The Utilisation of Multi-Antenna Enhanced Mobile Broadband Communications in Intelligent Transportation Systems

Car connectivity with road infrastructure is a hot topic in the field of intelligent transportation systems. Safety and mobility applications require effective and reliable transmissions while vehicles are on the move. Different transmission-technologies (DAB, DSRC, 3G, WiMAX) are currently studied in various projects and standardization initiatives. Mobile broadband wireless access (MBWA) also helps meet these needs by providing internet-based networking. One technology that helps MBWA systems further meet the needs of future ITS systems is multi-antenna signal (MAS) processing software. This technology uses a small cluster of antennas in base stations and/or user terminals to expand network capacity, spectral efficiency, user-data rates, and range, helping to deliver the operational needs of ITS communication systems. This paper discusses how MAS-enabled systems enhance MBWA networks in such systems, and focuses on the technologies and standards that support this role.