FleetNet: Bringing Car-to-Car Communication into the Real World

Car-to-car communication by means of wireless technology shows a strong potential to enhance both safety and comfort of road users. The necessity to reach cars beyond the transmission range of the own radio creates the challenge to find algorithms to efficiently forward packets. In these so-called vehicular ad hoc networks, position information has been identified as a crucial component that alleviates some of the limitations of existing topology-based protocols. Thus, we see the use of positional information at the core of a car-to-car communication system that provides advanced applications for active safety, distributed floating car data, as well as user communication and information. A major thrust to leverage a car-to-car communication platform was provided by the FleetNet project, partly funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research BMB+F and led by DaimlerChrysler AG. Based on ad hoc networking principles and the availability of position information, the project developed suitable communication concepts. In addition to simulation studies, a prototype communication and application system was implemented and deployed, embedding safety and convenience applications. With car-based real world field trials successfully conducted, first results and experiences look promising