Bandwidth Matters: Internet Requirements for Modern ADAS Calibrations

The ADAS boom has certainly changed operations in the collision industry, but the rabbit hole only looks to be going deeper. You need to now pay closer attention to your internet performance. If you’ve noticed that some ADAS operations, such as data downloads, are taking up a ton of time, there may be a simple explanation: your internet is not up to the challenge.

In addition to many changes your shop has already made —new ADAS workflows, training, and documentation protocols— you must ensure you have the right digital infrastructure to handle this shift in the automotive industry.

ADAS is taking sophisticated technology into places that were certainly not designed for this level of tech. Because of this, many shops don’t have the literal processing power to keep up with some ADAS operations. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about your shop’s bandwidth needs.

Collision shops and internet limitations

Slow internet is frustrating. We have all experienced buffering videos, unsent messages, and other WiFi-related annoyances. While once a luxury at the shop, now high speed internet with strong processing power is a must. 

Many shops were not built with high-bandwidth tasks in mind. Revv’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Joel Adcock, mentions “Some [shops] are still using AOL-level dial-up or DSL at best.” This explosion of ADAS reliance on high volume data processing requires an internet that can keep pace.

Performing vital tasks on the equivalent of a guest WiFi can result in grim scenarios for your shop. Apart from the inefficiency, these types of connections are at high risk for cyber attacks due to their weak security. Your shop will be at risk for data breaches and hackers looking to gain access to vulnerable information.

Getting ahead of the curve can put your shop in prime position to get a leg up on competition, and set you up for success for future changes. Read on to understand which ADAS operations need high speed internet.

Breaking down bandwidth requirements for essential ADAS operations

So which operations require high speed internet? 

There are countless functions in your shop that can be improved with better internet in general, such as upload and download speeds, whatever procurement or estimating software you use, and improved overall communication.

However, there are specific ADAS operations that require a certain mixture of bandwidth and throughput. You may experience long downloads, lag in remote diagnostics, failure in video streaming from test rigs. When dealing with high-data transmission processes, throughput and latency may be more important than just connection speed.

One solution is using a direct connection to avoid any task-related issues. An Ethernet connection is recommended if your shop is experiencing lock outs or  WiFi-re;ated issues with ADAS operations.

Regardless, the chart below recommends the following bandwidth for certain ADAS operations.

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ADAS features require you to record large amounts of data to validate the function of a specific one. For example, the average remote project uses about 2 Gb/s of data. Data rates will continue to increase in the coming years, so it is vital you set the foundation for viable digital infrastructure.

Why this is important to your shop

Poor bandwidth means longer repair times, frustrated technicians, and reduced shop output. Limited connections can slow down or even prevent shops from completing crucial ADAS-related tasks efficiently. Some OEMs may even require some calibration procedures to be streamed and/or verified remotely which is a very bandwidth-intensive operation. 

An added bonus of improving your shop’s internet is customer service. Your customers can enjoy high speed internet while they wait for shorter services in your waiting room. This small perk goes a long way in terms of customer experience.

Who knows what could be next in the automotive industry that will require even further internet integration. Shops are actively falling behind if they’re not upgrading their internet. Don’t be one of them.

Internet solutions for the future of ADAS calibration

So what can you do to improve your shop’s internet performance?

It begins with testing your current internet speeds. Speedtest.net offers a free check of your download and upload speeds. Compare these speeds to the chart we provided above.

If necessary, you should upgrade to a quicker internet with more bandwidth. Fiber optic and other high tier internet plans can set you up for success and make your ADAS operations—and overall shop function—more efficient. 

You may even want to consider a dedicated network for ADAS to prevent slowdowns, and never use a ‘guest’ connection while performing essential operations for efficiency and security purposes. 

Whatever your strategy, just remember that a strong internet connection is an imperative, not optional.