GB2588373A

GB2588373A - Routing vehicle-to-everything communications

Info

Publication number: GB2588373A
Application number: GB1914386.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Petrovic Milos; Alic Nikola
Original assignee: Darwin Innovation Group Ltd
Current assignee: Darwin Innovation Group Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-04
Filing date: 2019-10-04
Publication date: 2021-04-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-04
Also published as: GB2588373B; GB201914386D0; GB2588373A8; WO2021064425A1; GB2588373B8

Abstract

There is provided a method performed by a node of a connected vehicle (102) for routing a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication via a network. A quality of service (QoS) in a terrestrial network (104) is monitored. A QoS in a satellite network (110) is monitored. The terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) is selected based on the QoS in the terrestrial network (104) and the QoS in the satellite network (110). The V2X communication is routed via the selected terrestrial network (104) and/or satellite network (110).

Description

ROUTING VEHICLE-TO-EVERYTHING COMMUNICATIONS

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a method for routing a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and a node configured to operate in accordance with the method.

Backqround Existing wireless communication solutions for vehicle-to-everything communications rely on a terrestrial network. Generally, a terrestrial network may provide high data speeds, but terrestrial networks are bound to the provider antennae coverage -mostly to clearly urban areas, or perhaps the vicinities of major motor-ways, or rail-ways.

Currently there are a number of solutions for wireless terrestrial communication. Some of these solutions attempt to avail communication without a clear physical, or tangible connection by a wire, or a cable to a data source, or sink, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because they severely limit the users' location, or movement while enjoying the data, or voice services.

There is thus a need for enabling terrestrial communication beyond the confines of the provider coverage areas, without significant capital expenses and investments.

Summary

It is an object to obviate or eliminate at least some of the above-described disadvantages associated with existing techniques and provide an improved technique for routing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications.

Therefore, according to an aspect, there is provided a method performed by a node of a connected vehicle for routing a V2X communication via a network. The method comprises monitoring a quality of service (QoS) in a terrestrial network, monitoring a QoS in a satellite network, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network based on the QoS in the terrestrial network and the QoS in the satellite network, and routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network.

There is thus provided an improved method for routing a V2X communication. In particular, the method enables a joined and complementary operation of terrestrial and satellite networks. The V2X communication is not bound to the coverage of terrestrial networks and not tied to particular closed and restricted systems, providers, or links of satellite networks. Instead, the above method for routing a V2X communication provides more flexibility as it uses the two networks to complement each other, e.g. wherever the quality of one can improve or complement the other. The satellite network, which is in principle non-area limited, can be used together with or as an alternative to the terrestrial network to significantly widen the V2X communication availability and quality. The method can establish the V2X communication with, or can flexibly switch between, the terrestrial and/or satellite networks based on the currently available quality of service in those networks. In this way, a ubiquitous, virtually unrestricted and uninterrupted V2X communication can be provided, whilst also ensuring the best possible quality of service for that V2X communication.

In some embodiments, routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network may comprise controlling a first modem of the node to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network and/or controlling a second modem of the node to route the V2X communication via the satellite network.

In some embodiments, routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network may comprise establishing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network prior to selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network may comprise selecting the terrestrial network and routing the V2X communication may comprise continuing to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network prior to selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network may comprise selecting the terrestrial network and the satellite network and routing the V2X communication may comprise routing the V2X communication via the satellite network in addition to continuing to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network prior to selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network may comprise selecting the satellite network and routing the V2X communication may comprise rerouting the V2X communication via the satellite network.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network prior to selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network may comprise selecting the satellite network and routing the V2X communication may comprise continuing to route the V2X communication via the satellite network.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network prior to selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network may comprise selecting the terrestrial network and the satellite network and routing the V2X communication may comprise routing the V2X communication via the terrestrial network in addition to continuing to route the V2X communication via the satellite network.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network prior to selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network may comprise selecting the terrestrial network and routing the V2X communication may comprise rerouting the V2X communication via the terrestrial network.

In some embodiments, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network may be based on any one or more of: whether the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network is available, whether the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network has one or more resources available to allocate to the V2X communication, whether a terrestrial network via which the V2X communication is currently routed has the ability to seamlessly reroute the V2X communication via the terrestrial network, a type of data to be transmitted and/or received via the V2X communication, and a geolocation of the vehicle with respect to the terrestrial network.

