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The Connected Vehicle Proving Center (CVPC) offers world-class facilities and expertise to test, evaluate, and showcase connected vehicle technologies.

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Connected Vehicle Proving Center - Driving Connected Vehicle Innovation

Infostructure

ImageCurrently, several communication protocols are competing for a slice of the vehicle communication pie. Cellular technology and future-generations of it (such as 3G) are an obvious entry into this market. In addition, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has dedicated a block of spectrum at 5.9 GHz for transportation applications. This spectrum supports Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) and Wireless Access in a Vehicular Environment (WAVE). These technologies operate over a range of about 300 meters and offer several highly desirable characteristics for safety applications, including high reliability and very fast transmission time.

DSRC and WAVE are not the only options for connected vehicles, however. Cellular voice and data networks are pervasive through the U.S. and beyond, and connected vehicles can use these communication channels, too, especially for applications that do not require instantaneous transmission times. Next generation cellular networks, sometimes referred to as 3G (for third generation) and eventually 4G (fourth generation) will make digital cellular even more powerful for connected vehicle applications. Furthermore, communities and business across the U.S. are building WiFi networks to support mobile computing, and connected vehicles are capable of linking with these channels, too.

Other technologies are also coming along, such as WiMAX, and these also offer advantages, such as longer range. Satellite communication channels are also a future possibility. Already, we use satellites to obtain geographic and spatial data from the global positioning system (GPS), and new satellite technologies, including an updated GPS network, are on the horizon.

>> See a visual representation of how connected vehicle technology can enhance safety.