A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS TO ENHANCE RAILWAY NETWORK OPERATIONS SYSTEMS

Abstract

For decades, the railway infrastructure has been a pillar of the transportation infrastructure through its connection of towns and enabling the movement of people and freight on a worldwide scale. Railways have revolutionized transit from the earliest steam-powered locomotives to the latest high-speed trains. Today's railways are still developing due to technological improvements, with a focus on improving sustainability, efficiency, and safety. In the railway industry, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) play a crucial role in addressing concerns such as security, safety, and traffic flow. These networks consist of sensors that gather real-time data to monitor current conditions, which accelerates decision-making and facilitates real-time monitoring, increasing efficiency. This review explores the fundamentals of wireless sensor networks i.e., characteristics of some of the most popular wireless communication technologies (Zigbee, Wi-Fi, GSM-R, LTE, Bluetooth, etc.), network topologies (star, mesh, tree, etc.) and the structure of the sensor nodes. Further, this paper also surveys the different types of wireless sensors used to monitor and detect faults in railway infrastructure (trains, tracks, bogies, wagons, and signaling infrastructure) and their applications. This paper outlines the benefits of integrating wireless sensors with railway infrastructures in crucial systems like signaling, traction, train control systems, etc., highlighting their advantages and challenges. In conclusion, WSN plays a major role in enhancing train and traction control safety, security, and efficiency.