Definition

Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X)

Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) is a unified connectivity platform designed to offer vehicles low-latency vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-roadside infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication. By connecting individual vehicles and enabling the development of cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) that reduce congestion and pollution, the platform has the potential to transform information and safety services on highways and in cities to enhance travel.

C-V2X uses two complementary transmission modes. The first is direct communications between vehicles, between vehicles and infrastructure, and between vehicles and other road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians. In this mode, C-V2X works independently of the cellular networks. The second mode is network communications, in which C-V2X employs the conventional mobile network to enable a vehicle to receive information about road conditions and traffic in the area.

The platform combines secure wide-area and short-range connectivity in one module and will enable drivers to benefit from services including pay-as-you drive insurance, vehicle diagnostics, eCall and connected infotainment and extended safety features.

Employing the existing cellular infrastructure reduces the amount of roadside infrastructure that needs to be installed and maintained. C-V2X is aimed at leveraging the comprehensive coverage of secure, well-established LTE networks to enable reliable, real-time communication at high speeds and in high-density traffic. C-V2X is designed to complement other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensors, such as cameras, radar and lidar.

Benefits of C-V2X

According to the Eno Center for Transportation, implementing C-V2X can offer the following benefits:

  • Integrating systems with existing LTE-based network units is cost-effective.
  • Direct communication over longer distances, making more comprehensive GPS
  • Improved non-line-of-sight performance, allowing drivers to see "through" obstructions.
  • A higher capacity of data for receiving and transmitting information.
  • Superior congestion control in traffic jams or high volume areas.
  • Enhanced reliability of security messaging and features.

Applications of C-V2X

C-V2X implementations can change driving through a variety of use cases, the most popular being cooperative driving. When vehicles are connected together, more collisions, bottlenecks, lane change accidents and traffic jams can be avoided. This can also be taken one step further to introduce autonomous driving, or vehicles that use sensors and communications systems to drive without driver control. In commercial transportation, this is referred to as platooning, where an automated convoy is formed to make road space and fuel more efficient.

In terms of safety, C-V2X can electronically extend a vehicle's line of sight, warning drivers of roadwork, harsh weather conditions and hazards. Using an on-board computer could combine vehicle speed, position and identity information with visuals of the surrounding areas to create a more realistic map.

This was last updated in November 2018

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