Communication technology that can be used in

railway stations
Possible communications are

Ethernet
Pros :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Fast communication
More used one so less cost
Can be used the same channel for other purposes also
Supply can be transmitted on the same channel
Standard protocols available for data transfer.

Cons:
1. As there will be more platforms and their separation wired communication
may have problems like wire cut, loose connections..etc
2. May have noise problems due to traction and engines.
3. Ethernet do not support not more than 100mts length. There by needs
more repeaters or switches there by costly.
4. Not a rugged connection i.e loose connections and connection failures at
connectors may occur.

485
Pros:
1. Long length support (about 1km)
2. Less cost compared to Ethernet (no need of more repeaters).
3. Multi drop capability allows multiple display boards to connect.
Cons:
1. As there will be more platforms and their separation wired communication
may have problems like wire cut, loose connections..etc
2. May have noise problems due to traction and engines.
3. In multi drop case data transmission at the same time to all display boards
may not be possible if more number of display boards connected in
multidrop.
Optical fiber
Pros:
1. Speed and lossless communication
2. More distance support
3. No traction or emf effects
Cons:

1. Costly
2. Not flexible in cabling. So may need less bends otherwise cable may
damaged.
WiFi
Pros:
1. No wires needed between transmitter and receiver there by any traction
or platform works do not effect communication network (which big
problem for wired network).
2. No initial wire laying cost for network installation.
3. Parallel communication to multiple display boards possible
Cons:
1. Short length communication if omni-direction is needed. There by
needs repeaters.
2. More losses in signal if obstructions are there.
Zigbee:
Pros:
1. No wires needed between transmitter and receiver there by any traction
or platform works do not effect communication network (which big
problem for wired network).
2. No initial wire laying cost for network installation.
3. Long length communication.
Cons:
1. Line of sight needed there by more losses in signal if obstructions
are there.

GSM
Pros:
1. No wires needed between transmitter and receiver there by any traction
or platform works do not effect communication network (which big
problem for wired network).
2. No initial wire laying cost for network installation.
3. Long length communication (until signal supports).
4. No need of line of sight or repeaters.
Cons:
1. Depends on external provider thereby not reliable.
2. Monthly Data costs are extra to the initial costs.

Other communications like below specified are basically not suitable for
their more cons for this situation
232: Very short length communication. (10m)
Satcom : Very costly communication and more data failures
...etc.