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

  • Coded exchanges
    July 24, 2012
    For many, Ethernet- and IP-based networks are the cast-iron solution to ITS's communications needs. However, there remain issues from manufacturer to manufacturer with interpretation of what are supposed to be common standards The 'promise' of Ethernet was that different devices such as IP video cameras and traffic signals could be easily integrated into communications networks, simplifying the process of transporting data over copper, fibre or wirelessly. However, although Ethernet devices have come to pre
  • Huawei opens door to new opportunities in transport & logistics
    December 18, 2024
    By addressing the four key elements of a transportation network’s composition with a state-of-the-art digital solution, Huawei is bringing significant performance uplifts to all aspects of railway operations
  • Machine vision needs standards to fulfil ITS demands
    May 28, 2014
    No-one should expect the enabling qualities of machine vision to come free of charge but Jason Barnes finds there is still much that ITS stakeholders can do to help reduce costs. After many years of application in high-end solutions for the enforcement and tolling sectors, machine vision is gaining traction in more general areas of traffic management. Nevertheless, those OEMs producing transport-oriented solutions which incorporate machine vision and looking to increase the technology’s share of the ITS mar
  • AV/ridesharing mix wins major auto investment
    May 5, 2016
    The US has a new trend in personal mobility and David Crawford takes a closer look. US automaker General Motors and ridesharer Lyft’s announcement of a strategic partnership aimed at delivering, over time, an integrated network of on-demand autonomous as well as conventional vehicles has taken the nation’s car industry from traditional manufacturing to new arenas.