In-Vehicle Software Defined Networking: An Enabler For Data Interoperability

As future transportation systems evolve, new in-vehicle network designs are required to handle the heterogeneous data generated by different Electronic Control Modules (ECUs). Enabling interaction between these data sources can trigger innovation and the emergence of new smart features significantly impacting upon security and riders experience. The interoperability between the ECUs is of high value in the context of autonomous transportation systems. Indeed, it enables different technologies to collaborate for achieving complex tasks. Without this interoperability, features like radar system connected to the Media Oriented Systems Transport bus (MOST) cannot trigger the electronic stability control connected to the Controller Area Network (CAN). These features allow the car to mitigate a high-risk situation using existing modules. In this work, we propose a Software Defined Network (SDN) approach that enables in-vehicle data sources interoperability that allows ECUs to share a medium. The benefits of the proposed approach are backed by the implementation of a relevant use case and the generation of simulation results.