Study of VANET Routing Protocols and

Applications

Debashis Dev Misra, Anurag Bodhak, Abhirup Ghosh Dastidar, Debayan Chakrabarty
Department of Computer science, Royal Group of Institutions, Guwahati, Assam, India

ABSTRACT
The recent adoption of the various 802.11 wireless standards has caused a dramatic increase
in the number of wireless data networks. Today, wireless LANs are highly deployed and the
cost for wireless equipment is continuing to drop in price. Currently, an 802.11 adapter or
access point (AP) can be purchased for next to nothing. As a result of the high acceptance of
the 802.11 standards, academia and the commercial sector are looking for other applicable
solutions for these wireless technologies. The creation of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
(VANET) has also spawn much interest in the rest of the world. The goal is to create new
network algorithms or modify the existing for use in a vehicular environment. In the future
vehicular ad hoc networks will assists the drivers of vehicles and help to create safer roads by
reducing the number of automobile accidents.
Keywords
V2I, V2V, VANET

INTRODUCTION
With the Internet becoming an increasingly significant part of our lives, the dream of a Wi-Fi
enabled city is becoming closer and closer to reality. The Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network, or
VANET, is a technology that uses moves cars as nodes in a network to create a mobile
network. VANET turns every participating car into a wireless router or node, allowing cars
approximately 100 to 300 metres of each other to connect and, in turn, create a network with
a wide range. As cars fall out of the signal range and drop out of the network, other cars can
join in, connecting vehicles to one another so that a mobile Internet is created. It is estimated
that the first systems that will integrate this technology are police and fire vehicles to
communicate with each other for safety purposes.

1.2 VANET network architecture

Vehicular Ad-hoc network is mainly divided into three types of architectures namely
WLAN/cellular, Ad-Hoc and Hybrid. [2]

Fig 1 VANET network types

1.2.1 Pure Cellular

In pure cellular/WLAN architecture, the network uses cellular gateways and WLAN access
points to connect to the Internet and facilitate vehicular applications. Vehicles communicate
with the Internet by driving by either a cellular tower or a wireless access point. WLAN uses
permanent fixed towers and a tower serves a vehicle while it is in its range

1.2.2 Ad-Hoc
Since the infrastructure of cellular towers and wireless access points are not necessarily
widely deployed due to costs or geographic limitations, nodes may only engage in
communication with each other. Information collected from sensors on a vehicle can become
valuable in notifying other vehicles about traffic condition and helping the police solve
crimes (Lee, 2006). The infrastructure-less network architecture is in the pure ad hoc category
where nodes perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication with each other. Ad-hoc uses cars as
nodes for information exchange. i.e. they behave as moving towers and can communicate
with each other seamlessly.

1.2.3 Hybrid
When there are roadside communication units such as a cellular tower and an access point
and vehicles are equipped with wireless networking devices, vehicles can take advantage of
the infrastructure in communicating with each other as well as with the towers. Various
applications in areas of urban monitoring, safety, driving assistance, and entertainment (Lee,
2006) have used infrastructure communicating units to access dynamic and rich information
outside their network context and share this information in a peer-to-peer fashion through ad
hoc, infrastructure less communication. The hybrid architecture of cellular/WLAN and ad hoc
approaches provides richer contents and greater flexibility in content sharing. [1]
Similar to mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), nodes in VANETs self-organize and selfmanage information in a distributed fashion without a centralized authority or a server
dictating the communication. [3]

ROUTING PROTOCOLS
In VANET, the routing protocols are classified into five categories: Topology based routing
protocol, Position based routing protocol, Cluster based routing protocol, Geocast routing
protocol and Broadcast routing protocol. These protocols are characterized on the basis of
area/application where they are most suitable

Fig 2 Routing protocols

2.1 Topology Based Routing Protocols

These routing protocols use links information that exists in the network to perform packet
forwarding. They are further divided into Proactive and Reactive. [3]

2.1.1 Proactive routing protocols

The proactive routing means that the routing information, like next forwarding hop is
maintained in the background irrespective of communication requests. The advantage
of proactive routing protocol is that there is no route discovery since the destination
route is stored in the background, but the disadvantage of this protocol is that it
provides low latency for real time application. A table is constructed and maintained
within a node. So that, each entry in the table indicates the next hop node towards a
certain destination. The various types of proactive routing protocols are: LSR, FSR.

