Markov chain analysis methods and simulation tools for performance evaluation and validation of vehicle-roadside communications

The analytical methods and the analysis as well as the simulative tools developed for the performance evaluation and validation of the dedicated vehicle-roadside short-range communication (DSRC) protocols proposed for standardization in Europe (CEN/TC 278/WG9) and in North America are presented. First, the basic concept of the medium access control protocol for vehicles entering the communication zone of a roadside beacon is described. Then, the analytical methods and tools (MARCO) for medium access using new multi-level Markov chain models are presented, in which the dynamic arrival of up to n vehicles and the completion of the full transaction (AFC, automatic fee collection) is taken into account. Furthermore, the characteristics of the two simulative tools SIMCO-F/DSRC and SIMCO3++/DSRC are described. These tools are validated by comparison of the analytical results of the MARCO tool with the results of the simulative tools. Finally, the advantages/disadvantages and the recommended usage of these methods and tools for the validation of the dedicated vehicle-roadside short-range communications proposed for standardization as well as for the DSRC system calibration are discussed