Application-layer overlay networks for communication-based train control systems

Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) is a train control system that uses radio communication to exchange information between trains and a central control station. As an inherently time-critical application, CBTC imposes stringent requirements on communication availability and latency. In this paper, we propose to enhance the communication availability in CBTC systems with Application-layer Service Overlay Network (ASON) technology. We show that ASONs can facilitate the switchover from the CBTC infrastructure network to a backup network with alternative communication paths. We employ Application-layer Service Overlay Network (ASON) technology to facilitate the switchover between the CBTC infrastructure network and a backup network. We conduct measurement experiments to evaluate whether the switchover delay to an ASON over an LTE network can satisfy the delay and bandwidth requirements of a time-critical train control application.