  In recent years, network function virtualization and a software defined focus
has allowed networks to become flexible and extensible in ways not possible
previously. Although network modeling tools such as NS-2, NS-3, and OMNet++
have been extended with modules and code to support the absolute latest
wireless protocols and medium access standards - there has been a growing gap
in simulation of layers above medium access which recent 5G use cases are
designed to support. In this thesis, I extend research into the topic of
application layer modeling in wireless networks, with focus on upcoming
deployments of enhanced vehicle services. In particular, I begin in discussing
the evolution of vehicle network standards and use cases, along with the most
recent initiative `Project 5GCar`; funded by the European Commission. I go
narrower, from the macro trend of vehicular network standards evolution, to
compare the state of the art in simulation stacks, designed to support
application models in vehicle networks. Within this comparison, simulation
environments OVNIS, Veins, iTetris, and VSimRTI are compared for their
capabilities. Finally, to measure the qualitative performance of application
layer modeling in vehicle networks, I take the cooperative maneuver use case,
presented under Project 5GCar; to design an autonomous merge algorithm -
completing the steps required to program and model the application in vehicles
using the VSimRTI simulation stack.
