Interworking of DSRC and Cellular Network Technologies for V2X Communications: A Survey

Vehicle-to-anything (V2X) communications refer to information exchange between a vehicle and various elements of the intelligent transportation system (ITS), including other vehicles, pedestrians, Internet gateways, and transport infrastructure (such as traffic lights and signs). The technology has a great potential of enabling a variety of novel applications for road safety, passenger infotainment, car manufacturer services, and vehicle traffic optimization. Today, V2X communications is based on one of two main technologies: dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and cellular networks. However, in the near future, it is not expected that a single technology can support such a variety of expected V2X applications for a large number of vehicles. Hence, interworking between DSRC and cellular network technologies for efficient V2X communications is proposed. This paper surveys potential DSRC and cellular interworking solutions for efficient V2X communications. First, we highlight the limitations of each technology in supporting V2X applications. Then, we review potential DSRC-cellular hybrid architectures, together with the main interworking challenges resulting from vehicle mobility, such as vertical handover and network selection issues. In addition, we provide an overview of the global DSRC standards, the existing V2X research and development platforms, and the V2X products already adopted and deployed in vehicles by car manufactures, as an attempt to align academic research with automotive industrial activities. Finally, we suggest some open research issues for future V2X communications based on the interworking of DSRC and cellular network technologies.