BMW Develops IP-based Networking for Next Gen Vehicles
BMW is no stranger to high-tech computer wizardry in its vehicles. The German company befuddled BMW owners around the world with the introduction of the Windows CE-based iDrive driver information center in the current 7-Series. iDrive, which has been panned by most enthusiasts and auto journalists, later filtered down to the 5-Series, 3-Series, 6-Series, 1-Series and X5.
Since the introduction of iDrive way back in 2002, many manufacturers have introduced their own control schemes with varying amount of control knobs and buttons to control everything from basic vehicle functions to the intensity of interior lighting -- most of which are far more intuitive than iDrive.
BMW is looking to make another leap forward with the introduction of Internet Protocol (IP) networking in future automobiles. The company is using off-the-shelf Ethernet components to replace the vast array of networking systems included in today's automobiles (CAN, LIN, MOST, Flexray, etc.).
