A Structured Standardization-Oriented Approach to Modular Railway Monitorization

Better railway infrastructures, faster trains, and safer transportation of people and goods are a must.Nevertheless, despite considerable advancement in standardization, communications, sensing equipment, programmability, and data representation, monitoring of railway systems is still a daunting task, relying on closed solutions, tailored for each specific case.This paper provides a brief overview of the state-of-the-art of railway communication standards, instrumentation, and monitoring, highlighting the benefits and limitations.Additionally, it proposes a way forward that can open new perspectives for open, modular, and effective railway monitorization, with a high potential impact on the railway industry.