Summary

Caltrans has request the assistance of university researchers on technical problems related to data communications. Needs focus on increasing bandwidth and number of connections between traffic management facilities and field elements, including vehicle detectors, changeable message signs, and video surveillance units. The need for improved data communications capabilities between districts was also cited. The needs are both technical and institutional. Prohibitive current and future costs are the key motivation. along with a proliferation of different protocols, bandwidths, hardware and software interfaces, and proprietary standards which has lead to incompatibilities and costly non-transferable solutions.

The use of network modeling and simulation as an analysis and optimization tool has been recognized as a useful decision support tool for deployments of this type. In the course of this study we will build upon the results of previous work and update and expand the model to include state-of-the-art and near-term ATMS technologies and their attendant bandwidth requirements, as well as future inter-jurisdictional communications needs.

As PATH team members, we specifically propose to assist with technology assessment and planning issues and decisions as requested by Caltrans, to develop an up-to-date inter-district network communications simulation model, validate this model with major input from Caltrans districts, and apply this model to analyze the performance, limitations and cost effectiveness of several possible candidate technology deployments.

Year 1: the initial development and validation of a computer model suitable for simulating inter district network communications, and a report on preliminary findings and continued fact-finding on needs, constraints and technical options.

Year 2: Utilizing this model and other systems analysis tools to assess the cost-effectiveness of several deployment scenarios to reduce communications cost using off the shelf tools and anticipate future needs.