Skip to main content

Ethernet to tap new synergies for connected cars

Ethernet could be catalyst for bringing the automotive industry a step closer to connected vehicles. The latest report from Frost and Sullivan indicates that the need to integrate multiple consumer electronic devices into the car offering connected services and maintaining brand identity has led to a situation where original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are shifting toward higher connectivity options which could power prioritised and personalised services, catering to varied consumer needs. With the parad
July 25, 2013 Read time: 3 mins
Ethernet could be catalyst for bringing the automotive industry a step closer to connected vehicles

The latest report from Frost & Sullivan indicates that the need to integrate multiple consumer electronic devices into the car offering connected services and maintaining brand identity has led to a situation where original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are shifting toward higher connectivity options which could power prioritised and personalised services, catering to varied consumer needs. With the paradigm shift toward connected cars and associated services such as automotive-app stores and connected location based services, there is an ever-increasing need for higher data transfer bandwidths. Ethernet could serve as the backbone to the electronic architecture connecting domains and sub networks that require higher bandwidth and also cater to consumers’ need for connectivity.

Frost and Sullivan estimates that the total number of Ethernet ports globally will reach 300 million by 2020. The number of nodes or ports is expected to range from more than 100 in luxury cars, 50–60 in mass market segment cars, and less than ten nodes in entry level cars by 2020.

“Ethernet could be the catalyst for bringing the automotive industry a step closer to connected vehicles,” says Frost and Sullivan senior research analyst, Divya Krishnamurthy. “With its capability to simplify the networking architecture, higher uptake rates are expected in the near future.”

The bandwidth requirement for in-vehicle electronic applications, such as camera-assisted parking with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), lane departure warning systems, collision avoidance systems, and traffic light recognition is higher, in the range over 100Mbps. The number of nodes to be connected therefore is also higher. Most importantly, proven IP-based Ethernet technology enables OEMs to use a single-network platform by significantly reducing the connectivity cost and cabling weight. It is scalable and flexible enough to be used in multiple vehicle segments.

“OEMs are now working to bring in Ethernet into their future models that will fulfil all kinds of telematics and infotainment demands of end users,” says Ms Krishnamurty. “OEMs can benefit from the use of Ethernet to reduce connectivity cost and weight due to lighter cabling leading to better fuel economy.”

“It is also indicative that OEMs such as 1731 BMW, 1684 Hyundai, 3883 Jaguar Land Rover, 948 General Motors, American 1683 Honda and 1900 PSA Peugeot Citroën are also part of the open alliance (one-pair Ethernet), a special interest group (SIG) to use Ethernet as a standard solution for infotainment and telematics,” concludes Ms Krishnamurthy.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • $175 million for ETC on bistate crossings
    February 2, 2012
    The Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has authorised the purchase of a new toll collection system for the agency’s six bi-state crossings, which will have the capability to accommodate all-electronic tolling in the future.
  • EVs stir interest but face obstacles – IBM study
    May 18, 2012
    Many automobile industry executives believe that sales of traditional vehicles will peak before 2020 and are looking to electric-only vehicles (EVs) as one of the next hot products, but they will first have to address stringent consumer requirements about EV performance, recharging, and convenience, according to a new IBM survey of consumer attitudes and a recent study of auto industry executives.
  • Report: Priority funding for rail projects drives investments in Turkey
    January 22, 2015
    Turkish railways have undergone a complete overhaul due to significant investments over the last five years. In the majority of rail projects currently under way, investment is directed towards the construction of new high-speed rail (HSR) lines, electrification, extensions and upgrading of existing infrastructure. With u$18 billion allocated for the rail sector as part of the Turkey Vision 2023 plan, the country is expected to have a total conventional rail network length of 25,940 kilometres and a HSR net
  • Webinar: Future of intelligent mobility and its impact on transportation
    June 1, 2015
    Frost & Sullivan’s webinar on 10 June 2015 at 1500 GMT will discuss the perspectives on intelligent mobility from various regions of the world; the potential to achieve carbon emission reduction, congestion alleviation and per-capita carbon footprint reduction; the roadmap to achieve intelligent mobility and the role of gamification; and comparative analysis of OEM strategies to achieve intelligent mobility, including a case study. Speakers are Frost & Sullivan program manager Automotive & Transportation