EN
The fast development of autonomous driving is transforming our roads and promises us more accidents, less traffic jams, and more effective roads. The core of this change is Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication, the invisible network that enables vehicles to communicate (V2V) and with the roadside infrastructure, such as traffic lights and road sensors (V2I). However, this wireless connectivity implies that such communications are not only important in terms of security and reliability, but also that they are of vital importance to the population safety.
Comparing The Leading Wireless Technologies
Two major technologies that are competing to form the V2X network backbone are Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) and Cellular-V2X (C-V2X). Each of them bears its shortcomings and advantages.
DSRC: The Established Contender
DSRC is a standard platform, and it is based on Wi-Fi. Its main advantage is that it has a low latency rate, i.e. messages about road hazards or sudden braking are passed on practically instantly. This is necessary in high-speed safety application. However, it has downfalls in that it has limited range and does not perform well in non-line-of-sight communications where non-line-of-sight communication barriers like buildings can interfere with the signals. To a greater extent, the implementation has been fragmented and this has created interoperability problems.
C-V2X: The Rising Challenger
C-V2X leverages cellular networks, either directly between devices or via network infrastructure. It is strongest in its high range and capability to cover non-line-of-sight situations due to the high cellular power. It also is meant to be smoothly integrated with the changing 5G networks that promise even greater reliability and capacity. One of the drawbacks is its possible greater latency than in direct communication mode of DSRC and its functionality may be dependent on cellular network coverage and possible subscription models.
Fortifying V2X Against Threats
V2X is vulnerable to cyberattacks because it is wireless in nature. An attacker may intercept, spoof or jam communications and may cause havoc through accidents. Thus, the fact that strong security is a necessity rather than a luxury.
Building Trust Through Encryption and Authentication
All V2X messages are supposed to be encrypted to assure confidentiality. This helps avoid the interception of sensitive information by the eavesdroppers regarding the car location, speed and direction. Much more importantly, an effective authentication mechanism is necessary. All messages are going to be digitally signed to ensure that it is truly a message of a trusted vehicle or a part of an infrastructure and not an impersonator This is what constitutes a system of trust such that the vehicles will be able to utilize information that they receive with confidence.
Ensuring System-Wide Reliability
Along with the security, reliability is the most crucial. The networks must be strong to distractions and must be capable of functioning in a large urban environment with thousands of people networked simultaneously. Such tricks as message redundancy and sophisticated signal processing are used to guarantee that the important warnings are received even in difficult radio circumstances. Design should also incorporate keys distribution mechanisms and certificate revocation mechanisms which are quick to ensure security within the entire ecosystem of vehicles and infrastructure.
The Path Forward
The ride to complete autonomous driving is a joint venture. Whether it is a decision between DSRC and C-V2X can be eventually decided based on their performance in fulfilling the two criteria high security and high reliability. Likely we will have a hybrid solution. No matter what is the underlying technology, it is imperative to apply the layered security architecture that includes a strong encryption, authentication without any concession, and robust network design.