Introduction
VCC relies on different communication models, collectively referred to as Vehicle to Everything (V2X), where ‘V’ stands for vehicle and ‘X’ denotes the entity that interacts with the vehicle. Specifically, these include Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I), and Vehicle to Pedestrian (V2P) communications. Each model plays a crucial role in creating a comprehensive VCC architecture. so now let us see the future of vehicle cloud computing along with Smart 4G Tester, 4G LTE Tester, 4G Network Tester and VOLTE Testing tools & Equipment and Smart LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom in detail.
Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V)
V2V communication enables vehicles to exchange data directly with each other over a wireless network. Information such as vehicle location, speed, direction, braking status, and stability can be shared, enhancing situational awareness and safety. Early V2V implementations focused on alerting drivers to traffic conditions without taking control of the vehicle. Modern systems, however, can improve braking and steering responses, creating a mesh network where each vehicle can receive and relay messages to others, thus enhancing the overall traffic management system.
Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I)
V2I communication involves vehicles interacting with road infrastructure, typically through Roadside Units (RSUs). These RSUs collect and disseminate data on traffic, road conditions, and Points of Interest (PoI). They can suggest optimal speeds, acceleration rates, and inter-vehicle distances to improve traffic flow, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance safety. By leveraging network infrastructure, V2I communication helps optimize the manipulation of traffic and contributes to a more efficient and safer driving environment.
Vehicle to Pedestrian (V2P)
Pedestrians can use their mobile devices to exchange safety-related information with nearby vehicles, helping to prevent accidents. This real-time data exchange is crucial for improving road safety and ensuring that both drivers and pedestrians are aware of each other’s presence, especially in busy urban environments.
5G-VCC System Architectures
The advent of 5G technology brings advanced heterogeneous network access capabilities, enabling the support of various services required for vehicular communication. This flexibility means that each vehicle can utilize services with different Quality of Service (QoS) constraints. Research literature identifies three primary 5G-VCC architectures: Vehicular Cloud (VC), Vehicles using Cloud (VuC), and Vehicles using Fog (VuF). Additionally, Software Defined Vehicular (SDN-V) architectures have been proposed to enhance network management. Hybrid Vehicular Architectures (HVA) combine multiple 5G-VCC architectures to cater to diverse user requirements and provider policies.
Vehicular Cloud (VC) Architecture
In the VC architecture, vehicles equipped with computing resources form the cloud. These vehicles can interact directly with each other, often using proprietary protocols like 802.11s. However, vehicle resources may remain idle when parked for long periods or stuck in traffic. To ensure continuous service, multiple service instances must be distributed across several Vehicular Virtual Machines (VVMs). Vehicle owners must authorize the use of their resources in the VC architecture, enabling a dynamic and ever-changing cloud infrastructure.
Vehicles using Cloud (VuC) Architecture
The VuC architecture envisions vehicles as end-users interacting with a cloud infrastructure via Macrocell/Femtocell Base Stations (BSs) or RSUs. This model contrasts with the VC architecture by positioning vehicles primarily as consumers of cloud services rather than providers. VuC architecture facilitates seamless access to cloud-based resources, enhancing the vehicle’s capabilities and services.
Vehicles using Fog (VuF) Architecture
VuF architecture represents an evolution of the VuC model, incorporating Fog computing principles. In this setup, BSs or RSUs are equipped with additional computational and storage resources, known as micro-datacenter BSs (md-BSs) and micro-datacenter RSUs (md-RSUs). Vehicles can interact with these nearby resources, benefiting from low latency and high bandwidth. This proximity reduces delays and enhances the responsiveness of VCC applications, making it ideal for real-time data processing and critical applications.
Software-Defined Vehicular Architectures (SDN-V)
SDN technology can enhance any VCC architecture by simplifying network management and reducing equipment costs. SDN decouples the network control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized control via SDN controllers. These controllers interact with network equipment from various vendors through Open Application Programming Interfaces (Open APIs). SDN components can be virtualized to minimize hardware requirements and improve system sustainability. Cloud-based SDN control involves implementing the SDN controller within the cloud infrastructure, while Fog-based control situates the controller within the md-RSUs, ensuring flexible and efficient network management.
Hybrid Vehicular Architectures (HVA)
HVA combines multiple 5G-VCC architectures to create a robust and flexible system. For example, a hybrid architecture might integrate both VuC and VuF models, utilizing cloud and fog infrastructures simultaneously. This approach leverages Cognitive Radio Networks (CRN) principles, where primary traffic flows are managed by the cloud and secondary flows by the fog. Vehicles are categorized into primary and secondary groups, with primary vehicles having priority access to cloud services and secondary vehicles using fog services as needed.
An advanced HVA model can also blend VC, VuC, and VuF architectures, fully virtualizing computation and storage resources for enhanced flexibility and sustainability. In this setup, VC functions might include Internet access via multi-hop traffic routing and the collection of traffic-related data. This data is processed by the VC and sent to the central cloud, which then disseminates traffic information to non-VC vehicles, improving overall traffic management.
Conclusion
The integration of 5G technology into Vehicle Cloud Computing (VCC) systems represents a significant leap forward in automotive technology. By leveraging various communication models and advanced architectures, 5G-VCC can support diverse and demanding vehicular applications. Whether through direct vehicle interactions, infrastructure-based communication, or pedestrian safety measures, the future of VCC is set to become more efficient, flexible, and responsive. Overcoming challenges related to resource management, network latency, and system interoperability will be crucial for realizing the full potential of these advanced vehicular networks. Also read similar articles from here.