In this paper, the theoretical as well as experimental results of BER chara
cteristics of three different modulation schemes, ASK. FSK and BPSK, in a m
ulti-path Rician channel are addressed. These BER characteristics are analy
zed as a function of E-b / N-o and the power ratio of the line of sight (LO
S) component to the Rayleigh scattered component. The theoretical as well a
s computer simulation results shows the ASK is the most suitable modulation
scheme for the dedicated short range communication (DSRC) in terms of impl
emental cost and system complexity. The decision feedback equalizer is prov
ed to be very effective in canceling the multi-path interference in the DSR
C channel environment. The simulation result of the equalized ASE, reveals
the performance enhancement achievable with decision feedback (DFE) equaliz
er for the first generation DSRC system. The multi-ray DSRC channel model i
s also provided to predict the received carrier power and fluctuation, whic
h are quite dependent on the surroundings of a cell.