Could C-V2X Be the Ultimate Future of Connected Vehicles?

What is C-V2X?

Since its initial deployment in 2017, and its subsequent explosion into the mass market in 2019, DSRC has been the dominant technology in the V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) arena. The short-range, WLAN-based communication allows for connected vehicles to share key navigational and safety information bi-directionally, both to other cars and to roadside infrastructure, in a secure manner. But, with expanding deployment opportunities and growing support, a new, future-facing technology has entered the race: C-V2X.

C-V2X offers a different means to the same end as DSRC. Location, speed, and direction are transmitted to every other vehicle in the surrounding area and the vehicles can decipher this information, estimate any potential risk, and act accordingly, to help reduce congestion, collisions and improve traffic flow. It’s how the vehicles connect and ‘talk’ which is different; the same information is communicated, just in a different language. Instead of a WAVE wireless standard, C-V2X uses Long-Term Evolution (LTE), which GTT Wireless is proud to support with our antenna range.

What does “cellular” V2X actually mean?

The “C” in C-V2X stands for cellular, but that is liable to cause confusion. The technology actually utilises two modes of transmission. C-V2X can communicate directly between vehicles, infrastructure, and even pedestrians without the use of cellular networks. However, its second transmission mode, complementing the first, does tap into conventional cellular networks in order to receive information regarding the surrounding area, whether it be traffic updates or road conditions.

The technology behind C-V2X.

Long-Term Evolution, or LTE – the chip technology for wireless transmission found at the core of almost all cellular phones and devices – is utilised for C-V2X, enforcing it as a key component of Smart Cities, the future of urban development, and the all-encompassing Internet of Things (IoT). However, this means that C-V2X is not interoperable with DSRC. Despite sharing the same information, the digital language barrier stops them. Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything is a 3GPP standard and uses the 5.9Ghz band to communicate directly, which is the officially designated Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) frequency in most countries.

As with competing technology DSRC, C-V2X makes effective use of digital signatures to ensure any information received is from a secure and trusted source. Privacy, anonymity, and cybersecurity are of preeminent importance. This method of communication also shows promise in terms of range during ongoing trials. Tests indicate that C-V2X could achieve 20-30% greater range than DSRC, and perform better when faced with obstructions too. Every performance indicator shows promise for C-V2X and its application of modern technological advances gives it a clearer upgrade path than its rival.

Could C-V2X’s utilisation of 5G make it the industry’s dominant technology?

We now know that cellular V2X uses 3GPP standardised 4G LTE to communicate but, in an exciting development, the technology’s functionality is upgraded to support 5G with 3GPP Release 15. New vehicles increasingly have 3G/4G cellular technology for information and entertainment purposes, or to create mobile phone hotspots, and C-V2X can appropriate these intrinsic electronics. Now that 5G deployment is increasing, C-V2X will be able to take advantage of the new bandwidth links and high speeds too.

Since Release 14, an expanded version of C-V2X’s interface, known as PC5, has been used. This PC5 interface is future-facing and will prove vital in an increasingly 5G world. A migration path to 5G-based services and systems allows 5G User Equipment (UE), such as a phone or tablet, to communicate directly with another piece of UE. 4G is still the prominent technology but this adoption of 5G is a powerful upgrade. The devices that can connect are also being updated to meet market needs, such as smartwatches and other wearable devices.

How GTT Wireless can support your C-V2X project.

C-V2X uses LTE technology and GTT Wireless stock a range of 4G LTE and 5G outdoor antenna that can be used in the V2X market and a variety of IoT applications. Their robust IP67/NEMA6 waterproof and UV-resistant design allow them to perform consistently, even in extreme environments. You can visit our antenna store or build a weatherproof outdoor electronics enclosure for your mission critical project using our enclosure designer. Please contact us at GTT Wireless for more details.