A CTO's View of Comms 2015

Martin Nuss, Vitesse
EETimes (12/22/2014 06:00 AM EST)

With our world becoming increasingly connected, it helps to have a sense of what's next in wired and wireless networks. Here's my take on what's to come in 2015.

Ethernet will redefine the connected car, with automotive Ethernet connections by 2020 eclipsing the number of Ethernet-connected devices worldwide
According to analyst estimates, cars equipped with Ethernet connectivity will surpass 120 million by 2020. The number of Ethernet-connected systems in mid-market cars is expected to be in the eight to 20 range, while premium class cars will be up to 35. This implies roughly 500 million to 600 million ports, overtaking the combined number of Ethernet LAN ports currently in existence!

Automotive manufacturers are converging on Ethernet largely due to the growing bandwidth challenges and complexity within the connected car. The requirements were relatively simple at first, with infotainment systems and backup cameras. However, standards activity on IEEE 802.1tsn (time sensitive networking) Deterministic Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 100Base-T1 and 1000Base-T1, along with the emerging new 2-wire Ethernet PHYs, will ultimately enable Ethernet to connect mission-critical systems such as diagnostics, collision avoidance systems and advanced driver assist, as well as the main system bus.

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