Serial-To-Ethernet Devices an Inexpensive Upgrade

The communication section of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA’s) existing Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) system was failing. The SONET system utilized a Plain Old Telephone Service (Modem/POTS/T1) to communicate Train Control, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) indications, and controls from the related field equipment to the Rail Service Control Center (RSCC). When the SONET failed RSCC would lose indications, and controls for large sections of the system, which caused large areas of the RSCC’s graphic display to “go dark”. MARTA Systems Engineering received two directives from Management to (1) stabilize the existing system and (2) provide a back-up system at a remote location. First, a theory was developed to tunnel serial protocols over Ethernet utilizing two Serial-to-Ethernet Ethernet devices (Terminal Server) that would replace existing communications (Modem/POTS/T1). Next, a Serial-to-Ethernet device had to be selected, and tested. The device had to be reliable, economical, and easily configured. In conclusion, two different terminal servers were utilized; Train Control used a Lantronix UDS1100, and SCADA a Perle IOLAN DS1. Because the Train Control and SCADA communication is now on an Ethernet network, MARTA was able to build a Back-Up Control Center.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.apta.com/mc/rail/previous/2013/papers/Papers/HernandezV-StewartH-JenkinsJ-Serial-To-Ethernet-Devices-an-Inexpensive-Upgrade.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract used with permission from American Public Transportation Association.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transportation Association

  1666 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
  Washington, DC  United States  20006
• Authors:
  • Hernandez, Victor
  • Jenkins, James
  • Stewart, Hildridge
• Conference:
  • 2013 Rail Conference
  • Location: Philadelphia PA, United States
  • Date: 2013-6-2 to 2013-6-5
• Publication Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos;
• Pagination: 9p
• Monograph Title: 2013 Rail Conference

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic train control; Communication systems; Ethernet; Rapid transit; SONET
• Identifier Terms: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
• Uncontrolled Terms: Backup systems; Supervisory control and data acquisition
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Public Transportation; Railroads; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01502471
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 24 2013 1:09PM