Inter-vehicle communication systems: a survey

Sichitiu, Mihail; Kihl, Maria · 2008 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1109/comst.2008.4564481

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Summary

This survey paper addresses the design, classification, and evaluation of Inter-Vehicle Communication (IVC) systems, which facilitate direct communication between vehicles without relying on roadside infrastructure. The research is motivated by the potential of IVC to significantly improve road safety, traffic efficiency, and driver comfort, thereby reducing accidents and congestion. The authors aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the field, contrasting IVC with Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) and analyzing the specific networking protocols, security aspects, and performance evaluation techniques required for vehicular environments. The authors employ a bottom-up analytical approach, reviewing existing literature from the physical layer up to the transport layer, alongside security considerations. They establish a taxonomy of vehicular communication systems, distinguishing between pure IVC (single-hop and multihop), roadside-vehicle communication (sparse and ubiquitous), and hybrid systems. The paper classifies applications into four major categories: public safety (e.g., collision warning), traffic management (e.g., traffic monitoring), traffic coordination (e.g., platooning), and traveler information/comfort. For each category, the authors analyze requirements regarding addressing modes (geographical vs. fixed), penetration rates, and real-time constraints. The survey also reviews short-range communication technologies, such as radar-based systems and ultra-wideband, and examines the gap between simulation-based evaluations and real-world field trials. Key findings highlight that IVC systems differ fundamentally from MANETs in terms of application goals, addressing schemes, mobility models, and energy constraints. While MANETs typically use fixed addressing and assume moderate mobility, IVC applications often require geographical addressing based on a "zone of relevance" and must account for high node mobility and unlimited power supplies. The survey identifies that public safety and traffic coordination applications have stringent real-time requirements and depend heavily on system penetration rates, whereas traveler information applications are less sensitive to delay and penetration. The authors note that many proposed solutions are evaluated using oversimplified simulation models, creating a significant gap between theoretical performance and real-world applicability. Furthermore, no standardized application-layer interface currently exists for IVC systems. The significance of this work lies in its systematic categorization of IVC challenges and solutions, providing a foundational reference for researchers and engineers. By detailing the mismatch between traditional MANET protocols and the specific needs of vehicular applications, the paper underscores the necessity for specialized networking protocols and realistic evaluation methodologies. The survey concludes that while IVC offers substantial benefits for safety and efficiency, widespread adoption requires overcoming technical hurdles in protocol design and addressing the logistical difficulties of deploying large-scale testbeds to validate system performance.

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• v2x connected vehicle