Toward High-Performance Automotive Ethernet: Architectures, Challenges, and Real-Time Constraints in Next-Generation In-Vehicle Networks

Abstract

Background: The shift from traditional automotive bus systems toward IP/Ethernet-based in-vehicle networks is driven by the increasing bandwidth, determinism, and integration demands of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, and over-the-air diagnostics (Lim et al., 2011; Varun & Kathiresh, 2014). However, migrating to Automotive Ethernet introduces multifaceted challenges including real-time performance, electromagnetic susceptibility, security, diagnostic integration, and physical-layer constraints (Lim et al., 2011; Carlson et al., 2012; ISO, 2012).

Objective: This paper synthesizes knowledge from seminal technical reports, standards, and contemporary experimental studies to present a comprehensive, publication-ready analysis of Automotive Ethernet design principles, highlight unresolved research gaps, and propose cohesive methodological approaches to ensure deterministic, secure, and scalable in-vehicle networks.

Methods: We perform a conceptual systems analysis grounded in referenced studies, standards, and empirical engineering reports. Methodology emphasizes cross-layer design thinking: (1) physical-layer considerations and mitigation of electromagnetic interference (Karim, 2025; PHYS ORG, 2011); (2) protocol-level adaptations for real-time delivery and audio-video bridging (AVB) integration (Wikipedia, 2020; Carlson et al., 2012); (3) diagnostic and DoIP integration per ISO 13400-2 (ISO, 2012); and (4) security design patterns informed by contemporary surveys (Jadhav & Kshirsagar, 2018).

Results: Descriptive analysis identifies trade-offs between reduced twisted-pair physical media and gigabit-capable links, delineates how AVB and TSN-like concepts can be adapted to automotive constraints, and articulates security-hardening strategies tailored to vehicular topologies (Carlson et al., 2012; Riches, 2011; ISO, 2012). We present a modular architecture that partitions latency-critical and non-critical traffic, prescribes shielding and topology guidelines validated by empirical shielding studies (Karim, 2025), and shows how DoIP can be integrated without violating real-time bounds (ISO, 2012).

Conclusions: Automotive Ethernet is a viable backbone for future in-vehicle networks if designers adopt rigorous cross-layer engineering, embrace emerging timing-aware Ethernet mechanisms, and prioritize security from the outset. Critical research remains in validating deterministic performance in diverse electromagnetic environments and in harmonizing diagnostics, safety, and infotainment on shared physical infrastructures (Lim et al., 2011; Jadhav & Kshirsagar, 2018).