MANETS/VANETS in AutomobileSystems: A Simulative Study into how Mobile Ad-hoc Networks can be used in Traffic Control Systems

Abstract

This thesis describes the modeling and implementation of an advanced traffic signal control system within a simulation environment, thus creating a laboratory for the evaluation of

advanced traffic control strategies at road intersections, including transit signal priority. The simulation is done as a C++ implementation code and NS2 simulation is proposed for further evaluation and testing for a microscopic traffic simulation for Intelligent Transportation System(ITS) design.

The control system is designed with a generic and flexible logic that allows it to simulate a wide range of traffic signal control types and strategies. The strategies include means of deadlock avoidance and means to avoid starvation to all the vehicles approaching an intersection requesting for a right of way.

The control system is also designed as a distributed control system in which vehicles leading in a road segment i.e. for vehicles approaching an intersection, the leader refers to the car leading the pack at or in the junction. This vehicle is made to participate in a leader election process. This is a bid or a contest to gain or win the right of way for the vehicles for which the leader is in the same road segment with. Specialized features of advanced control strategies are implemented within the Control system framework which allows the implementation of transit signal priority and other specialized vehicles that might require prioritization within the simulation environment, allowing the simulation of both passive and active signal priority strategies. The capabilities of the control system are illustrated through a case study in which a simulation is done for a three and four way intersection and the results of the simulation studied against the objectives of the prioritization strategies.

An evaluation of the currently implemented system is performed, and recommendations for improvement and further study are offered.