Applying Radio Frequency Attenuators to Reduce the Impact of U-NII-4 Interference on DSRC Channel 180

In recent years, competition within Radio Frequency (RF) communication bands has led to an overlap between the U-NII-4 band used by low-cost consumer devices, and the Dedicated Short Communication Band (DSRC) used by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Past research confirmed that this interference leads to drastic reduction in Packet Reception Rate (PRR) for Roadside Units (RSUs) and On-Board Units (OBUs) throughout the country, resulting in a reduction of stability between different components of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Our research team set a goal to prove that a low-cost and simple modification can be made to RSUs currently in use that could increase PRR, by developing and testing RF technologies, primarily attenuators available on the market currently. These solutions could be easily adapted to infrastructure systems, and only require they run in-line with the stock antennas already in use. We were able to accomplish this goal, as well as made findings that may be beneficial within the world of RF communications for RSU devices.