will ensure that identical
information is provided to VRE customers on the trains and on the platforms. Additionally, this would
reduce the onboard responsibilities of conductors and assistant conductors, allowing them to perform
other duties more efficiently during crucial periods.
Cost - TBD
Fare Collections
The current fare collection system requires customers to purchase and validate paper tickets at
train stations prior to boarding the train. These tickets are visually inspected by conductors and assistant
conductors during travel between destination stops. New fare collection technology, when used with
wireless communications, would allow paperless transactions through mobile phones and re-loadable
radio frequency (RF) cards. The use of paperless fare collection systems would reduce costs related to
physical ticket vending machines such as maintenance, mechanical parts and accessories such as paper
tickets. These cards or mobile phones can be inspected by the train crew with the use of handheld
scanner devices that communicate with a pre-loaded static database or a real-time database that is
accessible on the handheld device.
Cost - TBD
Enhanced Visual Message System (VMS)
As noted above, VRE is currently delivering static (fixed) on time and delay information at train
stations using a customized application called TRIP. In addition to the static information, TRIP is capable
of displaying 5 lines of dynamic messages in cases where more detailed emergency and safety
instructions must be delivered to VRE customers. When combined with wireless communications, VRE’s
VMS would be enhanced to display additional information such as a rail map with real-time train
location, similar to what is currently being offered on the VRE website, and current weather information
pulled from weather Internet sites. Since TRIP can be integrated with the rolling stock VMS, the same
information can be delivered on board VRE trains equipped with wireless communication.
Cost - TBD
Leased Communication Infrastructure
VRE’s existing VMS and fare collection systems are currently using leased communication
services with Verizon. Leased lines at VRE stations use infrastructure that was installed over 30 years
ago. Copper wires that are inside buried conduit tend to corrode and get flooded over time, reducing
reliability. Wireless communications could reduce the use of Verizon’s existing physical infrastructure
and help improve the reliability of communication connectivity throughout the organization.
Cost - TBD
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Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing could be displayed on VRE’s existing visual message systems (VMS). Digital
marketing and wireless communication would simplify the processes involved in current marketing
practices by using digital media rather than traditional poster advertising that require human
intervention and significant billable time. New advertising content in multimedia format would be
uploaded to the system more quickly and in real-time, allowing for the possibility of increased revenue
sources.
Cost – TBD
Budget Information
No funds have been identified to-date for any wireless communications projects. If the Operations
Board would like to pursue funding, any of these projects could be included in the priority setting for the
development of the FY 2014 budget and the amendment of the FY 2013 budget.
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