Peer-based communication for a distributed, virtual Traffic Management Center

In an effort to monitor and alleviate roadway traffic conditions, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has deployed a statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) architecture consisting of a large number of devices, including cameras, dynamic message signs, and speed sensors along Oklahoma highways. These devices are connected throughout a private ITS fiber-optic network to controlling stations located at stakeholder agencies statewide, forming a virtual Traffic Management Center (TMC). This decentralized approach allows individual consoles on the virtual TMC to display and control reachable devices even if portions of the network become disconnected. Enabling this fault-tolerant design is a novel peer-based communications protocol. The communication system is dynamically configured and automatically resolves communications regardless of network configuration. This paper introduces this robust peer-based approach and describes its implementation within the Oklahoma virtual TMC. Results of this implementation of the system are also presented.