iDrive via IP? - BMW uses Internet Protocol underhood
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G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Michigan
iDrive via IP? - BMW uses Internet Protocol underhood
There's a variety of flavors of in-car networking standards that corral the large number of embedded computers and nodes present in the modern automobile. BMW Research and Technology, an R&D division of BMW, has found Internet Protocol up to the tasks that the other standards currently perform. BMW engineers used a standard PC and connected it up to the expected gear -- ECUs, engine and chassis control systems, even a multimedia server for the entertainment system. The reasoning behind using IP versus the more specialized protocols is to anticipate future needs and requirements, as well as reducing costs. Costs drop because fewer specialized components are needed, and the new version of IPv6 is even better than the more than fine performance from IPv4. It's a little spooky to think that your fly-by-wire throttle could be trying to chat with the engine using the same technology that we use to send instant messages, but IP proved itself capable enough even for critical safety functions. The research is ongoing, but BMW's work bodes well for adding functionality and decreasing costs. Adding aftermarket goodies should be fairly painless and service shops will also have an easier time of it by going with a more universal language. Imagine surfing the web with iDrive, though. Blech.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Tennessee
I think that's the obvious choice for future proofing a car.
They try to make it sound sketchy by referring to instant messaging but I mean it's literally the standard of the world. Everything from casinos to banks - literally almost everything in the world that involves multiple computers uses IP addressing.
What I'd be more interested to know is how the rest of the layers of communication look. What ports and protocols are they using the communicate via IP.
They try to make it sound sketchy by referring to instant messaging but I mean it's literally the standard of the world. Everything from casinos to banks - literally almost everything in the world that involves multiple computers uses IP addressing.
What I'd be more interested to know is how the rest of the layers of communication look. What ports and protocols are they using the communicate via IP.
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Gojirra99
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Apr 26, 2007 11:34 AM
