Traffic Condition Detection Algorithm (TCDA) For VANET Nodes In Wireless Intelligent Transportation Information Systems

is one of the modern approaches for exchanging and generating traffic information with (yet to be realised) potential to improve road safety, driving comfort and traffic control. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm which is based on V2V communication, in-vehicle sensor information and inter-vehicle collaboration which can be used to detect road conditions and determine the geographical area where this road condition exists – e.g. area where there is increased traffic density, unusual traffic behaviour, a range of weather conditions (raining), etc. The built-in automatic geographical restriction of the data collection, aggregation and dissemination mechanisms allows warning messages to be received by other cars, not necessarily sharing the identified road condition, which may then be used to identify the optimum route taken by the vehicle e.g. to avoid bottlenecks or dangerous areas including accidents or congestion on their current routes. The Traffic Condition Detection Algorithm (TCDA)-which we propose here-is simple, flexible and fast and does not rely on any kind of roadside infrastructure equipment. It could offer a live road condition information channel at-almost-no cost to the drivers and public/private traffic agencies and has the potential to become an indispensable part of any future intelligent traffic system (ITS). The benefits from applying this algorithm in traffic networks are identified and quantified through building a simulation model using Network Simulator II (NS2).