Restriction lift date: 2031-12-31
An empirical study of the effect of variable network performance on teleoperated driving
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Date
2026-03-31
Authors
Javed, Farhan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
This thesis introduces an empirical study focused on the impact of variable network performance, specifically latency and packet loss, on the Quality of Experience (QoE) of remote drivers in Teleoperated Driving (ToD). In recent years, the development of 5G networks and autonomous driving systems has made significant strides. Yet, ToD remains a crucial backup for ensuring vehicle safety in complex driving scenarios that autonomous systems cannot handle. This study investigates the thresholds of network conditions beyond which ToD becomes unsafe, providing valuable insights into the relationship between network Quality of Service (QoS) and the remote driver’s experience.
Utilising the TELECARLA simulator, a network-aware extension of the CARLA simulator, this thesis emulates network impairments and analyses their impact on driver performance. Key performance metrics, including Time to Collision (TTC), Steering Wheel Reversal Rate (SWRR), and subjective ratings like the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) and NASA-TLX workload assessment, are used to assess how varying network conditions influence the remote driver’s control and cognitive workload. Results reveal critical thresholds for network delays and packet loss, identifying the point at which remote driving becomes unsafe for drivers both with and without prior virtual driving experience.
This research provides essential empirical data on the coupling of QoS and QoE in ToD systems, contributing to developing safe and reliable ToD frameworks. Furthermore, it offers practical guidance on how prior experience in virtual driving can help mitigate the effects of network variability, improving driver performance and safety in remote operations.
Description
Keywords
Teleoperated driving , Remote driving , 5G & beyond networks , Wireless communication and networks , Quality of Service , Quality of Experience , User experience , CARLA and TELECARLA simulations , Next-generation telecommunication networks , Wireless sensor networks
Citation
Javed, F. 2026. An empirical study of the effect of variable network performance on teleoperated driving. MRes Thesis, University College Cork.