In some embodiments, selecting the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network may comprise selecting the terrestrial network and the satellite network only when there is no interference between the V2X communication routed via the terrestrial network and the V2X communication routed via the satellite network.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise, prior to routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network, checking whether the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network has one or more resources available for the V2X communication.

In some embodiments, the QoS in the terrestrial network may be monitored continuously or periodically. In some embodiments, the QoS in the terrestrial network may comprise any one or more of a signal to noise ratio (SNR), an availability of resources for the V2X communication, and a speed achievable for the V2X communication.

In some embodiments, the QoS in the satellite network may be monitored continuously or periodically. In some embodiments, the QoS in the satellite network may comprise any one or more of a signal to noise ratio (SNR), an availability of resources for the V2X communication and a speed achievable for the V2X communication.

In some embodiments, the V2X communication may be a service. In some embodiments, the V2X communication may comprise any one or more of a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, a vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, a vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, and a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication.

According to another aspect of the idea, there is provided a node for a connected vehicle. The node is configured to operate in accordance with the method described earlier. In some embodiments, the node may comprise processing circuitry and at least one memory for storing instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the node to operate in accordance with the method described earlier. The node thus provides the advantages discussed earlier in respect of the method performed by the node.

In some embodiments, the node may comprise a first modem configured to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network and a second modem configured to route the V2X communication via the satellite network.

In some embodiments, the node may be a device. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle.

According to another aspect of the idea, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform the method described earlier. The computer program thus provides the advantages discussed earlier in respect of the method performed by the node.

According to another aspect of the idea, there is provided a computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by processing circuitry to cause the processing circuitry to perform the method described earlier. The computer program product thus provides the advantages discussed earlier in respect of the method performed by the node.

Therefore, an advantageous technique for routing V2X communications is provided.

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the idea, and to show how it may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is block diagram illustrating a node according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a system according to an embodiment; Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method performed by a node according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a signalling diagram illustrating an exchange of signals according to an embodiment-and Figure 5 is block diagram illustrating a node according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 illustrates a node 10 for a connected vehicle in accordance with an embodiment. The node 10 is for routing a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication via a network. In some embodiments, the node 10 referred to herein can be a device, such as a device configured to be built-in or attached to a vehicle, or a user equipment (UE). A UE may, for example, be a mobile terminal, such as a phone (e.g. a smart phone), a tablet, or any other mobile terminal. In other embodiments, the node 10 referred to herein can be a server or a (hybrid) modem. The server or (hybrid) modem can be configured to be remote from, built-in to, or attached to the vehicle.

The vehicle referred to herein can be any type of vehicle, e.g. a terrestrial vehicle, such as a car, or any other vehicle. The vehicle referred to herein is a connected vehicle. That is, the vehicle referred to herein is a vehicle that is equipped with Internet access. The vehicle referred to herein can, for example, connect to the Internet of Things (loT). This allows the vehicle to communicate with (e.g. transmit and/or receive data) with other devices, e.g. devices inside the vehicle and/or outside the vehicle. The vehicle referred to herein may, for example, be equipped with a wireless local area network (LAN). In some embodiments, the vehicle referred to herein may be an autonomous vehicle. Thus, in some embodiments, the vehicle referred to herein may be a connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV).

The V2X communication referred to herein may be defined as any communication from and/or to the vehicle. Thus, for example, the V2X communication referred to herein may be an uplink (UL) V2X communication and/or a downlink (DL) V2X communication. The V2X communication referred to herein may be established as a simplex or a (e.g. full) duplex V2X communication. The V2X communication referred to herein may, for example, comprise a service (e.g. a streaming service such as an Infotainment service, a messaging service, a telematics service, and/or any other service) according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the V2X communication may comprise any one or more of a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) 35 communication, a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, a vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, a vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, and a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the node 10 comprises processing circuitry (or logic) 12. The processing circuitry 12 controls the operation of the node 10 and can implement the method described herein. The processing circuitry 12 can comprise one or more processors, processing units, multicore processors or modules that are configured or programmed to control the node 10 in the manner described herein. In particular implementations, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 can comprise a plurality of software and/or hardware modules that are each configured to perform, or are for performing, individual or multiple steps of the method described herein.

