Wireless ICT and Intelligent Transportation Systems: Current and Future Trends

This report is written for a wide audience of technical and managerial staff who are working on wireless ICT-related Intelligent Transportation Systems projects. The report aim is to present for such specialists advanced directions and trends in wireless ICT that can lead ITS into the 4G era.

The reports updates and revises Practel reports that were researching WICT-related ITS features; and were published between 2006 and 2010.

In particular, this report:

1. Provides the analysis of ITS specifics.

2. Analyzes technologies and markets for 5.9 GHz Short Reach Dedicated Communications (DSRC). 5.9 GHz DSRC was originally developed for the U.S. market; and currently it is at the beginning of commercialization. The report addresses this technology specifics and benefits - recently, EU also approved 5.9 GHz band for its DSRC systems. Currently, the major application for DSRC is electronic tolling; it is expected that the range of applications will grow significantly with maturing of the technology.

3. Analyzes the specifics of CALM (Continuous Air-interface, Long and Medium Range) technology and its applications. This technology aims for creation of an “universal” platform for ITS services. Such a platform will be able to support multiple wireless standards.

4. Concentrates on the standardization process for WICT in the ITS environment.

5. Analyzes technologies and market for Long Term Evolution (LTE); the technology is being standardized and appreciated as the 4G era wireless technology. It opens a wide range of applications for ITS; currently, the auto industry R&D together with manufacturers are working on the concept of the LTE - equipped car. The technology allows creating of ITS infrastructural networking with high bit rate, QoS and other important features. Major service providers are offering LTE-based services.

6. Analyzes specifics of Wireless Sensors Networks (WSNs), their development and markets and how they apply to ITS. It is expected that in the near - future Smart Sensors will create a basis for establishing an intelligent source of information for processing in the ITS control centers. The report provides details of WSN features and benefits.

The report addresses latest and near-future trends in wireless ICT for ITS and how the 4G developments apply to them.