Channel Model for Train to Train Communication using the 400 MHz Band

Abstract

This paper presents a channel model for direct train-to-train communication appropriate for the 400 MHz band. Extrapolation of theoretical and experimental results obtained for the planning of other railway communication systems like GSM-R is not obvious due to the difference in frequencies, antenna height and absence of base stations. In this paper, the analysis of the channel model covers different radio phenomena including path loss, Doppler, fading, and delay spread. Concretely we consider three scenarios (train stations, shunting yards and regional networks), for which the propagation channel characteristics are discussed. Furthermore, influence of special railway environments like cuttings which can be found near cities and towns, tunnels and bridges are encountered.