2.1.2 Reactive/Ad hoc based routing

Reactive routing opens the route only when it is necessary for a node to communicate
with each other. It maintains only the routes that are currently in use, as a result it
reduces the burden in the network. Reactive routing consists of route discovery phase
in which the query packets are flooded into the network for the path search and this
phase completes when route is found. The various types of reactive routing protocols
are AODV, PGB, DSR and TORA

2.2 Position Based Routing Protocols

Position based routing consists of class of routing algorithm. They share the property of using
geographic positioning information in order to select the next forwarding hops. The packet is
send without any map knowledge to the one hop neighbour, which is closest to destination.
Position based routing is beneficial since no global route from source node to destination
node need to be created and maintained. Position based routing is broadly divided in two
types: Position based greedy V2V protocols, Delay Tolerant Protocols. [3]

2.2.1 Position Based Greedy V2V Protocols

In greedy strategy and intermediate node in the route forward message to the farthest
neighbour in the direction of the next destination. Greedy approach requires that
intermediate node should possessed position of itself, position of its neighbour and
destination position. The goal of these protocols is to transmit data packets to
destination as soon as possible that is why these are also known as min delay routing
protocols. Various types of position based

2.2.2 Connectivity Aware Routing Protocols (CAR)

CAR protocols find a route to a destination; it has unique characteristics that it
maintains the cache of successful route between various source and destination pairs.
It also predicts the position of destination vehicle repairs route as the position
changes. Nodes using CAR protocols send periodic Hello beacons that contain their
velocity vector information. On receiving Hello beacons a node will record sender in
its neighbour table and calculate its own velocity vector and velocity vector of its
neighbour. Beacons can also be piggybacked on forwarded data packets to reduce
wastage of bandwidth and congestion. Entries expire from the neighbour table when
the distance between nodes exceeds the threshold value. The CAR protocols
establishes the notation of a guard which is a geographic marker message, it is
buffered and passed from one vehicle to another to propagate the information.

2.3 Cluster Based Routing

Cluster based routing is preferred in clusters. A group of nodes identifies themselves to be a
part of cluster and a node is designated as cluster head will broadcast the packet to cluster.
Good scalability can be provided for large networks but network delays and overhead are
incurred when forming clusters in highly mobile VANET. In cluster based routing virtual
network infrastructure must be created through the clustering of nodes in order to provide
scalability. The various Clusters based routing protocols are TIBCRPH, CBDRP. [3]

2.3.1 CBDRP: Cluster-Based Directional Routing Protocol

It divides the vehicles into clusters and vehicles which are moving in same direction
form a cluster. The source sends the message to its cluster header and then it forwards
the message to header which is in the same cluster with the destination. At last the

destination header sends the message to the destination. The cluster header selection
and maintenance is same like CBR but it considers velocity and direction of a vehicle.

2.3.2 TIBCRPH: Traffic Infrastructure Based Cluster Routing

Special environments and applications cause that VANET cannot use the exiting
protocols well. In the author utilize the exiting traffic infrastructures to cluster the
network effectively and make use of the handoff idea of cellular networks to propose
a new protocol dubbed TIBCRPH which is special for VANET. TIBCRPH always
performs well no matter how node density and speed change which is better than
some traditional routing protocols. [6]

2.4 Broadcast Routing

Broadcast routing is frequently used in VANET for sharing, traffic, weather and emergency,
road conditions among vehicles and delivering advertisements and announcements. The
various Broadcast routing protocols are DECA, POCA and DV-CAST. [3]

2.4.1 DV-CAST: Distributed vehicular broadcast protocol

It uses variable to check whether the packet is redundant or not. This protocol divides
the vehicles into three types depending on the local connectivity as well connected,
sparsely connected, totally disconnected neighbourhood local topology information
by using the periodic hello messages for broadcasting the information.