Briefly, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 is configured to monitor a quality of service (QoS) in a terrestrial network, monitor a QoS in a satellite network and select the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network based on the QoS in the terrestrial network and the QoS in the satellite network. The processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 is also configured to route the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network.

The terrestrial network referred to herein can be any generation of terrestrial network, e.g. a third generation (3G) terrestrial network, a fourth generation (4G) terrestrial network such as a long term evolution (LTE) terrestrial network, a fifth generation (5G) terrestrial network, or any other generation terrestrial network.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the node 10 may optionally comprise memory 14. The memory 14 of the node 10 can comprise a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the memory 14 of the node 10 may comprise a non-transitory media. Examples of the memory 14 of the node 10 include, but are not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage media such as a hard disk, a removable storage media such as a compact disk (CD) or a digital video disk (DVD), and/or any other memory.

The processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 can be connected to the memory 14 of the node 10. In some embodiments, the memory 14 of the node 10 may be for storing program code or instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10, cause the node 10 to operate in the manner described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 14 of the node 10 may be configured to store program code or instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 to cause the node 10 to operate in accordance with the method described herein. Alternatively or in addition, the memory 14 of the node 10 can be configured to store any parameters, requests, responses, indications, information, data, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein. The processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 may be configured to control the memory 14 of the node 10 to store any parameters, requests, responses, indications, information, data, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 1, the node 10 may optionally comprise a communications interface 16. The communications interface 16 of the node 10 can be connected to the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 and/or the memory 14 of node 10. The communications interface 16 of the node 10 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 to communicate with the memory 14 of the node 10 and/or vice versa. The communications interface 16 of the node 10 can be configured to transmit and/or receive any parameters, requests, responses, indications, information, data, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 may be configured to control the communications interface 16 of the node 10 to transmit and/or receive any parameters, requests, responses, indications, information, data, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein.

As illustrated in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the node 10 may optionally comprise a first modem 18 and/or a second modem 20. The first modem 18 can be configured to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network. The second modem 20 can be configured to route the V2X communication via the satellite network. Thus, in some embodiments, the node 10 may comprise two modems, e.g. which each operate with a different network. The two modems may be capable of working with both terrestrial and satellite networks. The two modems may be separate or integrated. In other embodiments, the node 10 may comprise a single modem, e.g. which operates with the different networks. In some of these embodiments, the node 10 may also comprise a varying (or switching) down converter and/or one or more oscillators. The processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 can be configured to control the modem(s). For example, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 can be configured to control when and/or to which domain (terrestrial or satellite) each modem operates. This can have benefits in terms of power consumption, whereas one of the modems is more robust to adverse signal conditioning and is preferably used predominantly when the situation calls for it.

Although the node 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising a single memory 14, it will be appreciated that the node 10 may comprise at least one memory (i.e. a single memory or a plurality of memories) 14 that operate in the manner described herein. Similarly, although the node 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising a single communications interface 16, it will be appreciated that the node 10 may comprise at least one communications interface (i.e. a single communications interface or a plurality of communications interface) 16 that operate in the manner described herein.

Also, although the node 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising a first modem 18 and/or a second modem 20, it will be appreciated that the node 10 may comprise at least one other modem.

It will also be appreciated that Figure 1 only shows the components required to illustrate an embodiment of the node 10 and, in practical implementations, the node 10 may comprise additional or alternative components to those shown.

Figure 2 illustrates a system 100 in accordance with an embodiment. The node 10 described earlier with reference to Figure 1 is for use in such a system 100. As illustrated in Figure 2, the system 100 comprises a vehicle 102, a terrestrial network 104 and a satellite network 110. The vehicle 102 is a connected vehicle, as described earlier. The terrestrial network 104 can comprise one or more basestations 106. The satellite network can comprise one or more satellites 112. The vehicle 102 and the terrestrial network 104 can be configured to communicate with each other via a first communication channel 108, namely a terrestrial communications channel. The vehicle 102 and the satellite network 110 can be configured to communicate with each other via a second channel 114, namely a satellite communications channel.

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a node 10 of a connected vehicle 102 in accordance with an embodiment. The method of Figure 3 is for routing a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. The node 10 described earlier with reference to Figure 1 is configured to operate in accordance with the method of Figure 3. The method can be performed by or under the control of the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10.

