The Voice Recorder network consists of 23 voice recorders installed at strategic train operational centres across the Rail network such as signal boxes and control centres with the primary objective aim of recording safety critical operational voice traffic between qualified workers in the RailCorp network.
A safety critical communication is any communication which if not delivered or incorrectly delivered, there is a reasonable likelihood of result being:
• Death or serious injury • Health or safety effects
• Significant damage to property or infrastructure
The currently recorded voice traffic is mainly from the control and administration phones of signallers and train controllers and also from the various radio systems such as WB and Train Radio (Metronet/DTRS) which are used for communication between network controllers and train drivers. Other locations/services which are recorded also include Traffic Huts, Emergency Phones, Track Side telephones and other services which are deemed critical to train operations.
The aim of recording is to allow for routine monitoring and auditing of the quality of communication between workers which may be reviewed in case of a safety incident. At the time of writing of this document, the existing Voice Recorder network is being replaced due to obsolescence. The new Voice Recorder network will provide additional functionalities such as recording of VoIP calls and bulk-download of call recordings.
9.2.1 Standards, Specifications and Drawings Document
type
Document Title Document
Number
Specification Network Communications NGE 204 Specification Communications Equipment NGE 230 Specification Spoken and Written communication NPR 721
Specification Safety Critical Communications. SMS-12-OS-0919 Specification Managing Audio Safety Recordings SMS-12-OI-1144 Specification Audio Safety Recordings SMS-12-OI-1145 Drawing New Voice Recorder Network Diagram MET SC 0304
9.2.2 Requirements
It is the responsibility of RailCorp or alternatively the organization developing the new rail corridors to identify activities involving communications which are safety critical and monitoring communications to ensure that they meet the requirements identified above. If there is an existing voice recorder within range of the newly built infrastructure, it may be possible to record the services there. If not, then the organization will be required to install new voice recording infrastructure at the site, this will require the involvement of the ATRO (Audio Technical Research Officer) and also NCCS who are responsible for the design of the Voice Recorder Network.
Currently the new voice recorder network consists of satellite/core architecture with 23 satellite sites being connected to two core servers providing redundancy to the system. Any new installation will require the addition of a new satellite Voice Recorder to the network and the party responsible for developing new rail corridors will need to involve RailCorp’s Communications Engineering – NCCS in the process. Please see New Voice
Recorder Network Diagram – MET SC 0304 for details of existing network architecture. 9.2.2.1 General
All new Voice Recorder Network equipment shall be provided in line with RailCorp’s type- approved equipment as specified in Section 9.2.2.2 below.
After using the guidelines in the referenced standards to determine the safety critical nature of communications and nominating them for recording, all recording and retrieval duties for these newly added services will be entrusted to the ATRO (Audio Technical Research Officer) who is the responsible entity within RailCorp for managing, responding to requests for and retrieving voice recorded traffic from the RailCorp Voice Recorder Network. RailCorp’s Communications Engineering will have design authority for the Voice Recorder Network with the ATRO responsible for managing the operations of those Voice
9.2.2.2 Type Approved Equipment
The type approved equipment for a Voice Recorder unit is the Addcom Recorderlink Pro which includes:
• Voice Recorder Satellite
• Digital Channel Cards (as required) • Analogue Channel Cards (as required)
NCCS Design will be responsible for incorporating the new site into the existing Network. This will involve several processes including but not limited to Network Design, modification of maintenance contract to incorporate new site, site specific design and configuration changes to records to reflect additional services.
9.2.2.3 Integration of new Voice Recorder Unit
Any new Voice Recorder unit installed as part of the new rail line will be required to be integrated into the existing RailCorp Voice Recorder Network.
9.2.2.4 Increase of Channel Capacity
If an existing RailCorp Voice Recorder unit is within the limits of distance to allow additional voice services to be recorded, the Contractor is required to:
Integrate the recording of the new voice services into the existing RailCorp Voice Recorder.
Ensure a minimum 10% spare channel capacity is maintained after the introduction of the additional voice services into the existing Voice Recorder.
Procure additional channel cards to meet the minimum 10% spare capacity requirement after the introduction of the new voice services.
10 Wireless infrastructure
There are three train radio systems currently in use in NSW. They are the MetroNet, CountryNet, and the Local radio system. Each of these systems have been designed to provide a specific functionality that has been optimised to address the different communication needs across the metropolitan area and the regional parts of the NSW radio network. RailCorp uses all the three radio systems to support train operations. MetroNet, owned and managed by RailCorp is a system tailored for the high traffic and demand experienced in the metropolitan areas of NSW. In general, the system covers the electrified area, which extends from Newcastle to Kiama, Macarthur and Lithgow. It provides discrete voice communications between Drivers and Signallers or Drivers and Train Controllers, with provision for drivers to speak to Mechanical Control or Operations Control.
At the time of writing, the MetroNet radio system is in the process of being replaced by the Digital Train Radio System (DTRS). Commissioning of the DTRS is expected to complete around mid 2016 in which by then, Metronet will be decommissioned. Given the average timeframe for design and construction of new rail corridors, no MetroNet requirement is included in this document. DTRS will be the primary requirement for train radio system replacing MetroNet. DTRS requirements are outlined in Section 10.6.
The CountryNet radio system, now managed by ARTC, is optimised for all other areas of the state. CountryNet uses the Optus MobilSat satellite to provide coverage over all the regional areas of the state. The CountryNet radio system is being replaced by ARTC’s National Train Communication System (NTCS).
Local or Without Brakevan (WB) radio is a legacy radio system that has been retained for specific purposes in a variety of configurations. Requirements for WB radio system are outlined in Section 10.7.
