Time-controlled neighborhood-driven policy-based network selection algorithm for message dissemination in hybrid vehicular networks

In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), successful delivery of GeoUnicast and GeoBroadcast packets depends on scenario-specific aspects like vehicle density, distribution of vehicles on the road and type of the environment (e.g., urban, rural). These aspects can significantly influence the reliability of the connection between communication parties making traditional ITS-G5 based ad hoc networks unreliable. The absence of communication partners in range, long transmission distances, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions are just a few examples that could hinder ITS-G5 transmissions. In this paper, we propose a Hybrid Policy-based Network Selection Algorithm that uses LTE to strengthen and complement ITS-G5 under critical conditions in which successful transmission over the ad hoc network is highly unlikely. The main objective is to use as less LTE transmissions as possible whilst maintaining high Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) within defined delay constraints. The results, which are derived from extensive simulation campaigns, show a clear advantage of using the hybrid scheme over solely ITS-G5 or LTE.