What is Open Architecture Train Control?
Open Architecture Train Control (OATC) is based upon an open systems paradigm. It is further based upon open consensus-based IEEE network communications standards and Rail Transit Vehicle Interface Standards to describe a next-generation of network-based train control. OATC applies many of the original goals of AAR’s Advanced Train Control System program and ongoing efforts by US railroads and the rail transit industry to maximize the use of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technology and open systems to next-generation train control. OATC is based upon the use of well-established network communications standards. Increasingly, these standards are being used by suppliers and mandated by railroads and transit properties. Thus, OATC is simply the logical evolution of interconnecting existing open technology systems and applying them to train control. I.e., OATC simply “connects the dots” to existing standards. OATC systems are comprised of objects that communicate over standard communicat
