1989 – July – Kelly – Communications – The Key to Modern Railway Signalling Sytems

G. K. Kelly, B.Sc, B.E.Hons Project Manager, Railway Communications, Applied Technology Systems, Telecom Australia This paper discusses the central role of communications in Railway Signal and Control systems such as ATCS, and for Railway operations in general. The principles applied in provision of a state of the art digital communications system for the Trans Australian Railway for Australian National, which incorporates optical fibre and mobile voice and ATCS data transmission, are used as an example. Measures to meet the specific need of signals and high availability are highlighted. Future directions and needs for Railway communications, and the advantages of standardization are discussed.