Communication Technologies for Intelligent Transportation Systems: From Railways to UAVs and Beyond

TL;DR

This white paper reviews current and emerging communication technologies essential for the development of intelligent transportation systems across various transport modes, emphasizing integration, standardization, and future technological pathways.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of communication requirements, assesses limitations, and proposes pathways for integrating emerging technologies like 5G, 6G, and AI-driven control in ITS.

Findings

Highlights the importance of spectrum management and standardization.

Identifies key technological enablers for interoperability.

Explores innovative concepts like reconfigurable surfaces and digital twins.

Abstract

This white paper aims to comprehensively analyze and consolidate the state of the art in communication technologies supporting modern and future Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Its primary objective is to establish a common understanding of how communication solutions enable automation, safety, and efficiency across multiple transport domains, including railways, road vehicles, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The document seeks to identify key communication requirements and technological enablers necessary for interoperable and reliable ITS operation. It also assesses the limitations of current systems and proposes pathways for integrating emerging technologies such as 5G, Sixth Generation (6G), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven network control. The white paper also intends to support harmonization between different transport modes through a unified framework for communication modeling, testing, and standardization. It highlights the importance of accurate channel modeling and empirical validation to design efficient, robust, and scalable systems. Another objective is to explore the use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, integrated sensing and communication, and digital twin concepts within ITS. The document emphasizes the role of spectrum management and standardization efforts in ensuring interoperability among diverse communication systems. Finally, the paper seeks to stimulate collaboration among academia, industry, and standardization bodies to advance the design of resilient and adaptive communication infrastructures for future transportation systems.