What is V2X?
V2X encompasses all wireless communications between a vehicle and its surrounding environment: other vehicles (V2V), roadside infrastructure (V2I), pedestrians (V2P), and the network (V2N). 5G NR V2X (standardised in Release 16) introduces direct device-to-device sidelink communication with the ultra-low latency required for safety-critical automotive applications.
How Does V2X Work?
5G V2X uses two complementary interfaces: the Uu interface (UE to gNB via the normal 5G RAN) for network-coordinated services such as HD map updates and remote driving; and the PC5 sidelink interface for direct device-to-device communication without network infrastructure, enabling vehicle-to-vehicle safety messages with <3 ms one-way latency. Sidelink supports unicast, groupcast, and broadcast modes with configurable QoS.
Use Cases
Emergency electronic brake light (EEBL) warning (V2V), intersection movement assist (V2I), vulnerable road user protection (V2P — pedestrians with smartphones), remote/tele-operated driving (V2N), platooning (convoy formation with automated following).
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 22.186 (V2X Service Requirements), TS 23.287 (V2X Architecture), TS 38.885 (NR V2X Study), Release 16
Related Terms
uRLLC | MEC | Latency | Private 5G | sidelink
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This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
