CCS: a railway corridor control system utilizing ultra wideband radio technology

Ultra wide band (UWB) radio is a unique technology, which combines a megabit wireless local area network with a centimeter-resolution radiolocation (RADAR) capability over, distances less than 100 meters. A linear chain of UWB nodes can be used to create a hop-by-hop data transmission network, which also forms a RADAR "corridor" along the chain. By co-locating such a chain of nodes along a railroad right-of-way, precise information on the location and velocity of trains could be distributed throughout the corridor. In addition, the radar corridor would detect the introduction of track obstacles such as rocks, people, and automobiles, as well as shifted loads and other high-wide train defects. Finally, the network of nodes would enable off-train communications with payload sensors, locomotive computers, and could also provide wireless connectivity for passenger service.