The Da Vinci architecture is made up of three distinct management levels, each serving a specific role within the overall railway management scenario. These are a Real Time Network, a Quasi Real Time Network, and the Corporate network/intranet/internet

The system that was built for GIF is illustrated in Fig 1. In other cases, the level of integration would be tailored to suit the particular needs of each client.

The Real Time Network is the backbone of the train control system, and all control subsystems are integrated into it. Because the architecture is open, both new and existing systems from any supplier can also be integrated into it. One example would be existing computer-based interlockings. The same is true of modifications that will be required as a consequence of optimising operations during the system's life.

This has been achieved by using a distributed messaging bus (MOM in Fig 2), which allows applications to be integrated via a publication/subscription mechanism using XML-based messages as a means of communication. In the case of GIF's system, the real-time network integrates these subsystems: