A low-complexity architecture using diversity techniques for Internet of Vehicles with enhanced radio-frequency performance

In this article, we present a new architecture for the Internet of Vehicles (IoVs) that feature reduced system complexity and enhanced radio-frequency (RF) performance. The proposed system requires no complex coding or selection algorithms, yet it significantly improves the received signal strength. We implement dual-port antennas comprising a linearly polarized (LP) antenna and a circularly polarized (CP) antenna, which minimize the polarization loss between multipath signals and the receiving antenna. Using Wi-Fi communications, we designed, fabricated, and examined a prototype system comprising seven circuit modules that employ spatial diversity and revised polarization diversity simultaneously. We test its performance using two antenna combinations with distinct peak gain characteristics. Our results show these antennas have highly desirable impedance matching and radiation properties and enhanced received signal strength compared to conventional techniques. As such, the proposed system can greatly improve signal quality and reliability in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) IoV scenarios.