Propagation and Packet Error models in VANET simulations

In this paper, we review the workflow of the channel and physical layer modules in VANET simulations and briefly survey some of the most used propagation and packet error models in network simulators for this kind of networks. Through numerical simulations, we compare these propagation models working with a realistic and straightforward packet error model. Our results indicate that there is not a most conservative propagation model and that conservative models vary with the channel capacity. Furthermore, different propagation models specifically designed for VANETs obtain very close results in channels with intermediate capacities.