Tesla Model S Ethernet Network Explored
I am very amused that people in this thread assume that this ethernet port allows tinkering with the automotive systems.<p>Automotive systems communicate over a CAN [1] bus, not ethernet. In fact, this bus is usually physically separated between drive-critical bus (which controls things like ABS) and "comfort" bus (such as electric window controls, central door locks, wheel-mounted audio controls). Ethernet has none of the industrial strength qualities that make CAN a valid automotive control bus, such as signal hardening and real-time guarantees.<p>As far as these users have found, this ethernet port is connected to the infotainment system: the 17" display.<p>I would be deeply disappointed in Tesla if the infotainment system can modify drive-control devices with anything less than signed binaries and commands. As an aside, I wonder what the legal requirements of such safeties are.<p>[1] <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN_bus" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN_bus</a>