The applications of the ZigBee short-range communications technology for intelligent transport systems are examined. ZigBee offers a potential alternative to WiFi and Bluetooth. It is designed to allow many devices in close proximity to communicate with each other. Signals can zigzag between individual ZigBee-enabled systems in a network. The low cost device is based on single CMOS chips with an integrated microcontroller. Details are given of the system characteristics. ZigBee is compared with WiFi and Bluetooth in relation to cost and power consumption. Potential applications of Zigbee in active traffic management in roadworks schemes, sensors for the measurement of weight and temperature, data transfer to passenger information signs, and car-to-car and vehicle-to-infrastructure applications are considered.
Abstract