Since 1986, Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technology has evolved from simple automatic vehicle identification (AVI) through more complex and intelligent generation of products for electronic toll collection (ETC) or electronic toll and traffic management (ETTM). Today, products designed for the DSRC market are being used for road user charging (RUC), congestion charging, traveller demand management, access control and many other roles where speed of account recognition and chained events with high accuracy are required to address the growing demands of the transport industry. This paper addresses the differences in DSRC as seen by the American915 MHz technology, the European CEN 278 technology and the newly arrivedAmerican standard, 5.9 GHz WAVE. While all are addressing the worldwide market for DSRC and a range of other applications in ITS, they are substantially different and unique unto themselves. All three offer different advantages and have their shortcomings. As more and more of the world looks toelectronic road pricing (ERP), it is important to recognize how each technology compares and contrasts. ETC with 915 MHz and CEN 278 are certainly the more mature and established technologies. After years of wrangling in Europe for a standard, the CEN 278 is delivering a common protocol for tolling and the issues - from roadside to back office are being addressed systematically through a common frequency and developing standards for interoperability between toll facilities, In the USA, the 915 MHz market is not unified but "Regionalised". Despite its success, DSRC does have its limitations. As a standard it is described as "broad" and various interpretations of the standard by manufacturing companies has meant that the elusive goal of interoperability may still not be reached. Furthermore, whilst greattime and effort has been put forth to harmonise efforts in the CEN 278 world, there is no single independent testing agency charged with certifyingthat a CEN278 product meets the requirements of the standard. The American 5.9 GHz Wave Standard in newly established. It has no history or case history to indicate how well or how fully it meets the challenges of Open Road Tolling (ORT) or ERP. It does, however have a common root with the computer industry in that it is an 802.11 family member with its own designation. As such, it does have a common framework to forge interoperability. Its natural advantages may be its range and capacity. Both greatly exceed and overcome shortcomings of the CEN standard. It also comes with a nascent standards testing body in the Omniair Group. As such, it may be on the verge of becoming the new worldwide standard in the industry and the favourite amongst the automotive industry to carry more than simple tolling information but realize a world of ITS applications for safety and TDM. The latest developments around the world are used to illustrate a comparison of the two new protocols and standards that may compete or cooperate in developing greater worldwide interoperability or competition. A guide for other possible demand management implementations around the world and use of bothETC standards is provided. For the covering abstract see ITRD E134653.
Samenvatting