Vehicular ad hoc network applications and security: A study into the economic and the legal implications

Abstract

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are an important component of intelligent transportation systems. In this context, vehicles are equipped with complex systems and advanced technologies such as communication systems, computing platforms with numerous processors, artificial intelligence and automatic control. This emerging technology is attracting more and more attention as it combines multiple academic disciplines and the latest technologies representing developing trends of future automobile technology. The main benefit of VANET communication is the development of active safety systems that increase passenger safety by exchanging life critical warning messages between vehicles. In this paper, we discuss the background of VANETs, its application and the current security issues. Furthermore, we study a number of key elements related to the economic and legal aspects to be considered before VANETs can be successfully deployed. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.