Workstream 1: Development of a future proof telecom architecture including all necessary network elements (TRL7):

Telecommunication equipment, compliant with FRMCS specifications and ready for integration and testing:

• core network telecom elements compliant with 3GPP 5G Stand-Alone;
• 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and related access elements managing FRMCS frequencies;
• IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) and/or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) elements, as per FRMCS Specifications;
• MCX servers and clients in all relevant network elements;
• application servers, typically for voice services;
• IP addressing compliant to FRMCS Specifications;
• Railway trackside gateways with all specified FRMCS interfaces;
• On-board TOBA with all specified FRMCS interfaces (OBapp, OBom, OBrad, etc.), multi-frequency capabilities and multipath capabilities;
• Dispatchers with hybrid (GSM-R / FRMCS) capabilities;
• Voice cabs with hybrid (GSM-R / FRMCS) capabilities;
• Registration telecom systems (SIM Cards or equivalent).

FRMCS-ready signalling equipment (or simulators, able to reproduce behavior):

• • ETCS compliant with OBapp interface and FRMCS-ETCS defined protocols (SS 037);
  • Interface to Key Management System (Subset-137);
  • ATO GoA1/2, with compliant OBapp interface and FRMCS-ATO defined protocols.

The validation of Cab Radios to the applicable version of FRMCS Specifications and/or other relevant technical specifications including TOBA interfaces.

The assessment of adapted antennas to equip trains for testing, based on outcomes from other projects.

The adaptation to FRMCS system of monitoring solutions (voice / ETCS), to be used during test runs.

Workstream 2: Testing of key functions (TRL 7):

• The integration at on-board level and infrastructure level of all above-mentioned equipment.
• The definition of a comprehensive list of tests (in view of its execution in this call topic), in line with Chapter 5 of the CCS TSI:
  • Conformance testing for all equipment.
  • Functional testing in laboratory condition:
    • Local systems (network attachment, local binding, security credentials, etc.);
    • End-to-end entities and items (FRMCS System);
    • More globally, the complete functional testing of all these products as per FRMCS V2 Specifications.
  • Functional testing in field condition:
    • Conventional line test runs;
    • High-speed test runs;
    • Interworking for GSM/R (Voice);
    • ETCS Transition scenario (GSM-R to FRMCS and FRMCS to GSM-R);
    • The testing in “real” conditions of FRMCS / GSM-R coexistence (trackside / on-board):
    • Frequency management (Change of FRMCS frequencies 900 (N100) / 1900 (N101) / MNO/ other) between 2 networks –
    • Cross-borders scenarios for the various mission critical services (Voice and Data)
      • Breakdown simulations / Degraded Modes;
    • More globally, the complete functional testing of all these products as per FRMCS V2 Specifications.
• A precise and complete campaign of measures (conventional line, high-speed line and cross border conditions) to define radio parameters ensuring the required qualities of service (preparing the evolution of SS-093 /O-2475 evolutions), including mitigation of potential impacts from interferences.
• Interoperability testing between manufacturers: the following elements should be tested:
  • Network provider 1 / Network provider 2 (at level of network elements, typically core and access);
  • On-board provider 1 / Network provider 2;
  • On-board provider 1 / Trackside gateway provider 2;
  • MCX Client /MCX Server.

Workstream 3: Validation and return on experience:

The Flagship Project stemming from this topic is expected to provide a return on experience from the laboratory and in field tests and provide detailed feedback, which will be used to conclude a release of specifications for the next EU railway communication system. Coordination with the EU-Rail System pillar (and ERA through it) is required. It will also leverage outcomes and results in the context of standardisation by submitting the results to the appropriate standardization organizations such as ETSI, 3GPP etc, to work towards the evolution of 5G in the right direction. This part will necessitatea strong partnership between the communication/networking industrial stakeholders and the railway use case industrial actors.