Communication Issues in Connected and Automated Vehicles
Communication Issues in Connected and Automated Vehicles If you’re confused about the future of connected and automated vehicles (CV/AV), you’re not alone. “Autonomous and Connected Vehicles-Preparing for the Future” explained how varied the communication techniques are for Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2X) technologies during the 2016 Intelligent Transportation Society (ITS) of America conference in San Jose, Calif., June 12-16. Individuals familiar with intelligent transportation systems (ITS) know many potential ways for vehicles to communicate with roadside safety equipment. Dedicated, short-range communication (DSRC) provides quick-response and one or two-way communication with dedicated bandwidth by the Federal Communications Commission for the exchange of safety messages. While DSRC seems to be an early frontrunner, other technology developers are using more traditional, long-term evolution cellular networks like those for cell phone data transmission to develop tools that can also be available for in-vehicle communication. These rapidly developing processes and applications muddy the waters and make things difficult for ATSSA members, who are attempting to develop methods or tools to interface with these emerging technologies. The session’s speakers included representatives from Toyota, Inmarsat and Qualcomm, who spoke about their various communication methods for V2X technology. Each speaker sees a future for their respective technologies – satellite communications, DSRC and 5G. While the panel agreed that DSRC is leading, each speaker believes there’s room for more communication tools. Satellite
Satellite communication is becoming more prominent and cost-effective, because it’s efficient, secure and common to multiple users and offers unlimited scalability. This method would be an overlay and extension to terrestrial networks and provide enhanced navigation, over-the-air update telematics and security. 4/5G LTE This communication medium offers higher bandwidth and availability, reliability and low latency. It would leverage existing, long-term evolution technology networks with no need to rebuild the system. These systems have a higher performance, which would assist in platooning (a support system that uses V2V communication and sensors to help maintain constant clearance between vehicles following one another with a short gap between them). 5G will allow for fully autonomous driving, V2Xaugmented reality and extreme mobile broadband. While 5G is currently unavailable, it will be on the market soon. DSRC DSRC is the current mode that many early adapters use for V2X communication. This technology is considered the “low hanging fruit,” which means it’s easy to install and the technology is readily available. These DSRC boxes offer low latency, but they only have short-range communication—they’ll have to be placed very strategically for maximum coverage. Possibly, a hybrid approach with all modes of communication being utilized in some form is in the future. The challenge for ATSSA members is ensuring their products can integrate with these communication methods when there’s no true standard. For more information on connected and automated technologies, visit www.its.dot.gov. ATSSA Director of New Programs Brian Watson
Satellite communication is becoming more prominent and cost-effective, because it’s efficient, secure and common to multiple users and offers unlimited scalability. This method would be an overlay and extension to terrestrial networks and provide enhanced navigation, over-the-air update telematics and security. 4/5G LTE This communication medium offers higher bandwidth and availability, reliability and low latency. It would leverage existing, long-term evolution technology networks with no need to rebuild the system. These systems have a higher performance, which would assist in platooning (a support system that uses V2V communication and sensors to help maintain constant clearance between vehicles following one another with a short gap between them). 5G will allow for fully autonomous driving, V2Xaugmented reality and extreme mobile broadband. While 5G is currently unavailable, it will be on the market soon. DSRC DSRC is the current mode that many early adapters use for V2X communication. This technology is considered the “low hanging fruit,” which means it’s easy to install and the technology is readily available. These DSRC boxes offer low latency, but they only have short-range communication—they’ll have to be placed very strategically for maximum coverage. Possibly, a hybrid approach with all modes of communication being utilized in some form is in the future. The challenge for ATSSA members is ensuring their products can integrate with these communication methods when there’s no true standard. For more information on connected and automated technologies, visit www.its.dot.gov. ATSSA Director of New Programs Brian Watson
