Wireless Protocols Comparison to Improve the Performance of Intelligent Traffic Light Junctions

Abstract

Intelligent traffic light junctions management represents a non-trivial problem to be tackled to improve
mobility in big crowded cities. In the last few year, theWireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have
frequently been implicated in Intelligent Transportation System scenarios, primarily in the dynamic
management of signalized intersections. In fact, the information concerning traffic light junctions
that the WSNs collect in real-time can be a compelling solution to traffic congestion issues. In this
paper, a wireless network architecture is presented with the aim to monitor vehicular traffic flows
near to traffic lights. Furthermore, an intelligent algorithm is introduced to manage dynamically the
phase sequence and the green times of traffic lights considering the estimated values of traffic flows.
Several simulations compare IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee, Bluetooth, and UWB protocols to recognize
the proper wireless communication protocol for ITS purposes.