V2X for smart mobility: communication protocols, localization techniques and simulation frameworks

Abstract In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart mobility, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication stands at the intersection of innovation and necessity—driving forward the future of connected, autonomous transportation. But understanding the technology is only half the journey; implementing it in complex, real-world environments demands far more. This paper offers an all-in-one, deeply practical exploration of the V2X ecosystem—bringing together communication protocols like DSRC and C-V2X, robust network architectures, and localization strategies with hands-on insights into simulation tools, testing methodologies, and hardware integration. Unlike traditional surveys, this paper is built for those who don’t just want to know how V2X works—they want to build, test, and validate it. We walk readers through simulation environments such as CARLA, SUMO, and Prescan, showing how they’re used to recreate dynamic, high-risk traffic scenarios safely and realistically. From traffic management and cooperative perception to vehicle platooning and edge-powered decision-making, we spotlight not just what’s possible but how to simulate and verify it with confidence and accuracy. It also explores how V2X innovation can be adapted to meet local mobility needs, bridge digital gaps, and enable inclusive smart transportation in emerging economies. Additionally, it identifies scalable implementation pathways and policy considerations that can accelerate V2X deployment while maintaining affordability and interoperability. For researchers, engineers, and practitioners navigating the technical trenches of V2X development, this paper is more than an overview—it’s a playbook. A guide through the challenges of simulation fidelity, sensor realism, communication delays, and cross-platform testing. It invites you not just to imagine smarter transportation, but to simulate it, stress-test it, and build it into reality—one scenario at a time.