Connected Cars: The Various Types of Connectivity Technologies

Itzel Harrington, IT Director, Digital Transformation, Daimler

Technology advances at a breakneck pace, and the internet has altered the way people communicate and perform routine tasks.

Connected cars share internet access with devices both inside and outside the vehicle and share data with any external device or service. When the user requests, connected vehicles consistently access the internet to perform functions or download data. A connected car is outfitted with a slew of convenient and intelligent features. Connected car technology enhances the overall driving and ownership experience while providing a safety net through advanced security features.

A connected vehicle uses various communication technologies, which is where automotive and information technology come together. The following section summarizes the various types of connectivity technologies:

Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) connectivity: V2I connectivity is primarily used to ensure the vehicle's safety. The car communicates with the road infrastructure, and exchanges/receives data about traffic/road/weather conditions, speed limits, and accidents, among other things.

Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) communication: The vehicle-to-vehicle communication system enables real-time data exchange between vehicles. Additionally, V2V is used to ensure the safety of cars.

Vehicle to Cloud (V2C) connection: The V2C connection is established over the wireless LTE network and relays data to the cloud. Vehicle to cloud connectivity is primarily used to download over-the-air (OTA) vehicle updates, perform remote vehicle diagnostics, and connect to other Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Vehicle to Pedestrian (V2P): The V2P system is one of the most recent systems used in connected cars, and it is also used for safety purposes. Vehicles employ sensors to detect pedestrians, providing warnings of impending collisions.

Vehicle to Everything (V2X): V2X connectivity is a term that refers to the combination of all the types above of connectivity.

The technology of connected cars will not be confined to conventional automobiles. Self-driving vehicles will also communicate with the road infrastructure and cloud system via this technology. However, connected cars are currently disrupting the automobile industry. With the introduction of an increasing number of connected vehicles, buyers are gravitating toward connected cars. Related technology will become the new norm in the coming years, enhancing safety and reducing accidents. The next-generation 5G connectivity will advance technology, making connected vehicles even more innovative and more convenient to use.