ATCS network management: a design strategy

Network management includes those activities that monitor and control the use of communications resources. A strategy for designing a network management system for the Advanced Train Control System (ATCS) is addressed. ATCS is being developed under the direction of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC). The network management system described is a proposed system for inclusion in North American railroads as they implement an ATCS subnetwork. The design of the network is focused on enabling the railroads to improve the operation and maintenance of an ATCS communications system while assuring that the ATCS system remains cost effective