With reference to Figure 3, at block 202, a quality of service (QoS) in a terrestrial network 104 is monitored. More specifically, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 monitors the QoS in the terrestrial network 104. In some embodiments, monitoring the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 may comprise the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 transmitting (e.g. via a communications interface 16 and/or a first modem 18 of the node 10) a request to the terrestrial network 104 (for example to a basestation 106 of the terrestrial network 104) for information indicative of the QoS in the terrestrial network 104. In these embodiments, the terrestrial network 104 (for example a basestation 106 of the terrestrial network 104) may transmit information indicative of the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 in response to receiving such a request.

In other embodiments, the terrestrial network 104 (for example a basestation 106 of the terrestrial network 104) may transmit information indicative of the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 to the node 10 without receiving such a request. For example, in some embodiments, the terrestrial network 104 (for example a basestation 106 of the terrestrial network 104) may transmit information indicative of the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 to the node 10 at predefined time intervals. Thus, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 can receive (e.g. via a communications interface 16 and/or a first modem 18 of the node 10) the information indicative of the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 from the terrestrial network 104 (or, for example, a basestation 106 of the terrestrial network 104).

In other embodiments, monitoring the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 may comprise the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 (or the first modem 18) determining the QoS from a signal (e.g. a control signal) received from the terrestrial network 104. These signals may be periodically transmitted by the terrestrial network 104 according to a predefined interval (e.g. every X milliseconds, or every second). Alternatively the terrestrial network 104 may transmit the signal in response to a request from the node 10.

In embodiments where the node 10 determines the QoS from a signal received from the terrestrial network 104, the node 10 may transmit the determined QoS to the terrestrial network 104 (e.g. via the communications interface 16 and/or the first modem 18). This can enable the terrestrial network 104 to determine that the node 10 is within the coverage area of the terrestrial network 104.

In some embodiments, the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 may be monitored continuously. In other embodiments, the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 may be monitored periodically, e.g. at predefined time intervals. In some embodiments, the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 may comprise any one or more of a signal to noise ratio (SNR), an availability of resources for the V2X communication, a (data) speed achievable for the V2X communication, and any other measure of QoS, or any combination of measures of QoS. Thus, the QoS of the terrestrial network 104 can be defined by a figure of merit. Herein, resources may also be referred to as network resources. In some embodiments, one or more resources of the terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 may be reserved (or booked) in case of network switching.

At block 204 of Figure 3, a QoS in a satellite network 110 is monitored. More specifically, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 monitors the QoS in the satellite network 110. In some embodiments, monitoring the QoS in the satellite network 110 may comprise the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 transmitting (e.g. via a communications interface 16 and/or a second modem 20 of the node 10) a request to the satellite network 110 (for example, to a satellite 112 of the satellite network 110) for information indicative of the QoS in the satellite network 110. In these embodiments, the satellite network 110 (for example a satellite 112 of the satellite network 110) may transmit information indicative of the QoS in the satellite network 110 in response to receiving such a request.

In other embodiments, the satellite network 110 (for example a satellite 112 of the satellite network 110) may transmit information indicative of the QoS in the satellite network 110 to the node 10 without receiving such a request. For example, in some embodiments, the satellite network 110 (for example a satellite 112 of the satellite network 110) may transmit information indicative of the QoS in the satellite network 110 to the node 10 at predefined time intervals. Thus, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 can receive (e.g. via a communications interface 16 and/or a second modem 20 of the node 10) the information indicative of the QoS in the satellite network 110 from the satellite network 110 (for example a satellite 112 of the satellite network 110).

In other embodiments, monitoring the QoS in the satellite network 110 may comprise the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 (or the second modem 20) determining the QoS from a signal (e.g. a control signal) received from the satellite network 110. These signals may be periodically transmitted by the satellite network 110 according to a predefined interval (e.g. every X milliseconds, or every second). Alternatively the satellite network 110 may transmit the signal in response to a request from the node 10.

In embodiments where the node 10 determines the QoS from a signal received from the satellite network 110, the node 10 may transmit the determined QoS to the satellite network 110 (e.g. via the communications interface 16 and/or the second modem 20). This can enable the satellite network 110 to determine that the node 10 is within the coverage area of the satellite network 110.

