A Semi-Deterministic Channel Model for VANETs Simulations

Today's advanced simulators facilitate thorough studies on Vehicular Ad hoc NETworks (VANETs). However the choice of the physical layer model in such simulators is a crucial issue that impacts the results. A solution to this challenge might be found with a hybrid model. In this paper, we propose a semi-deterministic channel propagation model for VANETs called UM-CRT. It is based on CRT (Communication Ray Tracer) and SCME—UM (Spatial Channel Model Extended—Urban Micro) which are, respectively, a deterministic channel simulator and a statistical channel model. It uses a process which adjusts the statistical model using relevant parameters obtained from the deterministic simulator. To evaluate realistic VANET transmissions, we have integrated our hybrid model in fully compliant 802.11 p and 802.11 n physical layers. This framework is then used with the NS-2 network simulator. Our simulation results show that UM-CRT is adapted for VANETs simulations in urban areas as it gives a good approximation of realistic channel propagation mechanisms while improving significantly simulation time.