Systems and methods for receiving/transmitting basic safety messages and IP communications with a DSRC radio

A system for receiving/transmitting basic safety messages (BSMs) and to communicate with an internet server, the system comprising:

• a dedicated short range communication (DSRC) radio for a vehicle that transmits and receives BSMs on a safety channel;
• a road-side equipment communication module that receives and transmits BSMs, and transmits an advertisement regarding internet connectivity to a server;
• and
• a vehicle communication module for the vehicle that establishes a connection with the server using the DSRC radio pursuant to instructions set forth in the advertisement;
• wherein:
• the advertisement includes geo-fence information identifying location of a safe zone predetermined to be a location where an operator of the vehicle may safely access the internet with minimal danger of an accident between the vehicle and another vehicle;
• the vehicle communication module is configured to establish a connection with the internet server using the DSRC radio in accordance with the advertisement when the vehicle is in the safe zone;
• and
• the vehicle communication module is configured to not establish a connection with the internet server using the DSRC radio when the vehicle is outside of the safe zone.

A method for using a single dedicated short range communication (DSRC) radio of a vehicle to receive basic safety messages (BSMs) and for communicating with an internet server, the method comprising:

• transmitting and receiving BSMs with the single DSRC radio of the vehicle on a safety channel;
• receiving with the single DSRC radio on the safety channel an advertisement transmitted by road-side equipment, the advertisement including geo-fence information identifying location of a safe zone predetermined to be a location where an operator of the vehicle may safely access the internet with minimal danger of an accident between the vehicle and another vehicle;
• when the vehicle is in the safe zone, establishing a connection between a vehicle communication module of the vehicle and the internet server with the DSRC radio in accordance with the advertisement;
• and
• when the vehicle is outside of the safe zone, preventing the connection between the vehicle communication module of the vehicle and the internet server with the DSRC radio.