Role of Wireless Communications in Intelligent Transportation Systems: Technologies and Markets

This report addresses progress and issues in the development of communications technologies and markets that support the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Particular, it shows the significance of Dedicated Short Reach Communications (DSRC) in 5.9 GHz band and Project 25 trunked radio in enhancing ITS features and effectiveness.

The development of these new communications technologies for the ITS application is a response on the users and government organizations demand to establish the industry standards, system compatibility and improve road safety.

Vehicular communications are becoming a reality driven by navigation safety requirements and by the investments of car manufacturers and Public Transport Authorities. Safe navigation support through wireless car to car and car to curb communications has become an important priority for car manufacturers as well as Municipal Transportation Authorities and Communications Standards Organizations.

5.9 GHz DSRC is the emerging communication technology that offers standardized ITS products and benefits in national large-scale deployments. U.S. DOT and the automotive OEMs will be the strategic players making deployment decisions in the 2008-2009 timeframe. 5.9 GHz DSRC systems provide a significant enhancement in communication capabilities over all previous ITS communications systems. DSRC will support multiple uses in vehicle/public safety and commercial applications that cannot be achieved today. DSRC is a cost-effective communications service, especially when compared with current cellular and satellite systems.

• At the present time, DSRC systems are not compatible with each other
• In the U.S., the prevailing technology is 915 MHz DSRC
• In Europe, the prevailing technology is 5.8 GHz DSRC
• 5.9 GHz DSRC has many advantages, and it is under development by various research and standards organizations
• This technology is envisioned as a replacement of all existing DSRC systems. This replacement will be gradual, and for several years new and old systems will co-exist. It is not expected that the new systems will create any noticeable interference into the old systems
• The commercial introduction of 5.9 GHz systems is expected in 2008-2009 when IEEE ratifies the 802.11p standard
• At the present time, the 5.9 GHz systems market is mostly limited to research and testing
• The 5.9 GHz technology and market maturing is expected in the 2012-2014 timeframe.

Another communications technology that is enhancing ITS characteristics is a standard trunked radio, known in the U.S. as Project 25 radio. This radio is using digital technology, is frequency efficient and originally was developed for public safety organizations. The report shows that ITS applications of P25 radio are the second in importance after public safety applications. The report analyzes the P25 specifics for ITS applications; it shows details of the phase approach in the radio development and standardization; it also provides the results of the market analysis for P25 radio and its ITS application. The report contains examples of P25 systems used in airports and by Transit Authorities to improve efficiency of operation, safety, scheduling and other important transportation characteristics.

Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web sites was studied and analyzed. Evaluation of publicly available marketing and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives. In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.

The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the information content.

This report is important to a wide population of researches, technical and sales staff involved in the developing of high-speed wireless services and products for transportation. It is recommended for both service providers and vendors that are working with related technologies. The report also helps to understand issues associated with relationship between ITS wireless communications and other technologies.