BT boffins map out motorway data networks

Posted on 3 Nov 2004 at 12:55

Time for a new transport protocol, believes BT, quite literally: BT researchers are investigating the possibility of using cars on the UK highways to create a large-scale communications network. A new 'information superhighway' quips BT.

A DTI-funded prototype is being developed - using wireless LAN technology - whereby individual vehicles will contribute data for better road management by traffic control centres, as well as provide certain information back to drivers.

'Traffimatics examines how the combination of standard in-vehicle networks and sensors, cheap wireless LAN technologies and web services can be combined to disseminate important data from a vehicle to help improve traffic control, road safety and other useful and inexpensive motoring services to drivers,' said Mike Carr, BT's research director. 'These might include real-time traffic and weather information, or back-seat entertainment, such as access to the web or online inter-vehicle chat.'

In theory, such a system could help minimise congestion and fuel consumption by shortening journey times.

Sceptical readers should note, however, that another possibility for such vehicle monitoring would be to provide information that would help the governments implement automated road tolls. Other possibilities raised by BT - based on data relating to a vehicle's position - include parking-space finders and the detection of traffic jams and general road congestion.

The research is being carried by BT along side Nottingham Trent University, Shadow Creek Consulting and Influx Technologies.

Author: Alun Williams

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