Learn how network architecture supports autonomous vehicles by using various network technologies, protocols, solutions, and strategies.

Realistically this is a trap question! IMHO Network architecture is but one of the legs required to deliver the desired outcomes. That said the architecture needs to be standardized and modular by design. SECURITY AND PRIVACY need to be the foundation. Resiliency is the next to ensure when one path is down there are secondary and tertiary paths without compromise of data arrival and integrity. From a communications perspective the architecture needs to present support of edge communications as close to the use case as possible to support the "Near miss", pedestrian and cyclists need to cross user stories....The consideration of intelligent infrastructure and the role it plays here is HUGE. It's not just network, it's a full stack

How can network architecture support autonomous vehicles?

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are expected to revolutionize the transportation industry, but they also pose significant challenges for network architecture. AVs rely on high-speed, low-latency, and reliable communication systems to interact with other vehicles, infrastructure, and cloud services. How can network architecture support autonomous vehicles and enable safe, efficient, and scalable mobility?

1 Network requirements for AVs

AVs require a network architecture that can support the large amounts of data exchanged with various sources and destinations, such as sensors, cameras, maps, navigation, traffic management, and remote control. This data is essential for AVs to perceive their environment, plan their actions, and coordinate with others. Therefore, the network architecture must offer high bandwidth to support data-intensive applications and services, low latency to ensure timely and responsive communication and decision making, high reliability to avoid network failures or disruptions that could compromise safety and performance, high security to protect data and privacy from malicious attacks or unauthorized access, and high flexibility to adapt to dynamic and heterogeneous network conditions.

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Bill Pugh⚡️

Co-founder Smart Connections Consulting, Co-founder True North Software Solutions 💡
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Realistically this is a trap question! IMHO Network architecture is but one of the legs required to deliver the desired outcomes. That said the architecture needs to be standardized and modular by design. SECURITY AND PRIVACY need to be the foundation. Resiliency is the next to ensure when one path is down there are secondary and tertiary paths without compromise of data arrival and integrity. From a communications perspective the architecture needs to present support of edge communications as close to the use case as possible to support the "Near miss", pedestrian and cyclists need to cross user stories....The consideration of intelligent infrastructure and the role it plays here is HUGE. It's not just network, it's a full stack

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Kelly Colman

Chief Growth Officer @ Xenesis | Executive Coach, CEO & Founder | Member, AIA
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Moving the large amounts of data described here to support AVs requires an infrastructure capable of running & maintaining the continuous flow of information, without interruption, on a global scale. Our current “5G” network capabilities are already taxed; 6G anticipated to be as well and it’s not even yet released. Not a viable long-term solution. This is why we at Xenesis are focused on lasers in space. Laser optic networking-as-a-service from LEO. Sat to Sat, Sat to ground, bi directional at 20G / second. Our network will support terrestrial and space-based edge node computing for 50-100 years with low latency, high capacity, security and efficiency on a global & spatial scale, meeting the needs of AVs and more!

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Isac Casapu

Tech Leader taking #startups from MVP to scale | 2x founding engineer | #cloud #backend #platform #data wizard
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It may be worthwhile to consider high-bandwidth connectivity alongside the charging infrastructure. Vehicles could use charging also as an opportunity to download software updates and large datasets. Security also becomes a consideration. We will need to find secure ways for vehicles drivers and owners to delegate access to "smart agents" operating as part of the vehicle software, without compromising their privacy and security. Charging infrastructure could be one opportunity to introduce enhanced authentication, as the drivers interact with fixed devices from (hopefully) trusted vendors.

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Syed Mahaboob Basha

Principal Architect | SDV | GenAI | Connected Cars - telematics, autonomous vehicle, connectivity, V2X, OTA | IoT | Network Communication
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I agree with the brief description of the requirements. There are two different networks involved, in-vehicle and out-vehicle. Based on the type of network the challenges vary and hence the requirements. In-vehicle networks need to support acceptable high bandwidth, low latency, security, reliability and resiliency. Since decision making & safety is critical, the AVs need to employ different type wired, wireless and use intelligence to route the data appropriately to achieve the objectives. The intelligence can be built into the system to prioritize the data transmission, use of network based on the criticality. However, standardization in endpoint(ECU) design can avoid slow processing endpoint.

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2 Network technologies for AVs

Network architecture for AVs must leverage various network technologies and protocols to meet certain requirements. For instance, cellular standards such as 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G can provide wide-area coverage and high-speed connectivity. Similarly, wireless fidelity standards like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E can provide local-area access and offloading. Dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) and cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) standards enable direct and cooperative communication between AVs and infrastructure. Fiber-optic or free-space optical (FSO) technologies offer high-capacity and low-cost transmission for AVs. Finally, low-earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites can supplement terrestrial networks and provide global coverage and positioning for AVs. Reporting and documenting the incident will help to inform and reassure stakeholders, while also providing valuable insights for improving cloud security posture.

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Syed Mahaboob Basha

Principal Architect | SDV | GenAI | Connected Cars - telematics, autonomous vehicle, connectivity, V2X, OTA | IoT | Network Communication
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AV supports variety of use cases (system, functional, user, safety, law enforcement, dealer/operator), each has a different connectivity requirements like latency, data size, speed, range, power, conditions etc. Technologies like cellular(4G LTE, 5GNR), Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Short range, long range protocols (LoRaWAN, NBIoT, DSRC, C-V2X, BLE) help support different use cases. The cellular stds like 5G, 6G could help with the bandwidth, speed but the connectivity is still prone to a patchy network and dense urban setup. A satellite connectivity & in-vehicle bulk storage (for low priority data e.g. logs, video streams for analysis) are better alternatives for broader coverage and to lower the cost. The selection of right technology is crucial.

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3 Network challenges for AVs

Despite the advances in network technologies and protocols, network architecture for AVs still faces several challenges. Network congestion is a major issue due to the increasing number of AVs and their data traffic on the network, which could degrade the network performance and quality of service. Additionally, managing the complex and dynamic network topology and routing for AVs across multiple network domains and layers is a challenge. Network interoperability is also a concern for ensuring seamless and compatible communication among AVs and between AVs and infrastructure, which could use different network technologies and protocols. Moreover, optimizing the trade-offs between the network cost and benefit for AVs is difficult, as it depends on various factors such as network availability, quality, and pricing. Lastly, complying with legal and ethical standards and policies for AVs can be tricky as they vary across different regions and jurisdictions.

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4 Network solutions for AVs

To address the challenges of AV networks, various network solutions and strategies must be adopted. Network slicing creates virtual and customized network segments for AVs to provide different levels of network resources and performance. Network edge reduces latency and bandwidth consumption, improving reliability and security. Network AI uses machine learning and data analytics to enhance intelligence and automation. Network blockchain increases transparency and trustworthiness while facilitating collaboration among AVs and other entities. Finally, network standardization develops harmonized specifications and protocols to improve interoperability and compatibility, as well as support innovation and evolution.

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5 Network outlook for AVs

Network architecture for AVs is a complex and dynamic field that requires continuous research and development. As AVs become more prevalent and sophisticated, network architecture for AVs must also advance and adapt to meet the changing network requirements and challenges for AVs. Network architecture for AVs is not only a technical issue, but also a social and economic one, as it affects the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of AVs and their users. Network architecture for AVs is a key enabler and driver for the future of mobility and society.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can network architecture support autonomous vehicles?

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1 Network requirements for AVs

2 Network technologies for AVs

3 Network challenges for AVs

4 Network solutions for AVs

5 Network outlook for AVs

6 Here’s what else to consider

Communication Systems

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