VANET-based privacy preserving scheme for detecting traffic congestion

We propose a VA NET-based (Vehicular Ad hoc NETwork), privacy-preserving, distributed, collaborative traffic congestion detection and dissemination system that conserves bandwidth and provides drivers with real-time information on traffic congestions over long distances. The system uses vehicles equipped with simple inexpensive devices, as gatherers and distributors of information without the need for costly road infrastructure such as sensors, cameras or external communication equipment. Each vehicle is assumed to be equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device that provides with vehicle´s current location, a real-time clock and a wireless communication device such as a two-way radio that allows it to communicate with vehicles nearby. The vehicles broadcast their current location, speed and direction at fixed time intervals. Our simulation results show that our solution addresses location privacy concerns and uses aggregation in the form of congestion sections to reduce bandwidth consumption.