Evaluation of LiDAR Data Processing at the Mobile Network Edge for Connected Vehicles

Abstract

The next generation mobile technology, 5G, together with edge computing will create new opportunities for developing novel road safety services for supporting connected and automated driving. This paper studies the feasibility and benefits of localized mobile network edge applications for supporting vehicles in diverse conditions. In our network centric approach, the vehicle sensor data processing required by the road safety services is installed into the mobile network edge instead of the vehicles carrying the sensors. This may be necessary due to vehicle processing capacity limitations or business reasons. Specifically, we focus on a LiDAR data based obstacle warning case, in which vehicles receive obstacle warnings from the mobile network edge. We conduct experimental evaluation both in a real vehicle testbed environment and in a laboratory setting. As a result, we obtain first insights on the feasibility of the overall solution and further enhancements needed.