Connectivity Analysis in VANETS with Dynamic Ranges

Abstract

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) serve as critical platforms for inter-vehicle communication within constrained ranges, facilitating information exchange. However, the inherent challenge of dynamic network topology poses persistent disruptions, hindering safety and emergency information exchange. An alternative generalised statistical model of the channel is proposed to capture the varying transmission range of the vehicle node. The generalised model framework uses simple wireless fading channel models (Weibull, Nakagami-m, Rayleigh, and lognormal) and the large vehicle obstructions to model the transmission range. This approach simplifies analysis of connection of vehicular nodes in environments were communication links are very unstable from obstructions from large vehicles and varying speeds. The connectivity probability is computed for two traffic models—free-flow and synchronized Gaussian unitary ensemble (GUE)—to simulate vehicle dynamics within a multi-lane road, enhancing the accuracy of VANET modeling. Results show that indeed the dynamic range distribution is impacted at shorter inter-vehicle distances and vehicle connectivity probability is lower with many obstructing vehicles. These findings offer valuable insights into the overall effects of parameters like path loss exponents and vehicle density on connectivity probability, thus providing knowledge on optimizing VANETs in diverse traffic scenarios.