Mobility Models for Next Generation Wireless Networks

Chapter 13

Microscopic Vehicular Mobility Models

In the previous chapter we saw how the problem of modeling vehicular mobility can be addressed at different geographical scopes, namely, at a macroscopic and microscopic level. In this chapter, we will focus our attention on the class of microscopic mobility models, which are by far the most relevant in the simulation of vehicular network performance.

We start by presenting three simple microscopic models, which can be thought of as relatively simple extensions of the well-known random walk and random waypoint mobility models. More specifically, we will present the graph-based mobility model introduced in Tian et al. (2002), and the Freeway and Manhattan mobility models introduced in Bai et al. (2003). Then, we will describe in detail a more complete model, the SUMO model, developed and maintained by the Institute of Transportation Systems at the German Aerospace Center. Unlike the models mentioned earlier, SUMO comprises tools for the automatic acquisition of digital road maps from different sources, and very accurate traffic rule and driver behavior modeling. Finally, in the last part of the chapter we will discuss the challenges related to accurately simulating both vehicular mobility and wireless communication, and present a representative tool aimed at effectively integrating vehicular mobility and wireless communication simulation.

13.1 Simple Microscopic Mobility Models

13.1.1 The Graph-Based Mobility Model

The graph-based ...