Cars are getting more connected, and autonomous driving is becoming a more definite reality.
In this context, V2X communication will be a critical factor in the success of autonomous cars.
Let's jump right in.
What is V2X?
'Vehicle-to-Everything,' also known as V2X, refers to the passing of information from a vehicle to any entity that may affect the vehicle and vice versa.
V2X covers:
- V2I or 'Vehicle-to-Infrastructure' is the exchange of data between a car and equipment installed alongside roads, generally called a 'roadside unit' (RSU). V2I can be typically used to broadcast traffic conditions and emergency information to drivers.
- V2N or "Vehicle-to-Network" is when a vehicle accesses the network for cloud-based services.
- V2V or 'Vehicle-to-Vehicle' relates to the transfer of data between vehicles. Compared to what sensors can provide to the vehicle, information transmitted via V2V technology can come from cars a few hundred meters ahead or even hidden cars from behind trucks or buildings.
- V2P or "Vehicle-to-Pedestrian" is the exchange of data between the car and pedestrians.
Standardized V2X communication
The automotive industry has been working with regulatory bodies to standardize V2X communication. The objective being to ensure all stakeholders can manage interoperability between vehicle brands and the road infrastructure to get standardized messages.
Besides the challenge of choosing the optimum communication bearer (DSRC aka Dedicated Short Range Communications, C-V2X or hybrid), which keeps the industry and the mobile community very active, the security of V2X communication is also a key topic.
Regulators request the user's privacy to be protected and preserved, so the drivers' journey cannot be easily tracked or reconstructed by listening and compiling all messages a car sent and received in a period of time.
Topics related to V2X communication
- Connected car cybersecurity
- Benefits of driverless cars
- Which standard will win? ZDNet - November 2019
- The V2X Communications Ecosystem (2019-2030) - Research and Markets
- I can´t get lost - I´m driving a four-wheeled computer.
- V2X regulatory report (February 2021)
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