Handover performance test and analysis in TD-LTE based CBTC train ground communication systems

Most of the existing urban rail CBTC train ground communication systems are based on Wireless Local Networks (WLAN) technologies. With frequency interference and the increase of train speed, WLAN is incapable of meeting the requirements of CBTC train ground communication systems. Time Division-Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) technology begins to be considered in urban rail transit systems. In this paper, we first design a TD-LTE based urban rail CBTC train ground communication systems, the handover procedure and handover requirements according to CBTC system principle are analyzed next. For verifing whether the designed TD-LTE based system meet the handover performance demands when trains travel in high speed CBTC systems, a laboratory test environment and a real field test environment are set up. Massive test results show that the handover performance of TD-LTE based urban rail CBTC train ground communication systems meets the demands of urban rail transit systems.