In addition to the above three train radio systems, RailCorp also utilise a number of other radio systems for its operation. These are:
• Station Radio System – Section 10.8.Error! Reference source not found. • Yard/Shunting Radio System – Section 10.9.
• Worksite Radio System • GRN – Section 10.10.
As specified in TMM P095 – Worksite Communication Procedures document, the primary communication system for trackside workers is the GRN while the Worksite Radio system provides secondary communication channels for trackside workers. Upon introduction of DTRS, it is expected that DTRS will provide communication facility for trackside workers therefore no specific requirements for Worksite Communication System is included for new rail corridors.
Both GRN and Police Radio systems coverage are required within tunnels and underground section of the rail corridor as specified in ESC 340 - Tunnels Engineering Standard. As RailCorp Security and Transit officers are the primary GRN users within RailCorp, requirement for GRN coverage outside these areas is to be consulted with both the GRN system owners and RailCorp Security. Requirement for Police radio system coverage is to be consulted with NSW Police.
10.1 General Requirements
10.1.1 Standards, Specifications and Drawings
Documenttype
Document Title Document
Number
Standard Tunnels Engineering Standard ESC 340
10.1.2 Requirements
10.1.2.1 Wireless Subsystem Integration
Each wireless subsystem shall be integrated into existing radio networks and operational control as required.
10.1.2.2 Coverage
All Wireless systems shall be capable of establishing calls and effect reliable and clear communications between users over any section of track and within the station areas as defined within each wireless subsystem.
Coverage prediction and link budget calculations with indicative signal strength shall be provided for at the design stage of the wireless system.
As per Section 9.9 of ESC 340 – Tunnels Engineering Standard, The following communication systems shall be provided in the tunnel:
• GRN • Police Radio
• Mobile Phone network
10.1.2.3 Frequency Planning
Detailed frequency planning including identification, selection and application of frequencies through ACMA shall be arranged in consultation with RailCorp, Police and the GRN owner as applicable.
10.1.2.4 Intermodulation Study
Intermodulation studies on all frequencies sharing a common antenna shall be provided at the design stage.
10.1.2.5 Compatibility
The DTRS, WB radio, Station Radio, Yard Radio, GRN and Police Radio systems shall be compatible with existing operational system, equipment, and remote control functions.
10.1.2.6 Remote control functions
Remote control functions and configurations will be the responsibility of RailCorp, the GRN owner and the NSW Police Service.
10.1.2.7 Signal strength
Signal strength measurements for voice and voice quality checks and on intended coverage areas for each wireless system shall be performed as per the specification of each wireless system. Results of signal strength and voice quality checks shall be provided to RailCorp for approval. Data BER tests shall also be conducted and submitted for RailCorp’s review.
10.1.2.8 Signal quality
Voice quality on radios shall be clear and free from noise and interference. Refer to the relevant section on specific coverage and signal quality requirements for each radio/wireless system
10.1.2.9 Documentation
Design, test and as-built documentation shall be submitted to RailCorp’s Communications Engineering for comments and approval.
10.1.2.10 Acceptance testing
RailCorp, GRN, Police and relevant stakeholder’s representatives shall witness Site Acceptance Test on the relevant wireless systems. Stakeholders are to approve scope of witnessing activities.
10.1.2.11 Compliance with fire regulations
All items used in underground tunnel, stations and equipment rooms shall be low smoke, low toxicity and zero halogen.
10.1.2.12 Compliance with substance regulations
Dangerous materials and substances shall not be used.
10.1.2.13 Compliance with EMI/EMC Standard
Radio/wireless system equipment shall be designed to the relevant EMI/EMC standards and shall not interfere with itself and other equipment in the vicinity.
10.1.2.14 Availability
Unless specified for the particular radio/wireless system, in general radio/wireless system availability shall exceed 99.95%.
Documentation is to be provided to support the systems availability including reliability analysis such as Reliability Block Diagrams.
10.1.2.15 Equipment supply
Where RailCorp has type-approved equipment or component for particular radio / wireless system, supply of new equipment / component shall be sourced from the RailCorp type-approved list.
Where the proposed equipment or component is not one of the RailCorp type-approved equipment, standard reliable commercial-off-the-shelf components meeting the requirement specification for the particular wireless system shall be used where possible.
10.1.2.16 Spares
Spare equipment shall be provided to allow the equipment to be returned to service by on site replacement of modules. Factors such as the length of time for module repair and critically of modules shall be considered in determining the number of spares to be provided.
10.1.2.17 Network Management and Monitoring
All Wireless infrastructure shall be monitored in band or out-of-band by Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and be integrated with Managenet and the Rail Technology Operations Centre (RTOC) monitoring systems. Where a standard SNMP interface is not available monitoring shall be provided by Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). All wireless infrastructure equipment shall be capable to be managed remotely either in- band or out-of-band. Where possible, remote management interfaces shall be IP- compatible.
10.1.2.18 Antennas
Wireless infrastructure Antenna Systems shall comply with Australian and RailCorp standards and specifications (See Section 10.2).
10.1.2.19 RF EME Site Compliance
The party responsible for implementation is to prepare all necessary RF EME assessment and compliance documentations for any new radio/wireless infrastructure site built or if any alterations are made on an existing wireless infrastructure site arrangement.
10.1.2.20 Power and location
Radio/wireless infrastructure is to be provided in telecommunication equipment rooms in radio/Wireless infrastructure specific cabinet/s.
Wireless Infrastructure equipment rooms shall be as specified in Section 4.1. Wireless Infrastructure equipment cabinets shall be as specified in Section 4.3.
Wireless infrastructure shall be powered by the telecommunications equipment room power supply as specified in Section 4.4 and any wireless infrastructure specific requirements detailed in following Sections.