5GRAIL fulfilled its objectives, as a successful first FRMCS demonstrator, considering the FRMCS v1 specifications and the available 3GPP standards for the 5G SA end -to-end architecture and MCX features (R16 and pre-R17).
5GRAIL has developed FRMCS protypes, mainly the On-Board FRMCS Gateway and also for the critical applications (Voice including REC (Railway Emergency Communication), ETCS, ATO) and also TCMS and Video as well as a tailor-made pre-FRMCS chipset supporting RMR band. All these prototypes have been successfully tested in two labs in Hungary, led by Nokia and in France, led by Kontron but also in field conditions with train runs in two tes beds in Germany and France.
As per 5GRAIL test plan, prototypes have been tested with railway operational use cases and also train performance testing, as possible, considering that the end-to-end architecture is encompassing prototypes and the definition of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for FRMCS was an on-going activity in the FRMCS specifications’ Working Groups, to be considered within FRMCS v2 specifications.
The main principles and features of FRMCS have been validated, as listed below:
• Future proofness: TOBA designed with decoupling of applications and telecom, as per FRMCS v1 specifications
• 5G NR Spectrum (with RMR bands: n101 (1900MHz TDD), and n8 (900MHz FDD), and n78 (3.7GHz TDD), as 5G PMNO bands)
• MCX features: validated, with current products and mechanisms
• QoS: tested for both MCPTT and MCData, with current available products and mechanisms
• Combined Applications over same TOBA: successfully tested (in GSM-R, we use different radios for Voice and ETCS). QoS also tested in scenarios with separated or combined applications of different services.
• Cybersecurity: Local binding (OBapp) and e2e TLS (TOBA and ATO application)
• Cross-border: Two solutions considered, the 2x5GUEs implementation already included in FRMCS v2 specifications. Major building blocks of the 1x5GUE solution have also been successfully tested in Nokia’s lab.
• Bearer flexibility tested both as multi-connectivity and multi-access.
5GRail has offered valuable input to FRMCS but also 3GPP/ETSI specifications, and many lessons learnt for future FRMCS trials.
As a reminder, 5GRAIL received innovation recognition from the EC, for the following items:
• FRMCS tailor-made 5G Module (1900 – 1910 MHz TDD)
• 5G FRMCS – GSM-R interworking
• Cyber Security architecture for the MC over 5G ATO application