2.4.2 DECA: Density-aware reliable broadcasting protocol

DECA is a reliable and efficient broadcast protocol for data dissemination. The
protocol does not require GPS but uses store-and-forward technique and employs
local density information (number of neighbours) to make decision on forwarding. A
source node or a precursor selects a neighbour with the highest density to be the next
rebroadcasting node. This neighbour is responsible for rebroadcasting the message
immediately without waiting time. By this mechanism, number of nodes that receive

the message in one transmission can be maximized. This is because cars on the real
traffic always form groups. DCA can outperform other protocols. [5]

2.4.3 POCA: Position-aware reliable broadcasting protocol

It uses adaptive beacon to get neighbours' position and velocity. When nodes want to
broadcast messages, they will select the neighbours in preferred distance to
rebroadcast the message. The preferred distance is based on the distance between
nodes and selector nodes. The selected node will rebroadcast the message
immediately. In case the selected nodes do not rebroadcast the message, other nodes
which have set waiting timeout since they received message will do this task instead.
The waiting timeout is calculated depend on the distance between node and precursor
node. So a node that is closest to selected node will rebroadcast the messages. POCA
also piggybacks the message identifier to beacon to handle intermittent connectivity.
Nodes can know if the neighbours miss some messages and rebroadcast the message
to them by set waiting timeout. So a node in the same road section will rebroadcast
the messages to neighbours. [4]

2.5 Geo Cast Routing

Geo cast routing is basically a location based multicast routing. Its objective is to deliver the
packet from source node to all other nodes within a specified geographical region (Zone of
Relevance ZOR). In Geo cast routing vehicles outside the ZOR are not alerted to avoid
unnecessary hasty reaction. Geo cast is considered as a multicast service within a specific
geographic region. It normally defines a forwarding zone where it directs the flooding of
packets in order to reduce message overhead and network congestion caused by simply
flooding packets everywhere. In the destination zone, unicast routing can be used to forward
the packet. One pitfall of Geo cast is network partitioning and also unfavourable neighbours,
which may hinder the proper forwarding of messages. The various Geo cast routing protocols
are IVG, DG-CASTOR and DRG. [3]

2.5.1 ROVER: Robust Vehicular Routing

It is a reliable geographical multicast protocol where only control packets are
broadcasted in the network and the data packets are unicasted. The objective of the
protocol is to send a message to all other vehicles within a specified Zone of
Relevance (ZOR). The ZOR is defined as a rectangle specified by its corner
coordinates. When a vehicle receives a message, it accepts the message if it is within
the ZOR. It also defines a Zone of Forwarding (ZOF) which includes the source and
the ZOR.

2.5.2 DTSG: Dynamic Time-Stable Geo cast Routing

The main aim of this protocol is to work even with sparse density
networks. It dynamically adjusts the protocol depending on network
density and the vehicles speed for better performance. It defines
two phases: pre-stable and stable period. Pre-stable phase helps the
message to be disseminated within the region and stable-period
intermediate node uses store and forward method for a predefined
time within the region.

VANET Applications
The RSU can be treated as an access point or router or even a buffer point which can store
data and provide data when needed. All data on the RSUs are uploaded or downloaded by
vehicles. A classification of applications is also done by as Car to Car Traffic applications,
Car to Infrastructure applications, Car to Home applications and Routing based applications.
The authors in discusses about the various attacks based on their classification. Based on the
type of communication either V2I or V2V, the applications are arranged into following
classes.

Fig 3 VANET Application Example

3.1. Safety Applications

Safety applications include monitoring of the surrounding road, approaching vehicles, surface
of the road, road curves etc. The Road safety applications can be classified as: [5]
Real-time traffic: The real time traffic data can be stored at the RSU and can be
available to the vehicles whenever and wherever needed. This can play an important
role in solving the problems such as traffic jams, avoid congestions and in emergency
alerts such as accidents etc.
Co-operative Message Transfer: Slow/Stopped Vehicle will exchange messages
and co-operate to help other vehicles. Though reliability and latency would be of
major concern, it may automate things like emergency braking to avoid potential
accidents. Similarly, emergency electronic brake-light may be another application.
Post Crash Notification: A vehicle involved in an accident would broadcast
warning messages about its position to trailing vehicles so that it can take decision
with time in hand as well as to the highway patrol for tow away support.
Road Hazard Control Notification: Cars notifying other cars about road having
landslide or information regarding road feature notification due to road curve, sudden
downhill etc.
Cooperative Collision Warning: Alerts two drivers potentially under crash route so
that they can mend their ways. [7]

 Traffic Vigilance: The cameras can be installed at the RSU that can work as input
and act as the latest tool in low or zero tolerance campaign against driving offenses. [7]

