Rapidly-Deployable Mesh Network Testbed

Published

November 30, 2009

Author(s)

Michael R. Souryal, Nader Moayeri, Andreas Wapf

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 Title

IEEE Global Telecommunications Conference (GLOBECOM) 2009

Conference Dates

November 30-December 4, 2009

Conference Location

Honolulu, HI

Pub Type

Conferences

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Local Download

Keywords

breadcrumb, deployment, mesh network, public safety communications, 802.11

Citation

Souryal, M. , Moayeri, N. and Wapf, A. (2009), Rapidly-Deployable Mesh Network Testbed, IEEE Global Telecommunications Conference (GLOBECOM) 2009, Honolulu, HI, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=902070 (Accessed October 14, 2025)