| Author(s): |
Michael R. Souryal; Nader Moayeri; Andreas Wapf; |
| Title: |
Rapidly-Deployable Mesh Network Testbed |
| Published: |
November 30, 2009 |
| Abstract: |
This paper describes a wireless mesh network testbed for research in rapid deployment and auto-configuration of mesh nodes. Motivated by the needs of first responders and military personnel arriving to an incident area, we developed and tested an automated deployment algorithm that indicates when a mesh node needs to be deployed as the coverage area grows. Conventional radios can experience severe coverage limitations inside structures such as hi-rise buildings, subterranean buildings, caves, and underground mines. The approach examined here is to deploy wireless relays that extend coverage through multihop communication using a deployment algorithm that employs physical layer measurements. A flexible platform based on IEEE 802.11 radios has been implemented and tested in a subterranean laboratory complex where conventional public safety radios have no coverage. Applications tested include two-way voice, data, and location information. This paper describes the testbed, presents experimental results, and recommends areas for further study and development in rapidly-deployable multihop networks. |
| Proceedings: |
IEEE Global Telecommunications Conference (GLOBECOM) 2009 |
| Pages: |
6 pp. |
| Location: |
Honolulu, HI |
| Dates: |
November 30-December 4, 2009 |
| Keywords: |
breadcrumb; deployment; mesh network; public safety communications; 802.11 |
| Research Areas: |
Wireless, Networking |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (322KB) |