3.2. Commercial Applications

Commercial applications will provide the driver with the entertainment and services as web
access, streaming audio and video. The Commercial applications can be classified as: [5]
Remote Vehicle Personalization/ Diagnostics: It helps in downloading of
personalized vehicle settings or uploading of vehicle diagnostics from/to
infrastructure.
Internet Access: Vehicles can access internet through RSU if RSU is working as a
router.
Digital map downloading: Map of regions can be downloaded by the drivers as per
the requirement before traveling to a new area for travel guidance. Also, Content Map
Database Download acts as a portal for getting valuable information from mobile hot
spots or home stations.
Real Time Video Relay: On-demand movie experience will not be confined to the
constraints of the home and the driver can ask for real time video relay of his
favourite movies.
Value-added advertisement: This is especially for the service providers, who want
to attract customers to their stores. Announcements like petrol pumps, highways
restaurants to announce their services to the drivers within communication range. This
application can be available even in the absence of the Internet.

3.3. Convenience Applications

Convenience application mainly deals in traffic manage-ment with a goal to enhance traffic
efficiency by boosting the degree of convenience for drivers. The Convenience applications
can be classified as: [5]
Route Diversions: Route and trip planning can be made in case of road congestions
so that the person dont add up to the already crowded road.
Electronic Toll Collection: Payment of the toll can be done electronically through a
Toll Collection Point. A Toll collection Point shall be able to read the OBU of the
vehicle. OBUs work via GPS and the on-board odometer or techograph as a back-up
to determine how far the Lorries have travelled by reference to a digital map and
GSM to authorize the payment of the toll via a wireless link. TOLL application is
beneficial not only to drivers but also to toll operators.
Parking Availability: Notifications regarding the availability of parking in the
metropolitan cities helps to find the availability of slots in parking lots in a certain
geographical area.
Active Prediction: It anticipates the upcoming topography of the road, which is
expected to optimize fuel usage by adjusting the cruising speed before starting a
descent or an ascent. Secondly, the driver is also assisted.

3.4. Productive Applications

We are intentionally calling it productive as this application is additional with the above
mentioned applications. The Productive applications can be classified as: [6]
Environmental Benefits: AERIS research program is to generate and acquire
environmentally-relevant real-time transportation data, and use these data to create
actionable information that support and facilitate green transportation choices by
transportation system users and operators. Employing a multi-modal approach, the
AE-RIS program will work in partnership with the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)
communications research effort to better define how connected vehicle data and

applications might contribute to mitigating some of the negative environmental

impacts of surface transportation.
Time Utilization: If a traveller downloads his email, he can transform jam traffic
into a productive task and read on-board system and read it himself if traffic stuck.
One can browse the Internet when someone is waiting in car for a relative or friend.
Fuel Saving: When the TOLL system application for vehicle collects toll at the toll
booths without stop-ping the vehicles, the fuel around 3% is saved, which is
consumed when a vehicles as an average waits normally for 2-5 minutes.

CONCLUSION
VANET is the future of automobile. Just like ABS, Airbags and TCS are nearly compulsory
for a vehicle, it will not be long when we will see VANET as a compulsory add-on for
vehicles. The infrastructures will also hopefully develop for making VANET a reality and we
can surely have an accident proof journey guaranteed. In this paper we saw the different
routing protocols of VANET and also the applications, which I hope becomes a reality in the
near future.

REFERENCES
[1] Andreas Tonnesen, University of Minnesota, Mobile Ad-hoc Networks, 2012
[2] Josiane Nzouonta, Neeraj Rajgure, Guiling (Grace) Wang, Member, IEEE, and Cristian
Borcea, Member, IEEE, VANET Routing on City Roads Using Real-Time Vehicular Traffic
Information
[3] Yun-Wellin, Yuh-Shayan Chen, Routing Protocols in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks: A Survey
and Future Perspectives, 2010

[4] Ram Shringar Raw , Manish Kumar , Nanhay Singh, Security challenges issues and their
solution for VANET, Ambedkar Institute of Advanced communication Technologies &
Research Delhi, India, 2015
[5] Kevin C. Lee, Uichin Lee, Survey of Routing Protocols in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks.
U.S.A, 2013
[6] Marco Fiore, Politecnico di Torino, and Jerome Harri, Christian Bonnet Institut Eurecom
Department of Mobile Communications, Vehicular Mobility Simulation for VANETs, 2012
[7] Nazmus S. Nafi and Jamil Y. Khan School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
The University of Newcastle Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia A VANET Based Intelligent
Road Traffic Management System