Set to be one of the main subjects of our RailTech Belgium conference on March 27 is Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). And the timing just could not be better. Crucially important for the FRMCS, Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies have effectively carried an interoperability device test on a special frequency allocated for 5G train communications in Europe.
This is a breakthrough as Europe gets ready to replace its outdated GSM-R technology by 2030. Using a mobile test platform with Qualcomm’s X85 5G Modem-RF and a unique Ericsson radio prototype, the test comprised the n101 band (1900-1910 MHz) especially set aside for train communications.
Specifically chosen for railroads, this is the first time a FRMCS 1900MHz 5G radio has been tested using a 10MHz TDD channel bandwidth and a unique TDD uplink balanced frame structure. Now that the test went well, FRMCS device modules could be developed and real-world trials could start.
Getting ready for 5G testing across Europe
FRMCS is scheduled to take over from the present GSM-R system running obsolete 2G technology. With 90,000 operational cab radios and more than 130,000 km of track across Europe, the current GSM-R network is fast becoming outdated as the sector moves towards more modern connection.
Turning to 5G NR Standalone lets railroads use 5G Advanced radio access network software, therefore improving performance greatly. This translates for train operators into quicker data speeds, improved dependability, and support for new digital applications.
Ericsson’s efforts on an 8×8 Massive MIMO radio for FRMCS reveal their seriousness towards modernising important railway systems. Early testing between networks and devices will let this tech aid to smooth out the change from the outdated GSM-R system.
Supported by the International Union of Railways (UIC), the next major step is the pan-European MORANE2 studies. Roll-out of FRMCS across European rail networks and enhancement of the sector’s digital capacity depend on these tests, therefore they will be vital.
This Suggests How Rail Might Evolve Going Forward
While Qualcomm’s Vice President of Product Management Sunil Patil praised the “strong collaboration” between the firms, Magnus Packendorff, Head of Mission Critical Networks at Ericsson dubbed the test “a major leap forward” that sets up the MORANE2 trials.
Modernising rail transport will depend on the new FRMCS system, which supports everything from the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and autonomous train control (ATO) to predictive maintenance and fast on-board Wi-Fi.
Difficult moving forward
Although the shift to the “FRMCS” era depends critically on successful 5G tests for railways, several obstacles still exist. Pieter Verlinden, provider of Data & Digital at Belgian infrastructure provider Infrabel, spoke of possible obstacles at a RailTech webinar this week, especially with relation to cross-border compatibility. He says, pointing out the importance of interacting with surrounding networks like those in France, the Netherlands, and Germany, “I predict a lot of problems.”
Ensuring rolling stock compatibility adds complexity; cohabitation of GSM-R and FRMCS during a transitory period adds another layer of complexity. Emphasising the need for significant infrastructure improvements for the denser network, he says, “While ETCS was maybe a small nightmare, I think FRMCS will be worse.”
Forming the backbone of smarter, more efficient rail networks across Europe as the 2030 transition deadline approaches, this digital upgrade marks one of the largest advances to railway communications in decades. The FRMCS changeover will be a major topic of discussion at the conference RailTech Belgium on March 27, with funding, rollout coordination, and leverage of 5G’s promise taking front stage.
