How do vehicle connectivity and communication software support smart mobility and sustainability goals?

Vehicle connectivity and communication software refer to the technological systems and protocols that enable vehicles to communicate with each other, with infrastructure, and with external devices or networks. These software solutions facilitate various functionalities such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication

Vehicular communications employ wireless technologies like Zigbee, WiFi, and LTE for information exchange between vehicles. The initial standard, IEEE 802.11p (2010), utilizes WiFi, with the FCC designating the 5.9GHz band. In 2017, the LTE-based C-V2X, introduced by 3GPP in Release 14, leverages the LTE network. Technological evolution led to IEEE 802.11p becoming 802.11bd and C-V2X transitioning to NR-V2X. Each has distinct features. By 2020, a consensus emerged favoring LTE as the standard for V2X communications, streamlining the industry approach.

Smart mobility enables the vehicles to equipped with the V2X kit in addition to the radar base communication. Since the radars can only detect the front vehicles but V2X allows to have awareness of 360 degrees based on the communication. There are testbeds available such as software defined radio (SDRs) products from different vendors such as National Instruments, Ettus, Nuand BladeRF, one can utilize these testbeds for enabling and testing the V2X protocols. The software may used are LabView, GNU radio for the interface. Now a days, there are many companies that are working to enable V2X communication such as Cohda Wireless. Cohda Wireless also got their V2X kit certified for thé deployment of V2X technology in USA at 5.9GHz band.

These systems enable autonomous driving by furnishing accurate, real-time data. They enhance user experience by providing seamless access to entertainment, information, and services. Moreover, they contribute to smart mobility by facilitating effective traffic management through the coordination of vehicles and infrastructure, optimizing traffic flow. This technological integration mitigates human errors, minimizes congestion, reduces emissions, prevents delays, curbs accidents, and optimizes fuel consumption, aligning with the overarching goals of smart mobility and sustainability.

Vehicle connectivity and communication software facilitate real-time data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and other entities in the transportation ecosystem. This enables dynamic traffic management, optimized route planning, and enhanced safety features such as collision avoidance and emergency alerts.

Through features like traffic optimization and route planning, these technologies help reduce fuel consumption and emissions by minimizing congestion and idling time. Additionally, they facilitate the integration of alternative energy sources and support the adoption of electric vehicles, further reducing the environmental impact of transportation.

The reliability and stability of communication networks, especially in remote or congested areas, pose challenges for seamless data exchange and real-time communication between vehicles and infrastructure.

Despite the security concern (data privacy while exchanging the critical safety messages), the resources that the vehicle could occupy is also challenging to make sure that no resource conflict occurs. In a decentralized approach, vehicles sense the resources based on their local observations, if more than one vehicle sense the resources simultaneously, there is a probability that vehicles may end up in selecting the same resource for the transmitting the message packet. This will lead to packet collision and may affect the safety of the passengers.

Staying updated with relevant research papers, technical journals, and industry reports can provide valuable insights into emerging trends and technologies. Engaging in hands-on projects or collaborating with professionals in the field through forums, conferences, and networking events can also offer practical experience and opportunities for knowledge exchange.