End-to-End Latency of V2N2V Communications under Different 5G and Computing Deployments in Multi-MNO Scenarios

Abstract

Cellular networks usually support non-safety-critical V2X services using Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) connections. However, the flexibility and capabilities of 5G have triggered interest in analyzing whether 5G could also support advanced V2X services using Vehicle-to-Network-to-Vehicle (V2N2V) connections instead of direct Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) connections. V2N2V requires the integration of the 5G network with computing platforms for processing the V2X packets. The flexibility introduced by 5G facilitates the integration with multiple computing platforms such as Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), edge cloud, shared data center or central cloud. This results in alternative 5G network deployments with the computing platform installed at different locations between the base station and the Internet. These deployments can have important technical implications for supporting V2X services. In this study, we analyze the impact of different 5G and computing platform deployments on the end-to-end (E2E) latency of V2N2V communications under multi-MNO (Mobile Network Operator) scenarios since vehicles may be served by different operators. We also identify which deployment strategies are more suitable to meet the latency requirements of V2X services for connected and automated driving.