D-V2X operates on a peer-to-peer network where nodes maintain copies of a decentralized ledger, ensuring data integrity and trust among participants in the network.
Most people imagine their cars as one machine, but as we have developed better technologies these have been integrated into vehicles to improve our experiences on the road - mainly by having cars communicate with each other and improve safety and efficiency on the roads. This is called Vehicle-to-everything (V2X).
Decentralized V2X (D-V2X) is the incorporation of blockchain technology into the V2X stack.
As such, the decentralization of V2X addresses some key roadblocks. Specifically, building this technology onchain can ensure a single location for secure data exchange, a tamper-proof repository, and a scalable foundation.
By bringing this data onchain, multiple parties can interact with it, removing the varied structures and designs currently found with each car manufacturer or company implementing V2X.
While providing a unified home base for this data, it also removes the risk of a single point of failure. While a centralized system can be shut down by those running it, the peer-to-peer model of D-V2X means that if one node is shut down or attacked the V2X network continues without disruption. This is key in the case of a public transport system which could bring a city to a standstill if it were compromised.
Not having intermediaries or relying on a centralized entity makes the platforms more scalable. There are serious upper limits to a server for user data that are not present with scalable blockchain solutions as more nodes can be added to carry and support the heavier burden.
Since the goal of V2X implementation is to have all vehicles able to talk to each other, there is a significant need for systems that can handle a city or a country’s worth of users, devices, and data.
Data privacy is still in its infancy, with many people still freely supplying data to companies to be used and shared without much protection. However, there is an increase in awareness, and a system like V2X will need to rely on credibly securing user data.
Zero-knowledge (zk) technology allows for verification of a user or, in this case, their vehicle, without having to release the actual data publicly.
V2X and other similar physical infrastructure networks are the perfect use case for this technology because of the need to ensure user data is only shared when necessary and with their permission.
The inclusion of this technology in D-V2X also can allow for customization of data sharing with users opting in to share only what they are happy with contributing.
Alongside being able to contribute data with ensured privacy, the decentralization of V2X networks can enhance community participation.
With D-V2X there is the possibility of rewarding users with tokens that convert them from a simple supplier to a stakeholder in the network. This can increase participation and greatly improve communication across transport network participants including drivers, manufacturers, and governments.
Overall the goal of D-V2X technology is to take the data-sharing and interconnectedness of V2X and make it more viable, trustworthy, and ultimately permissionless.
With the improvements brought by decentralization, implementation of D-V2X could mean seeing smart transport systems optimizing traffic, improving transport systems, and having people benefit from their own vehicle’s data. The knock-on effects include lowering accident rates, making smarter cities, and a more cooperative data-sharing world.
With the removal of a centralized point of failure and a single communication platform, there are increased opportunities for the development and implementation of V2X.
Author: Kerem Ozkan is the co-founder and CEO of Soarchain, a Layer 1 DePIN for mobility. He brings a wealth of expertise in cognitive sciences and A.I, holding a PhD in the field. His academic contributions have led him to develop widespread recognition within the tech industry. Beyond his achievements academically, Kerem is also an entrepreneur and an early-stage investor, demonstrating his diverse skill set and overall his passion for innovation.
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