Networks in automotive systems: The potential for optical wireless integration

Vehicular communications have become an attraction field to researchers in different sectors; from electronic systems, then communication technologies, automotive control systems, to network topology developers. Control, audio and video signals are circulated within a vehicle using wired and wireless networks. Optical Wireless (OW) technology has started to be used in intra-satellite links and aircraft, since it offers high bandwidth and resistance to electromagnetic interference (EM). As more electronic systems are being within a vehicle, EM exists, especially in the engine compartment. Thus it is an attractive proposition to use OW in cars. In this paper, a review of control and multimedia systems in vehicles is presented. An overview of implementing OW in vehicles for future automotive communication technologies will also be discussed.