Abstract:
Recently, a lot of focus has been put on making self-driving vehicles safer by improving communication between vehicles. Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication is a new technology that helps vehicles to understand their surroundings, which is essential in autonomous driving. However, most of the V2X research is conducted based on computer simulations due to the lack of hardware testbeds. The existing hardware is very costly and still in the experimental stages. On the other hand, simulation-based experiments do not provide realistic results for validating V2X services and applications. This research presents a new low-cost V2X testbed made from commodity hardware that produces a realistic V2X experience. The testbed mainly consists of On Board Units (OBUs) and Road Side Units (RSUs). These units have been implemented using GPS modules, processing devices, Wi-Fi modules, antennas, and accelerometers. The proposed testbed is unique because it meets the academic needs, providing students with an easy-to-use platform to study V2X applications and services. It reliably delivers quick communication with minimal data loss, making it a valuable for both V2X research and education. The proposed testbed is tested with a few safety-related V2X applications, such as Blind Spot Detection and Collision Avoidance. Innovative solutions like Parking Spot Finding and Smart Traffic Light Systems have been deployed to address urban congestion and improve parking processes. The evaluation of these V2X applications produced realistic results with acceptable minimum data losses and latencies in real-world scenarios. Therefore, this V2X testbed is crucial in educating the next generation of researchers and practitioners by effortlessly merging theoretical insights with practical applications. This innovative approach ensures a comprehensive learning experience while contributing to the evolution of theoretical concepts and their practical application in the dynamic field of vehicular communication.
