Location- and delay-aware cross-layer communication in V2I multihop vehicular networks

Intelligent transportation systems are targeted to improve the traffic safety and driving experience of passengers. Vehicular ad hoc networks are wireless communication networks proposed to be used as parts of ITS. VANETs facilitate communication among vehicles, and between vehicles and roadside equipment. A key challenge in developing such systems is to design routing and MAC protocols that not only provide good end-to-end packet delay but can also quickly adapt to changes in the network topology due to vehicular mobility. In this article we outline a new framework for location- and delay-aware cross-layer communication that addresses these challenges. Our framework provides an efficient V2I data delivery system that relays packets over low-delay paths to a fixed base station or access point. Furthermore, an instance of this framework is also presented as a protocol. Our preliminary evaluations show that our design approach is promising, and provides delay predictability, fairness, and a good packet delivery ratio.