Efficient Crash Event Handling in VANETs through Authenticity and Aggregation

This research introduces a robust protocol for handling crash events within Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). The protocol focuses on ensuring data authenticity and minimizing network overhead through aggregation techniques. To enforce authenticity, each message related to a crash event is required to be signed by a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) using public key cryptography. Victim and witness vehicles sign information about accident time and location. To optimize network efficiency, the protocol aggregates these signed messages into single packets using signature chaining. Continuous updates are incorporated so that nodes can include additional information as they become aware of it without resetting rebroadcast counters. Simulation results in a highway environment demonstrate that the protocol efficiently disseminates crash information, with selective broadcast and aggregation significantly reducing network traffic. Beyond crash events, the protocol's potential applications encompass hazard notification, traffic management, and dynamic data exchange within VANETs, offering a versatile solution for vehicular communication systems.