Enhancing Transportation with Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs): A Study in the City of Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract

Enhancing Road Safety and Traffic Management through VANETs in Kigali Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) offer an innovative solution to improving road safety, reducing accidents, and managing traffic more effectively. This study delves into the structure, protocols, and real-world applications of VANETs, with a specific focus on their potential deployment in Kigali, Rwanda. By using simulation tools like OMNET++ and SUMO, the research assesses how well VANETs perform in terms of efficiency and scalability. Additionally, key challenges such as security, privacy, and scalability are examined, with proposed solutions aimed at making VANETs a viable technology for urban settings. Connectivity tests have shown that ad hoc networks can effectively support vehicle communication, as they do not rely on fixed infrastructure, making ideal for highly dynamic traffic environments.  To further enhance the efficiency of VANETs, this research proposes two new broadcasting mechanisms: Secure Ring Broadcasting (SRB) and Directed Route Node Selection (DRNS). SRB is specifically designed for urban environments with high traffic density, such as rush-hour scenarios in cities. It establishes stable and efficient communication pathways by using intermediate nodes placed at optimal distances, ensuring that vehicles can exchange information quickly and reliably even in congested areas. Meanwhile, DRNS is tailored for highway environments, where vehicles move at high speeds in opposite directions. This mechanism avoids using vehicles traveling in opposite directions as communication relays, which helps prevent unstable connections and ensures more reliable data transmission. By introducing these enhancements, the study aims to optimize VANET communication for different traffic conditions, whether in dense urban areas or open highways. Since internet access is becoming increasingly essential, the research also explores ways to integrate connectivity into ad hoc vehicular networks. To achieve this, a multi-hop hybrid internet access protocol based on AODV has been developed, allowing vehicles to connect to the internet even in areas without direct infrastructure support. Furthermore, the study investigates how the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) impacts VANET performance, providing recommendations for improving overall network efficiency and communication reliability.