Analysis of information transmission security in the digital railway radio communication system

Abstract

GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications-Railways) is a European radio communication standard developed and used for the railway applications. is a telecommunication structure operating for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and providing digital radio communications between the rail vehicle and the Radio Control Centre, as well as between the personnel members responsible for traffic management (drivers, dispatchers, conductors, rolling stock security employees, etc.). Therefore, the transmission correctness of information determines the train operation safety. The article analyses the factors that constitute a potential source of danger for the information transmission in GSM-R. The possibilities of increasing the transmission security by monitoring the radio signal coverage ratio of the railway line as well as the analysis of the quality factor statistics of the air interface were presented. The system should be also complemented by additional encryption mechanisms of a radio link and signal channels, as well as additional infrastructure elements related to the security provision (e.g. firewall). It is necessary to create a formal security policy (including the records of active and withdrawn terminals, management rules for SIM cards, and Disaster Recovery scenarios) and to integrate the system with other areas, among others, with the switching subsystem monitoring. These activities are designed to provide comprehensive network protection, which contributes to maximum security of the transmitted information. The abstract should summarize the contents of the paper in short terms, i.e. 150–250 words.