Ethernet technology, Wi-Fi networks and other wireless technologies for the automotive industry is gaining pace in Europe and North America. The trend is towards connected cars with services such as automotive app stores and connected location-based services is fuelling the uptake reported Frost and Sullivan.
The new technology will integrate multiple consumer electronic devices, brand and other compelling features for tech hungry consumers.
Frost & Sullivan predicts the the number of Ethernet nodes to rise to more than 100 in luxury cars, 50-60 in cars sold in the mass market, and up to 10 in entry-level cars by 2020. The global market for Ethernet ports is expected to reach 300 million by 2020, with North America and Europe contributing the most to the total revenue.
The technology is putting the metal to pedal for audio and video apps for advanced driver assistance systems like camera assisted parking, lane departure warning systems, collision avoidance systems, and traffic light recognition is spurring the need for speeed of 100 megabits per second.
Therefore suppliers are working to create ethernet-based electrical and electronic (E/E) system architecture for vehicle applications though it is a time-consuming, research-intensive, and expensive process.
Forst and Sullivan note hat standardization of Ethernet platforms will offer benefits in, cost savings, performance, interoperability, upgradability, and faster time-to-market.
The OPEN Alliance Special Interest Group, a non-profit alliance of automotive industry players and technology providers, aims to make BroadR-reach Ethernet technology a standard solution for infotainment and telematics.