The technology connecting ECUs inside vehicles is now gradually shifting to Ethernet. In this evolution, networks have traditionally used static configurations. The drive towards SDV (Software Defined Vehicles) is causing a rethink of how network management should be addressed with a move to dynamic configurations. This marks a pivotal change in how our vehicles serve us.
Initially, these networks simply powered our infotainment systems with technology like audio-video bridging, with statically configured Ethernet networks. No changes to the configuration were anticipated during operation.
However, as OEMs move towards the consolidation of functions into a single high-performance central compute module and not merely for infotainment, the rigidity of static systems has become a limitation.
Statically configured systems require downtime for every change that needs to be made during operation, and this has sparked a shift toward more agile solutions.
YANG, a language for modeling data, alongside NETCONF, a network management protocol, are being introduced to advance dynamic configuration management.
They introduce a fluidity that allows vehicle networks to adapt in real-time, without interrupting their operation. By allowing real-time changes to the network, YANG/NETCONF enhances the reliability of network communications. This is essential for managing safety-critical applications in vehicles like brake control systems or autonomous driving technologies connected over Ethernet bridges, where data loss or delays cannot compromise operation. With NETCONF, network configurations can be updated dynamically, facilitating efficient management of network resources. This means that whether your car needs to recalibrate its lane guidance on a rainy day or adjust its traffic management during a sudden traffic jam, these adjustments can happen on the fly, seamlessly integrating into the journey.
Consider a day where your vehicle automatically adjusts its settings to optimize safety as you drive through a foggy morning. YANG and NETCONF make this possible by enabling instantaneous network adjustments that enhance both the efficiency and safety of your drive, ensuring your car remains as adaptable as the road conditions around it.
The integration of YANG and NETCONF is transforming vehicle networks into smarter, safer, and more responsive systems. These technologies support the advanced needs of TSN by ensuring that network configurations can be dynamically adapted to changing traffic, maintaining the integrity and timeliness of critical network communications.
As we drive into the future, the integration of YANG and NETCONF in vehicles is more than just a technical update—it’s about making our cars smarter companions on the road. With ongoing developments and growing adoption, these technologies are gearing up to define the next standard in automotive network capabilities, blending high-tech with high-touch to meet tomorrow's driving needs.