  Autonomous truck and trailer configurations face challenges when operating in
reverse due to the lack of sensing on the trailer. It is anticipated that
sensor packages will be installed on existing trailers to extend autonomous
operations while operating in reverse in uncontrolled environments, like a
customer's loading dock. Power Line Communication (PLC) between the trailer and
the tractor cannot support high bandwidth and low latency communication. This
paper explores the impact of using Ethernet or a wireless medium for commercial
trailer-tractor communication on the lifecycle and operation of trailer
electronic control units (ECUs) from a Systems Engineering perspective to
address system requirements, integration, and security. Additionally,
content-based and host-based networking approaches for in-vehicle
communication, such as Named Data Networking (NDN) and IP-based networking are
compared. Implementation, testing and evaluation of prototype trailer ECU
communication with the tractor ECUs over Ethernet is shown by transmitting
different data types simultaneously. The implementation is tested with two
networking approaches, Named Data Networking, and Data Distribution Service
(DDS) and the test indicated that NDN over TCP is an efficient approach that is
capable of meeting automotive communication requirements. Using Ethernet or a
wireless harness and NDN for commercial trailer Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
ECU provides adequate resources for the operation of autonomous trucks and the
expansion of its capabilities, and at the same time significantly reduces the
complexities compared to when new features are added to legacy communication
systems. Using a wireless medium for tractor-trailer communication will bring
new cybersecurity challenges and requirements which requires new development
and lifecycle considerations.
