Error Detection and Reconfigurationin Reliable Ethernet Train Networks

Abstract

In this paper, a novel reconfiguration technique is developed in the context of a fault-tolerant Networked Control System (NCS) in two train wagons. All sensors, controllers and actuators in both wagons are connected on top of a single Gigabit Ethernet network. The network also carries wired and wireless entertainment loads. A Markov model is used to prove that this reconfiguration technique reduces the effect of a failure in the error detection and switching mechanisms on the reliability of the control function. All calculations are based on closed-form solutions and verified using the SHARPE software package.