5G technology for next-generation wireless consist networks in railways

Currently, internal communications in trains are based on wired networks to provide Ultra-reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) for control and monitoring systems. However, these wired infrastructures are expensive to implement and maintain. Wireless Consist Networks (WLCN) can be a solution to this problem. Particularly, 5th Generation (5G) networks are considered one of the best options to support URLLC. This paper analyzes the use of 5G technology for a Wireless Consist Network (WLCN), as a replacement for the current wired network inside train consists. The goal of this analysis is to calculate which 5G configurations are capable of supporting the worst case of the required train backbone traffic. Obtained results indicate that 5G is a potential technology for sensor and end devices communication in the WLCN.