In some embodiments, the QoS in the satellite network 110 may be monitored continuously. In other embodiments, the QoS in the satellite network 110 may be monitored or periodically, e.g. at predefined time intervals. In some embodiments, the QoS in the satellite network 110 may comprise any one or more of a signal to noise ratio (SNR), an availability of resources for the V2X communication, a (data) speed achievable for the V2X communication, and any other measure of QoS, or any combination of measures of QoS. Thus, the QoS of the satellite network 110 can be defined by a figure of merit.

Although the monitoring of the QoS of the terrestrial network 104 is illustrated in Figure 3 as preceding the monitoring of the QoS of the satellite network 110, it will be understood that the monitoring of the QoS of the terrestrial network 104 may instead be performed subsequent to the monitoring of the QoS of the satellite network 110, or the monitoring of the QoS of the terrestrial network 104 and the monitoring of the QoS of the satellite network 110 may be performed simultaneously or almost simultaneously (e.g. in overlapping time intervals).

At block 206 of Figure 3, the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 is selected based on the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 and the QoS in the satellite network 110. That is, one or more of the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 is selected based on the QoS in the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110. For example, the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may be selected based on which of the terrestrial network 104 and satellite network 110 has the highest QoS. If the terrestrial network 104 has a higher QoS than the satellite network 110, the terrestrial network may be selected. On the other hand, if the satellite network 110 has a higher QoS than the terrestrial network 104, the satellite network may be selected. If the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 have the same QoS, both the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 may be selected or any one of the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 may be selected In some embodiments, the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 is selected based on which of the terrestrial network 104 and satellite network 110 has a QoS above a predefined threshold. For example, if only the terrestrial network 104 has a QoS above the predefined threshold, the terrestrial network 104 may be selected.

On the other hand, if only the satellite network 110 has a QoS above the predefined threshold, the satellite network 110 may be selected. If both the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 have a QoS above the predefined threshold, both the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 may be selected or any one of the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 may be selected. On the other hand, if neither the terrestrial network 104 nor the satellite network 110 have a QoS above the predefined threshold, the terrestrial network 104 or the satellite network 110 with the highest QoS may be selected.

In some embodiments, the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may be selected based on one or more other parameters in addition to the QoS in the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110. For example, the one or more other parameters may include the availability of the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110, the availability of resources in the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110, the ability for seamless routing or rerouting to the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110, the geolocation of the vehicle, the (data) speed availability in the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110, the availability of a simplex and/or duplex link, resource cost (e.g. whether the V2X communication cost is acceptable), a type of data to be transmitted and/or received, and/or any other parameters in relation to the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110.

In more detail, in some embodiments, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may be based on whether the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 is available. For example, if the terrestrial network 104 is not available, the satellite network 110 may be selected. On the other hand, if the terrestrial network 104 is available, the terrestrial network 104 may be selected. If both the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 are available, the selection may then be based on the QoS of the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110 as described above. Thus, in some embodiments, the availability of the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110 may be (e.g. continuously or periodically) monitored, as well as the QoS of the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110. In this way, the V2X communication can be routed to the currently preferred available network.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may be based on whether the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 has one or more resources available to allocate to the V2X communication. For example, if the terrestrial network 104 does not have resources available to allocate to the V2X communication, the satellite network 110 may be selected. On the other hand, if the terrestrial network 104 has one or more resources available to allocate to the V2X communication, the terrestrial network 104 may be selected. If both the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 have one or more resources available to allocate to the V2X communication, the selection may then be based on the QoS of the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110 as described above.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may be based on whether a terrestrial network 104 (which may be the same terrestrial network as that which is part of the selection or another terrestrial network) via which the V2X communication is currently routed has the ability to seamlessly reroute the V2X communication via the terrestrial network 104. For example, if the terrestrial network 104 via which the V2X communication is currently routed does not have (i.e. lacks) the ability to seamlessly reroute the V2X communication via the terrestrial network 104, the satellite network 110 may be selected. On the other hand, if the terrestrial network 104 via which the V2X communication is currently routed has the ability to seamlessly reroute the V2X communication via the terrestrial network 104, the terrestrial network 104 may be selected. In some cases, seamless routing may be possible with contention resolution.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may be based on a geolocation of the vehicle with respect to the terrestrial network 104. For example, if the geolocation of the vehicle is outside the coverage area of the terrestrial network 104, the satellite network 110 may be selected. On the other hand, if the geolocation of the vehicle is within the coverage area of the terrestrial network 104, the satellite network 110 may be selected. Thus, in some embodiments, the selection of the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may be based on geo considerations as well as QoS considerations. The geo considerations can comprise border crossings, coming into a coverage area in which providers do not have a collaborative effort, and so on. In the latter case, global positioning system (GPS) signals, coverage maps, and the like may be taken into consideration for the selection of the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110. In this way, the QoS at terrestrial network boundaries may be improved.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may comprise selecting the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 only when there is no interference between the V2X communication routed via the terrestrial network 104 and the V2X communication routed via the satellite network 110. If there is interference between the V2X communication routed via the terrestrial network 104 and the V2X communication routed via the satellite network 110, then only one of the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110 may be selected.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may be based on a type of data to be transmitted and/or received. For example, it might be that certain types of data can only be transmitted via one of the networks 104, 110. If the type of data to be transmitted and/or received should only be transmitted and/or received via a satellite network, then the satellite network 110 may be selected for that data. For example data relating to a vehicle location might only be sent and/or received via the satellite network 110. If the type of data to be transmitted and/or received should only be transmitted and/or received via a terrestrial network, then the terrestrial network 104 may be selected for that data. If the type of data can be transmitted and/or received via either of the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110, the selection may then be based on the QoS of the terrestrial and satellite networks 104, 110 as described above.

