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V2X Glossary

This glossary provides definitions for key terms and acronyms used in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology and documentation.

A

ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control): A system that automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

ASN.1 (Abstract Syntax Notation One): A standard notation for describing data structures used in V2X message encoding.

Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a V2X message sender.

B

Backhaul: The network connection that links roadside units to central traffic management systems.

Basic Safety Message (BSM): A standardized message format containing vehicle position, speed, and status information.

Beacon: A periodic message broadcast by vehicles or infrastructure to announce their presence.

Broadcast: A one-to-many communication method where messages are sent to all devices within range.

C

C-ITS (Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems): European term for V2X systems that enable cooperation between vehicles and infrastructure.

CAN Bus (Controller Area Network): A vehicle communication protocol used to connect electronic control units.

Certificate Authority (CA): An entity that issues and manages digital certificates for V2X security.

C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything): V2X communication using cellular network technology.

D

Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC): A wireless communication technology designed for V2X applications using the 5.9 GHz band.

Digital Signature: A cryptographic mechanism used to verify message authenticity and integrity.

DOT (Department of Transportation): U.S. government agency responsible for transportation safety and regulations.

E

Edge Computing: Processing data at the network edge (e.g., roadside units) rather than in centralized cloud servers.

ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute): European standards organization for telecommunications.

Encryption: The process of encoding information to prevent unauthorized access.

F

FCC (Federal Communications Commission): U.S. government agency that regulates radio frequency spectrum.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW): A safety application that warns drivers of potential front-end collisions.

Frequency Band: A range of radio frequencies allocated for specific uses (e.g., 5.9 GHz for DSRC).

G

GPS (Global Positioning System): Satellite-based navigation system providing location and time information.

Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA): An application that advises drivers on optimal speed to catch green traffic signals.

H

Heading: The direction a vehicle is facing, typically measured in degrees from north.

High-Definition Map (HD Map): Detailed digital maps with centimeter-level accuracy for autonomous driving.

I

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): Professional organization that develops technical standards.

Infrastructure: Roadside equipment including traffic signals, signs, and communication units.

Intersection Movement Assist (IMA): A safety application that warns of potential intersection conflicts.

ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems): Technologies that improve transportation safety and efficiency.

J

J2735: SAE standard defining message sets for DSRC applications.

J2945: SAE standard for V2V safety communications system requirements.

L

Latency: The time delay between sending and receiving a message.

LTE (Long Term Evolution): 4G cellular technology used in C-V2X communications.

M

Map Data (MAP): Digital map information including road geometry and traffic control devices.

Message Set Dictionary (MSD): Standardized definitions of V2X message formats and content.

Mobility: The ability of vehicles to move freely while maintaining communication.

N

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): U.S. agency responsible for vehicle safety standards.

Network Layer: The communication protocol layer responsible for routing messages between devices.

O

On-Board Unit (OBU): Communication device installed in vehicles for V2X functionality.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Vehicle manufacturer that produces V2X equipment.

P

PC5: Direct communication mode in C-V2X for vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

PKI (Public Key Infrastructure): Framework for managing digital certificates and public key encryption.

Privacy: Protection of personal information in V2X communications.

Pseudonym Certificate: Temporary digital certificate used to protect vehicle privacy.

Q

QoS (Quality of Service): Performance characteristics of communication services including latency and reliability.

R

Radio Access Technology (RAT): The specific wireless technology used for communication (e.g., DSRC, LTE).

Range: The maximum distance over which V2X communication is reliable.

Roadside Unit (RSU): Communication device installed along roadways for infrastructure connectivity.

Roadside Safety Message (RSM): Message sent by infrastructure to warn vehicles of hazards.

S

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers): Professional organization that develops automotive standards.

Safety Application: Software that processes V2X messages to provide safety warnings or assistance.

Security Credential Management System (SCMS): System for managing digital certificates in V2X networks.

Signal Phase and Timing (SPAT): Information about traffic signal states and timing.

Signal Status Message (SSM): Message containing traffic signal status information.

Spectrum: Range of radio frequencies allocated for specific uses.

T

Throughput: The amount of data that can be transmitted in a given time period.

Traffic Management Center (TMC): Central facility for monitoring and controlling traffic systems.

Trust: Confidence in the authenticity and reliability of V2X messages and systems.

U

Uu: Network communication mode in C-V2X for vehicle-to-network communication.

V

V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure): Communication between vehicles and roadside infrastructure.

V2N (Vehicle-to-Network): Communication between vehicles and cellular networks.

V2P (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian): Communication between vehicles and pedestrian devices.

V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle): Direct communication between vehicles.

V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything): Comprehensive term for all vehicle communication types.

Validation: Process of verifying that V2X messages meet format and content requirements.

W

WAVE (Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments): IEEE standard suite for V2X communications.

Wi-Fi: Wireless networking technology based on IEEE 802.11 standards.

X

XML (eXtensible Markup Language): Markup language used for structuring V2X message data.

Y

Yield Management: Traffic control strategy that manages vehicle flow at intersections.

Z

Zone: Geographic area defined for V2X communication or traffic management purposes.


This glossary provides definitions for the most commonly used terms in V2X technology. For more detailed explanations, refer to the specific documentation sections.