Novel Approach for Virtual Coupling of Trains Using Different Modulation and Coding Schemes

This paper examines different modulation and coding schemes (MCS) as well as two antenna concepts for wireless communication at 2.4 GHz for future rail traffic applications. In particular, the virtual coupling of two rail vehicles confronts the rail industry with massive challenges regarding communications technology. Data rates above 50 Mbit/s at extremely low error rates need to be realized. Our examinations cover coding schemes such as 16 QAM up to 1024 QAM, enabling a maximum data transfer rate of 240 Mbit/s. The results indicate in which way antenna arrangements and beam alignments affect the signal quality and what MCS fulfills the train environment requirements best. Finally, the identified setup is selected and a recommendation for further research activities and tests on a rail vehicle in operation is made.