Intra-vehicular Wireless Networks

Automotive wiring harnesses that provide the wiring infrastructure for electrical and electronic sub-systems inside vehicles have grown in size over the years. Significant engineering challenges are posed due to increased weight/decreased fuel economy, increase in production steps, increased cost and labor in harness manufacturing and installation, increased design complexity, etc. wireless communications provides an intriguing alternative to wiring. This paper investigates the issues around replacing the current wired data links between electrical control units (ECU) and sensors/switches in a vehicle, with wireless links. We present a wide range of engineering issues and discuss potential solutions. We also provide recommendations with regard to future wireless intra- vehicular networks. Specifically, we provide a discussion on limitations and opportunities, based on simulation results, for network operations over an IEEE 802.15.4 stack protocol.