The development and current status of wireless communication systems for train-to-ground and train-to-train in urban rail transit

This paper explores in depth the development history, current status, challenges, and future trends of wireless communication systems for train-to-ground and train-to-train in urban rail transit. The train-to-ground communication system enables real-time data transmission between trains and the control center through the collaboration of onboard and ground devices, ensuring safe train operation; the train-to-train communication system focuses on direct information exchange between trains, optimizing operational efficiency. Communication systems have evolved from early dedicated channels, analog clusters, to modern WLAN, LTE-M, and the introduction of 5G technology, continuously upgrading to meet the growing operational demands. However, issues such as limited spectrum resources, multi-mode compatibility, anti-jamming capability, system reliability, network security, and construction and maintenance costs remain to be addressed. In the future, the deeper application of 5G technology, multi-mode integration, intelligent operation and maintenance, network slicing, and the integration of cloud platforms and big data technologies will drive the system toward greater efficiency and intelligence, providing strong support for the modernization of rail transit.