Understanding DSRC: The Pioneering V2X Technology

What does DSRC stand for?

DSRC stands for Dedicated Short-Range Communications.

What is DSRC?

The Internet of Things seeks to transform the interconnectivity of all our devices, and increasingly this includes our vehicles too. Connected vehicles are becoming more and more commonplace and soon every new car will be able to ‘talk’ to the others on the road, as well as devices on the roadside. Mobility and safety information is shared on this network to reduce collisions and communicate with stoplights and other such infrastructure. Everything can become connected, which is exactly what V2X stands for: vehicle-to-everything. This bi-directional communication is possible through the wireless technology DSRC, which we at GTT Wireless are pleased to support with our range of antenna.  

DSRC uses WAVE, a wireless standard that uses the 5.9GHz band for direct communication. What makes it perfect for the job is that it means vehicles don’t have to rely on any other infrastructure, such as cellular, and its short-to-medium range channels are designed for automotive use, transmitting information either one-way or two-way depending on the application. DSRC is used for communication between vehicles (V2V) and between a vehicle and surrounding traffic infrastructure (V2I), both of which fit into the all-encompassing term V2X.

How does DSRC work in connected vehicles?

Each vehicle using DSRC transmits its precise location, speed, and direction 10 times per second to every vehicle in the surrounding area. When received, this data is used by the nearby vehicles to estimate any potential risk based on the constantly updating stream of data. These traded messages are deciphered into multiple, actionable applications, which are each defined using a handy initialism. These include, but are not limited to, Intersection Movement Assistance (IMA), Left Turn Assistance (LTA), Cooperative Awareness Messages (CAM), Decentralised Environmental Notification Messages (DENM), and Basic Safety Message (BSM).

Despite the SR of DSRC standing for ‘Short-Range’, its communication range is upwards of 1km. It’s purposefully designed for vehicular applications and can therefore work effectively at speeds as high as 500 km/h. But what makes DSRC truly special is its ability to circumvent obstructions. Uniquely, they don’t impede the sensor or its efficacy because ‘Non-Line-of-Sight’ grants the ability to, essentially, see around corners. It even easily operates in extreme weather conditions.

DSRC may use a Wi-Fi wireless standard but it was designed with cybersecurity in mind. The system uses digital signatures to communicate, ensuring trust and security between devices. Any vehicle receiving data checks the authenticity of the message and deduces whether it is from a valid source. Privacy is paramount in the digital age and each message is anonymous, maintaining the privacy of the driver and not exposing the identity of other vehicles. WLAN is appropriate for the task because of its low latency, measured in mere milliseconds, and the messages are of very low data volume.

How is DSRC currently utilised in the V2X industry?

New, different V2X technologies have emerged in recent years, such as C-V2X, but while DSRC may be seen as the old guard, it’s still holding strong. After a series of large-scale tests proved the strength of DSRC, the technology entered production in some car models in Japan in 2015, and Cadillac in the US from 2017. Toyota was the first automaker on the global market to sell connected vehicles fitted with DSRC V2X technology, although these were initially restricted to Japan. Then, in 2019, Volkswagen made a bold and historic move by fully embracing DSRC 802.11p V2X and utilising it in their eighth-generation Golf, Europe’s most popular car.

DSRC creates a strong standard for connectivity and safety of vehicles, no matter the size, make or model, to help reduce congestion, collisions and improve traffic flow. Unlike its competitors, DSRC is already fully designed, viable and ready for application.

How GTT Wireless can support your DSRC endeavour

GTT Wireless stocks a number of outdoor DSRC antenna designed to perform consistently and withstand extreme temperatures with its robust IP67/NEMA6 waterproof and UV-resistant design. They are specifically designed for automotive use and IoT applications, and feature an industry standard N Plug connector. Please contact GTT Wireless for more details.