The Critical Role of Speed and Latency in Connected Cars: Achievability and Solutions

Connected cars are set to revolutionize the automotive industry, offering enhanced safety, improved driving experiences, and advanced cybersecurity measures. However, for these vehicles to operate effectively, certain technical requirements must be met. Among these, the data speeds and latency are of paramount importance. This article delves into the specifics of what data speeds and latencies are required, the challenges involved, and the potential solutions for achieving these standards.

Understanding the Importance of Speed and Latency

Speed: Speed in the context of connected cars refers to the bandwidth or data transfer rate. With rapid advancements in 4G and the widespread deployment of 5G technology, the infrastructure is capable of handling high-speed data transmission. The challenge lies in ensuring that this speed is consistently available and reliable. For connected cars, a minimum data speed is required to support real-time communication and operation.

Latency: Latency, on the other hand, is the time delay between a signal being sent and the corresponding response being received. In the context of connected cars, latency is a critical factor that can impact the safety and functionality of the vehicle. For instance, if vehicles need to communicate instantaneously to coordinate their movements or react to traffic conditions, even a slight delay can be catastrophic. Therefore, achieving low latency is essential for the seamless operation of connected cars.

The Requirement for Low Latency

The relationship between speed and latency is not independent. While speed addresses the amount of data that can be transferred, latency deals with the time it takes for this data to be processed and transmitted. In connected cars, the time gap between the first and the last car propagating information needs to be kept to a minimum. Latency should ideally be in the order of 50 milliseconds or even less to ensure that the information is received and acted upon in a timely manner.

For example, if a car detects an obstacle ahead, it needs to alert other cars in its vicinity to avoid the same obstacle. This information needs to be propagated quickly to prevent accidents. Therefore, the goal is to have a system where the total time delay (from detection to action) is minimized. This can be achieved through direct communication between vehicles, which significantly reduces latency.

Direct vs. Internet Connectivity

While direct communication between vehicles (car-to-car communication) offers the lowest latency, the feasibility of implementing this solution on a wide scale remains a challenge. One of the main issues is the infrastructure. For car-to-car communication to work, the vehicles need to be within a certain range of each other, and this range is limited. Additionally, in urban areas where cars are densely packed, the coverage and reliability of such a system can be problematic.

In contrast, using the internet for communication between vehicles has its advantages, such as wider coverage and the ease of integration with existing infrastructure. However, the internet introduces an additional layer of latency due to the distance and potential congestion on the network. Therefore, achieving the required low latency through internet connectivity is more challenging but not impossible with advanced technologies such as 5G.

5G technology, with its low latency and high bandwidth capabilities, is a potential solution for enhancing connected car communication. Unlike 4G, which has a latency of around 30-50 milliseconds, 5G can achieve latencies in the range of 1-2 milliseconds. This makes it a promising technology for supporting the real-time communication required by connected cars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the data speeds and latency required for connected cars are not just technical specifications but crucial elements that can significantly impact the safety and efficiency of these vehicles. While direct car-to-car communication can achieve the lowest latency, the practicality of this solution is limited. The alternative of using the internet, with the help of technologies like 5G, offers a viable solution but requires significant advancements in infrastructure and network optimization.

The journey towards fully connected cars is fraught with challenges, but with the continuous development of technology and infrastructure, these hurdles can be overcome. As more data speeds and ultra-low latency solutions become available, the automotive industry will continue to evolve, offering safer, more connected, and smarter driving experiences.

References

[1] TIP: Latency is Real: It Can Get in the Way of Smart Cars, Computerworld, March 12, 2020.

[2] 5G Technology for Smart Cars: The Way Forward, NetworkWorld, January 22, 2021.

[3] Challenges and Solutions for Car-to-Car Communication, Semiconductor Today, March 15, 2019.