Smart Antennas for Intelligent Transportation Systems

Broadband wireless systems play an increasingly important role in intelligent transportation systems (ITS). These systems provide high-speed wireless links between many ITS subsystems. As the demand for voice, data and video services on these networks grows, the need to improve coverage range, capacity, data rate and quality of service becomes very important. Smart antenna can greatly enhance the performance of wireless systems. However, there are many different flavors of smart antennas. It is important for ITS designers to understand the different types of smart antennas and choose the appropriate one for the intended operating environment. In this paper we first take a look at how wireless technologies might be used in ITS. We then introduce the different types of smart antennas. Finally we present performance results of practical state-of- the-art smart antenna systems