Returning back to Fig. 3, at block 208, the V2X communication is routed via the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110. For example, in embodiments where the terrestrial network 104 is selected, the V2X communication may be routed via the first communication channel 108 and the terrestrial network 104.

Similarly, for example, in embodiments where the satellite network 110 is selected, the V2X communication may be routed via the second communication channel 114 and the satellite network 110. In some embodiments, routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network may comprise controlling a first modem 18 of the node 10 to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network 104 and/or controlling a second modem 20 of the node 10 to route the V2X communication via the satellite network 110.

In some embodiments, prior to routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110, it may be checked whether the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 has one or more resources available for the V2X communication. If the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 has one or more resources available for the V2X communication, the routing to the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 may proceed. On the other hand, if the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 does not have one or more resources available for the V2X communication, a reselection of the terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 may be first be performed based on which of the terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 has one or more resources available for the V2X communication.

In some embodiments, one or more resources of the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 may be reserved (or booked) prior to routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110. In this way, it can be ensured that sufficient resource is available and also that the available resource is ready, such that routing the V2X communication can occur seamlessly and in a timely manner.

In some embodiments, routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110 may comprise establishing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network 104 and/or satellite network 110.

For example, in some embodiments, the V2X communication may be a newly initiated V2X communication. In other embodiments, the V2X communication may be an already initiated V2X communication. For example, in some embodiments, the V2X communication may already be routed via the terrestrial network 104, the satellite network 110 and/or another network (e.g. another terrestrial and/or satellite network).

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network 104 prior to selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may comprise selecting the terrestrial network 104. In these embodiments, routing the V2X communication comprises continuing to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network 104.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network 104 prior to selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may comprise selecting the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110. In these embodiments, routing the V2X communication comprises routing the V2X communication via the satellite network 110 in addition to continuing to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network 104.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network 104 prior to selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may comprise selecting the satellite network 110. In these embodiments, routing the V2X communication comprise rerouting the V2X communication via the satellite network 110.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network 110 prior to selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may comprise selecting the satellite network 110. In these embodiments, routing the V2X communication comprises continuing to route the V2X communication via the satellite network 110.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network 110 prior to selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may comprise selecting the terrestrial network 104 and the satellite network 110. In these embodiments, routing the V2X communication comprises routing the V2X communication via the terrestrial network 104 in addition to continuing to route the V2X communication via the satellite network 110.

In some embodiments, if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network 110 prior to selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110, selecting the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 may comprise selecting the terrestrial network 104. In these embodiments, routing the V2X communication comprises rerouting the V2X communication via the terrestrial network 104.

Figure 4 is a signalling diagram illustrating an exchange of signals in an example embodiment. The exchange of signals is in a system, such as the system 100 illustrated in Figure 2. The system illustrated in Figure 4 comprises a node 10 of a connected vehicle 102, as described earlier with reference to Figure 1. The system also comprises a terrestrial network 104 (e.g. a basestation 106 of the terrestrial network 104) and satellite network 110 (e.g. a satellite 112 of the satellite network 110).

