OPAL-VCN: Open-Air-Lab for vehicular Communication Networks

Vehicular Communication Networks (VCNs) provide a promising communication platform for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) services as well as for value added services in different road systems. Despite the high demand on test fields for VCN related technical solutions and services, there are currently very few test fields for the immense requirement on test and R&D activities. Moreover, the known VCN-related test fields such as simTD and VII-California mainly focus on Vehicle-to-X communication (V2X), while there is less consideration of the requirements of related roadside backbone networks. This paper presents the Open-Air-Lab for VCNs (OPAL-VCN) as novel test field, especially concentrating on roadside backbone networks specified for VCN requirements. The OPAL-VCN is based on a wireless multi-layer roadside backbone network that employs modular and scalable system architecture. In this paper, we furthermore deal with the design, development and installation of OPAL-VCN. After completion, OPAL-VCN will comprise a test field of a total length of at least 30 km on the German highways A19 / A20 near Rostock city (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). Consequently, OPAL-VCN will provide an effective platform for R&D activities as well as for education and industry and can be used as basis for investigating and developing VCN related technologies and services.