This study evaluates video communication between a train and a control room, based on using standard readily available equipment and software, including GoPro camera and Microsoft Teams. The purpose is to investigate the use of cost efficient equipment for use on regional railways, with special focus on remote driving as a backup solution for automatic train operation (ATO) GoA 3 or 4. The study is a part of the FP6 FutuRe project in Europe`s Rail, funded by the European Commission.

Initial testing was conducted in controlled laboratory environments, followed by trials on two actual vehicles: a fully operational Tram in Trondheim and a test train in Link ̈oping, Sweden. Multiple tests were conducted at each location to establish a comprehensive understanding of various metrics and results, including camera evaluations, network speed assessments, latency measurements, and video streaming trials. The streaming tests mainly examined two scenarios: 1) Wired: using the GoPro as a webcamera during a Microsoft Teams meeting, and 2) Wireless: streaming directly from the GoPro. The integration of GoPro and Teams emerged as the most favourable solution, demonstrating the best performance in several ways.

Latency in real-time video transmission was identified as a critical factor affecting video communication performance. The wired GoPro Teams meeting tests showed the lowest average latency on the tram, which closely resembled a real operational environment. In contrast, latency was highest in Linköping. Streaming directly from the GoPro produced similar latencies in the Lab and Linköping but higher latencies on the tram, possibly due to more movement registered, highlighting the importance of accounting for location and network performance. Comparative tests evaluated network performance variations between cellular data from a modem, Telia, and WiFi, indicating that WiFi is more stable than 4G and 5G.

The conclusion suggests that using a GoPro as a webcam with 720p resolution, connected to Microsoft Teams, is a viable solution for remote train operation testing in controlled environments, provided there is a stable wired network connection to a modem. This setup provides acceptable latency and video quality for low-speed driving.