As illustrated by arrow 400 of Figure 4, in some embodiments, the node 10 or, more specifically, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 may transmit (e.g. via a communications interface 16 or first modem 18 of the node 10) a request to the terrestrial network 104 for information indicative of the QoS in the terrestrial network 104. As illustrated by arrow 402 of Figure 4, the terrestrial network 104 (e.g. a basestation 106 of the terrestrial network 104) transmits information indicative of the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 to the node 10, e.g. in response to the request. In alternative embodiments, as noted above, the terrestrial network 104 can send a signal to the node 10, and the processing circuitry 12 can determine (e.g. calculate or measure) the QoS from this signal. Thus, the node 10 or, more specifically, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 receives (e.g. via the communications interface 16 or first modem 18 of the node 10) the information indicative of the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 (or a signal from which the QoS can be determined). Thus, as described earlier, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 monitors the QoS in the terrestrial network 104.

In a similar manner, as illustrated by arrow 404 of Figure 4, in some embodiments, the node 10 or, more specifically, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 may transmit (e.g. via a communications interface 16 or second modem 20 of the node 10) a request to the satellite network 110 for information indicative of the QoS in the satellite network 110. As illustrated by arrow 406 of Figure 4, the satellite network 110 (e.g. a satellite 112 of the satellite network 110) transmits information indicative of the QoS in the satellite network 110 to the node 10, e.g. in response to the request. In alternative embodiments, as noted above, the satellite network 110 can send a signal to the node 10, and the processing circuitry 12 can determine (e.g. calculate or measure) the QoS from this signal. Thus, the node 10 or, more specifically, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 receives (e.g. via the communications interface 16 or second modem 20 of the node 10) the information indicative of the QoS in the satellite network 110 (or a signal from which the QoS can be determined). Thus, as described earlier, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 monitors the QoS in the satellite network 110.

As described earlier, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 selects the terrestrial network 104 and/or the satellite network 110 based on the QoS in the terrestrial network 104 and the QoS in the satellite network 110. As illustrated by arrow 408 of Figure 4 and as described earlier, if the terrestrial network 104 is selected, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 may route the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network 104. Alternatively or in addition, as illustrated by arrow 410 of Figure 4 and as described earlier, if the satellite network 110 is selected, the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 may route the V2X communication via the selected satellite network 110.

Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a node 500 in accordance with an embodiment.

The node 500 comprises a first monitoring module 502 configured to monitor a quality of service QoS in a terrestrial network. The node 500 comprises a second monitoring module 504 configured to monitor a quality of service QoS in a satellite network. The node 500 comprises a selecting module 506 configured to select the terrestrial network and/or the satellite network based on the QoS in the terrestrial network and the QoS in the satellite network. The node 500 comprises a routing module 508 configured to route the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network and/or satellite network. The node 500 may operate in the manner described herein.

There is also a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry (such as the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 described earlier), cause the processing circuitry to perform at least part of the method described herein. There is provided a computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by processing circuitry (such as the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 described earlier) to cause the processing circuitry to perform at least part of the method described herein. There is provided a computer program product comprising a carrier containing instructions for causing processing circuitry (such as the processing circuitry 12 of the node 10 described earlier) to perform at least part of the method described herein. In some embodiments, the carrier can be any one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

The node functionality described herein can be performed by hardware. Thus, the node 10 described herein can be a hardware node. However, it will also be understood that at least part or all of the node functionality described herein can be virtualized. For example, the functions performed by the node 10 can be implemented in software running on generic hardware that is configured to orchestrate the node functionality. Thus, in some embodiments, the node 10 described herein can be a virtual node. In some embodiments, at least part or all of the node functionality described herein may be performed in a network enabled cloud. The node functionality described herein may all be at the same location or at least some of the node functionality may be distributed.

It will be understood that at least some or all of the method steps described herein can be automated in some embodiments. That is, in some embodiments, at least some or all of the method steps described herein can be performed automatically.

