A traffic characterization system and method of use for executing a traffic
characterization protocol over an ad hoc communications network.
Conventional in-vehicle computers and conventional wireless local area
network (LAN) transceivers host the traffic characterization system and
the messages generated by the system. As a traffic jam occurs, the mobile
units send out traffic characterization data in a sequence activated by
the content of the messages and traffic characterization protocol of the
present invention. All vehicles participating in the traffic
characterization system and approaching the traffic jammed area receive
the characterization data and have the opportunity to route around the
jam.
