MilliCar -- An ns-3 Module for mmWave NR V2X Networks

TL;DR

MilliCar is an ns-3 module that models millimeter wave V2V networks based on 3GPP NR V2X standards, enabling detailed simulation of high-data-rate vehicular communications.

Contribution

This paper introduces the first open-source ns-3 module for mmWave V2V networks with detailed PHY and MAC layer implementations based on 3GPP standards.

Findings

Enables simulation of high-data-rate V2V communications at mmWave frequencies.

Supports comparison of different design options for vehicular mmWave networks.

Facilitates research on latency and throughput in next-generation automotive applications.

Abstract

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications have opened the way towards cooperative automated driving as a means to guarantee improved road safety and traffic efficiency. The use of the millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum for V2V, in particular, holds great promise since the large bandwidth available offers the possibility of realizing high-data-rate connections. However, this potential is hindered by the significant path and penetration loss experienced at these frequencies. It then becomes fundamental to practically evaluate the feasibility of installing mmWave-based technologies in the vehicular scenario, in view of the strict latency and throughput requirements of future automotive applications. To do so, in this paper we present MilliCar, the first ns-3 module for V2V mmWave networks, which features a detailed implementation of the sidelink Physical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers based on the latest NR V2X specifications, the 3GPP standard for next-generation vehicular systems. Our module is open-source and enables researchers to compare possible design options and their relative performance through an end-to-end full-stack approach, thereby stimulating further research on this topic.