Network connectivity of one-dimensional Vehicular Ad hoc Network

In this paper, we study the connectivity of a Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET) formed between vehicles that move on a highway. Analytical model to determine the network connectivity of VANET is presented, assuming that the speed of vehicles follow normal distribution. We bring out the exact dependence of vehicle speed statistics on VANET connectivity. We also present the dependence of vehicle speed statistics on both the node isolation probability as well as the critical transmission range required to maintain the desired connectivity probability. The results show that when the vehicle transmission range increases, the network connectivity also gets increased. The results also show that the network connectivity gets degraded when the average vehicle speed increases. Further, as the average speed increases, the critical transmission range required to meet a given connectivity probability criterion increases. On the other hand, when the standard deviation of vehicle speed increases, the network connectivity gets improved. It is also shown that, for a given connectivity probability requirement, the critical transmission range decreases as the standard deviation of the speed increases.