Car-to-Xheadline

One communication system for many applications

Volkswagen Group Research is working on a system allowing numerous different applications via direct communication between vehicles or between vehicles and a permanently installed infrastructure: 
  • The driver is provided with early information on traffic holdups or possible hitches
  • Communication with traffic infrastructure
  • Communication with other road users
  • Improved navigation
  • Downloading of information processed to suit the driver  

  

The technological basis is IEEE Standard 802.11, commonly known as the wireless LAN standard for office and home use. The standard is currently being adapted to meet the requirements of the automotive industry. The communication system has the following characteristics:

  • Vehicles spontaneously create an ad-hoc network.
  • Vehicles located at a greater distance can be accessed via multi-hop communication.
  • Vehicles can be addressed via their geographical location using a position based routing method.
  • The information reaches users with a high level of reliability and low latency, even given very high vehicle density (e.g. traffic jams on highways) or very low density (e.g. at night on country roads).
  • Suitable algorithms provide the necessary security against unintentional or deliberate interference.

Is wireless LAN actually suited to use in fast-moving vehicles? Volkswagen Group Research has conducted practical tests with encouraging results: depending on emitted power and frequency range, coverage in undisturbed radio conditions exceeds 1,000 m and short messages can be reliably transmitted at relative speeds of 200 km/h.

Volkswagen Group Research has equipped several test vehicles with a Car-to-X system. These prototypes have been used to test the following applications:

  • Information on the position of vehicles with activated hazard warning lights
  • Black ice warnings based on ESP, ABS or ASR activation
  • Simple distance information on vehicles driving ahead
  • Voice communication with another vehicle  

In addition, vehicle owners can authorize users to access the vehicle via a PDA, notebook or web browser by entering their user name and password, for example to verify the status of the central locking system or the fuel level.

  
Examples of infrastructure communication include receiving information on traffic signal status, road signs or empty parking spaces. However, the necessary infrastructure still has to be established.
 

The prerequisite for all applications is standardized protocols valid for all makes of vehicle. In the field of car-to-car communication, Group Research cooperates closely with other automakers and suppliers. Group Research participates, for example, in the Car-to-Car Communication Consortium, NOW: Network on Wheels  – a research project supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, EU Initiative COMeSafety.

 

Quickfinder

Special note

This topic currently forms part of Volkswagen Group Research activities to study feasibility and does not constitute part of series equipment, nor are there currently any plans for series use.