Real-world performance evaluation of DSRC and C-V2X for automated vehicles

Abstract

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of automated vehicles and scaling Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). This study presents a real-world comparison of Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) and Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (CV2X) based on data collected from an automated bus operating on an urban test route. Key performance metrics, including packet loss, message errors, and communication reliability, were evaluated under diverse environmental conditions. Results show that while both technologies offer specific advantages, C-V2X consistently provides superior communication range and stability, especially in dense urban settings. Additionally, the study highlights how external factors such as antenna placement, infrastructure, and signal obstruction affect V2X performance. These findings offer practical insights into optimizing V2X-enabled automated mobility solutions and highlight the importance of a robust communication infrastructure in real-world deployments.