Simulation of DoS and jamming attacks on railway control systems over TCP/IP and radio frequency

Mays Abukeshek, Mohammed Al-Mhiqani, Simon Parkinson, Remy Odimegwu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present a simulation framework for analysing cyber-attacks on intelligent railway control systems, based on threat modelling. The system simulates a TCP/IP communication link between a control centre (server) and a train unit (client), transmitting real-time operational data such as speed and signal status. The simulation includes: (1) train behaviour modelling using OpenRails and MATLAB, (2) control centre logic in MATLAB, and (3) network communication and attack emulation in real-time. Two attack scenarios are evaluated: DoS attack that floods the server with fake requests, and a Jamming attack that injects noise into the FR medium. Performance metrics such as packet loss, latency, and response time are recorded under normal, attack, and recovery phases using MATLAB Simulink. Results show increased delays, packet loss, and reduced system reliability during attacks. Telemetry data and visualisations highlight system degradation and recovery behaviour. The framework offers a practical model for simulating real-world cyber threats against railway communication systems.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Transportation Security
Volume19
Issue number1
Early online date23 Jan 2026
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 23 Jan 2026

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