Re:A new way of keeping trains apart uses magnetic signals i...
by Animats on Saturday October 01, 2022 @03:19PM
(#33049208)
> The difficulties with GPS seem over stated.
If anything, they are understated. GPS is so easy to spoof that it should not be used in a vital system.
Most train control systems have two completely separate systems. One keeps trains from running into each other, and the other makes the railroad run efficiently. The first usually depends on brutally simple and fail-safe wayside equipment. The second is based on direction from a control center somewhere. The second system is capable of keeping trains separated on its own, and it's so tempting to get rid of all that wayside safety equipment, with all that gear in trackside boxes needing maintenance visits.
If anything, they are understated. GPS is so easy to spoof that it should not be used in a vital system.
Most train control systems have two completely separate systems. One keeps trains from running into each other, and the other makes the railroad run efficiently. The first usually depends on brutally simple and fail-safe wayside equipment. The second is based on direction from a control center somewhere. The second system is capable of keeping trains separated on its own, and it's so tempting to get rid of all that wayside safety equipment, with all that gear in trackside boxes needing maintenance visits.