PVCM: Assisting multi-hop communication in vehicular networks using parked vehicles

Multi-hop communication in vehicular ad hoc networks is a challenging task due to the dynamic and unbalanced nature of these networks. In the suburban areas or during the night when the density of vehicles is low, multi-hop communication is only possible if (i) the vehicles store-carry-forward the messages or (ii) by using roadside units. Each of the solutions has its drawback. The former introduces delivery delay and the latter is an expensive solution. In this paper, we propose the Parked Vehicle Communication Model (PVCM) to use the parked vehicles along the roads to act as relay nodes and assist the communication in low density situations. We argue that the number and the distribution of parked vehicles is suitable to serve our purpose. We also show that the automotive battery can be utilized to keep the on-board unit running without draining all its energy.