Thus, in the manner described herein, there is advantageously provided an improved technique for routing V2X communications. Herein, the capabilities of terrestrial and satellite networks can be integrated and used to complement one another to facilitate and improve the V2X communication capacity, coverage, and/or availability.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the idea, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method performed by a node (10) of a connected vehicle (102) for routing a vehicle-to-everything, V2X, communication via a network, the method comprising: monitoring a quality of service, QoS, in a terrestrial network (104); monitoring a QoS in a satellite network (110); selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) based on the QoS in the terrestrial network (104) and the QoS in the satellite network (110); and routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network (104) and/or satellite network (110).
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein: routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network (104) and/or satellite network (110) comprises: controlling a first modem (18) of the node (10) to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network (104) and/or controlling a second modem (20) of the node (10) to route the V2X communication via the satellite network (110).
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network (104) and/or satellite network (110) comprises: establishing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network (104) and/or satellite network (110).
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network (104) prior to selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110): selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) comprises: selecting the terrestrial network (104); and routing the V2X communication comprises: continuing to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network (104).
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network (104) prior to selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110): selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) comprises: selecting the terrestrial network (104) and the satellite network (110); and routing the V2X communication comprises: routing the V2X communication via the satellite network (110) in addition to continuing to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network (104).
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: if the V2X communication is routed via the terrestrial network (104) prior to selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110): selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) comprises: selecting the satellite network (110); and routing the V2X communication comprises: rerouting the V2X communication via the satellite network (110).
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network (110) prior to selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110): selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) comprises: selecting the satellite network (110); and routing the V2X communication comprises: continuing to route the V2X communication via the satellite network (110)
8. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network (110) prior to selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110): selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) comprises: selecting the terrestrial network (104) and the satellite network (110); and routing the V2X communication comprises: routing the V2X communication via the terrestrial network (104) in addition to continuing to route the V2X communication via the satellite network (110).
9. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: if the V2X communication is routed via the satellite network (110) prior to selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110): selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) comprises: selecting the terrestrial network (104); and routing the V2X communication comprises: rerouting the V2X communication via the terrestrial network (104).
10. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) is based on any one or more of: whether the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) is available; whether the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) has one or more resources available to allocate to the V2X communication; whether a terrestrial network (104) via which the V2X communication is currently routed has the ability to seamlessly reroute the V2X communication via the terrestrial network (104); a type of data to be transmitted and/or received via the V2X communication; and a geolocafion of the vehicle (102) with respect to the terrestrial network (104)
11 A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: selecting the terrestrial network (104) and/or the satellite network (110) comprises: selecting the terrestrial network (104) and the satellite network (110) only when there is no interference between the V2X communication routed via the terrestrial network (104) and the V2X communication routed via the satellite network (110).
12. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: prior to routing the V2X communication via the selected terrestrial network (104) and/or satellite network (110), checking whether the selected terrestrial network (104) and/or satellite network (110) has one or more resources available for the V2X communication.
13. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the QoS in the terrestrial network (104) is monitored continuously or periodically.
14. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the QoS in the terrestrial network (104) comprises any one or more of a signal to noise ratio, SNR; an availability of resources for the V2X communication; and a speed achievable for the V2X communication.
15. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the QoS in the satellite network (110) is monitored continuously or periodically.
16. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the QoS in the satellite network (110) comprises any one or more of: a signal to noise ratio, SNR; an availability of resources for the V2X communication; and a speed achievable for the V2X communication.
17. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the V2X communication is a service.
18. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the V2X communication comprises any one or more of: a vehicle-to-vehicle, V2V, communication; a vehicle-to-infrastructure, V2I, communication; a vehicle-to-pedestrian, V2P, communication; a vehicle-to-network, V2N, communication; and a vehicle-to-grid, V2G, communication.
19. A node (10) for a connected vehicle (102), wherein the node (10) is configured to operate in accordance with the method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18.
20. A node (10) according to claim 19, wherein the node (10) comprises: processing circuitry (12); and at least one memory (14) for storing instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry 02), cause the node (10) to operate in accordance with the method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18.
21 A node (10) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the node (10) comprises: a first modem (18) configured to route the V2X communication via the terrestrial network (104); and a second modem (20) configured to route the V2X communication via the satellite network (110).
22. A node (10) according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the node (10) is a device.
23. A node (10) according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the vehicle (102) is an autonomous vehicle.
24. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry 02), cause the processing circuitry (12) to perform the method according to any one or more of claims 1-18.
25. A computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by processing circuitry (12) to cause the processing circuitry (12) to perform the method according to any one or more of claims 1-18.