Full integration of physics-based propagation models into network protocol design for communication-based train control systems

Communication-based train control (CBTC) systems are new generation rail signaling systems, aimed at achieving train control through wireless communication between the train and a network of access points (APs). The performance of CBTC systems rely significantly on the AP deployment. Previous studies have focused on optimizing AP locations based on received signal strength (RSS). This paper extends this paradigm to evaluate the effect of a given set of AP locations on network protocol design. This approach paves the way for the integration of physics-based optimization and network design for train communication systems by providing insights for further AP optimizations.