Ethernet-based car control network

The use of networks for communication between electronic control units has increased in car industry over the last two decades. Several types of networks were developed for this purpose. In this study, Ethernet at gigabit speed is tested as a network for such system. The use of Ethernet helps integrating real-time control functions and non-real-time entertainment functions. Two main scenarios were simulated using OPNET The fist one simulates pure control networks on board of a moving vehicle. The second scenario is the same as the first one with an added video load to simulate on-hoard entertainment. Both simulations were successful, as the end-to-end delays were below the maximum round-trip delays required by the system.