Chapter 1 Introduction: intelligent vehicular communications

1.4.3
CELLULAR SYSTEMS (2G/3G)
The cellular networks such as 2G/3G are suitable for vehicular communication technology context be-
cause of their virtually ubiquitous nature. In cellular networks, a base station or access point is widely 
deployed in almost all cities and cover an enormous geographical region. In comparison with other 
networks such as IEEE 802.11b/g, wireless local area networks (WLANs), cellular networks have low 
data rates. On the other hand, emerging cellular network technologies such as long-term evolution 
(LTE) is offering high data rates for ITS.
1.4.4
 WLAN/WI-FI
WLAN or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) can provide efficient wireless access to empower intelligent trans-
portation between vehicles and the infrastructure. IEEE 802.11 standards can be used to provide 
wireless connectivity between ITS environment. Furthermore, IEEE 802.11a provides a data rate of 
54 Mbps and, with a communication range of at least a 140 m range, it can be effectively used in a 
vehicular networking scenario. In addition to that, we have IEEE 802.11g, which has the same charac-
teristics of IEEE 802.11a, like similar data rates, but works at 2.4 GHz.
1.4.5
 4G/LTE
In 4G networks, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) and LTE are the two im-
portant developing wireless technologies that aim to provide a broadband Internet speed of 100 Mbps. 
Recently, the focus of various academicians and researchers has been on the performance evaluation 
and improvement of 4G/LTE/WiMAX vehicular networks. These kinds of high-speed broadband con-
nections have become the need of the hour for intelligent transportations. For high-bandwidth demand 
and QoS requirements in vehicular networks, LTE provides the current feasible alternative solution. 
The application of LTE includes cloud access, video streaming for entertainment perspective, VoIP, 
web browsing, vehicular social networking, and so forth. The basic need for vehicular communication 
that is providing road safety and traffic competence is still under investigation. With the major setback 
in message latency in a centralized LTE system design, the safety-related application in VANET is a 
matter of concern in LTE-based vehicular networks. ISO is currently working on alternative or comple-
mentary role for IEEE 802.11p, hence LTE or 4G would support the role in C-ITS.

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