The NTCIP Protocol is an industry-wide standard data communication protocol designed to ensure that the electronic traffic control systems and messaging systems produced by computers and different companies operate in harmony and facilitate their interchangeability.
In the past, systems with non-standard data definitions and special communication protocols were used in the transportation industry. The field devices and device requirements of one manufacturer or developer were not compatible with other manufacturers or developers.
As a result, the expansion of the system after the initial setup often required major system integration efforts and expenditures.
In 1996, manufacturers, engineers, traffic safety experts, and government agencies gathered to form the National Transport Communication standard for the ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) protocol. This committee established examples where a common protocol and interface can be provided, as opposed to using different systems.
There are five defined levels that make up the NTCIP protocol. These;
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Information Level; define the meaning of the data and represent the functionality of the systems.
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Application Level; defines the rules that will be valid for data exchange. It is responsible for the expression sequences that will be created for the system to work.
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Transfer Level; refers to a message being forwarded to the required place. Defines rules and procedures for the exchange of application data, including network management functions.
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Subnet Level; defines the rules and procedures for data exchange between two devices on a selected communication environment.
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Facility Level; It contains the communication infrastructure in which NTCIP communication standards will be used. It is also used as a reference point providing tool for those who will learn about NTCIP.
The NTCIP protocol defines both the method of transferring information and the functionality of the device in the field. It defines how data is packaged, sent, and validated.
NTCIP specifies which optional functions the equipment such as weather sensors, on-site device screen colors, camera tags and weather sensors should support.
The areas defined are discussed by NTCIP:
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Dynamic highway message signs
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Automatic traffic signals
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Data collection and monitoring devices (traffic counters and classifiers, weighing stations etc.)
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In-car sensors and controllers
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Environmental sensors
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Slope counters
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Vehicle proximity detectors
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Closed circuit cameras
The following systems can be integrated using the NTCIP protocol.
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Traffic management (streets, urban and rural areas)
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Event management
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Emergency management
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Park management
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Traveler information
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Commercial vehicle operating regulations
All NTCIP standards are published on the NTCIP website. The definitions of the standards are made with the webinars organized and narratives are presented by the people who test the standards for certain devices.
