In order to harmonise the different train control systems deployed in Europe and to optimise traffic efficiency by dynamic train control, the International Union of Railway introduced the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). It relies on two major components: the GSM-R (GSM-Railway) sub-system which ensures wireless communications between the train and the control centre and the functional sub-system identified as the European Train Control System (ETCS), which ensures train control by defining the signalling exchanged with control centres via the GSM-R technology.

The deployment of ERTMS is mandatory along European Railway corridors through a long and expensive process. Meanwhile, both subsystems may be subject to evolutions. The impact of these evolutions should be evaluated prior to their implementation. Thus, there is a need for faster roll-out and reduction in cost for the certification and authorisation necessary to put equipment into service. One of the solutions to accelerate the process relies on making intensive use of lab-testing before real deployment. In the existing ERTMS simulators, all major ETCS functionalities are implemented, but the telecommunication subsystem is not actually modelled. As a consequence, no impairments on the communication technology can be taken into account for the system evaluation.