FRNexus: Deployable Communication & Data Transfer Networks in Disrupted Environments

Presenter: Benjamin Rehorka

Faculty Sponsor: Michael Zink

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Engineering

Session: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM, 163, C11

ABSTRACT

Modern long-range communication, such as cellular and internet networks, are an essential component of operation and response by emergency services. When these networks are damaged in a disaster, or simply non-existent in remote areas, communication paths can be severed, preventing an effective response to emergency situations. Current communication networks rely on expensive, heavy, and power-hungry equipment that is not easy to replace when destroyed or to deploy in remote areas without specialized equipment, which can further delay any emergency response. FRNexus proposes a solution that makes use of a technology known as LoRa, which can enable long distance communication services with minimal form factor and power consumption. The LoRa nodes FRNexus uses are no larger or heavier than that of the average mobile phone and are capable of communicating over large distances so long as direct line of sight is maintained. These nodes operate off a common, open-source LoRa software that also makes them compatible with other potential applications. The nodes are used to establish a communication network platform that can be rapidly deployed with first responders in conjunction with a custom software that enables the tracking of locations and the transfer of text-based messages. FRNexus and its software and hardware components will be evaluated through various tests and trials to determine performance characteristics in scenarios such as longer/obstructed communication distance testing, high volume communication traffic evaluation, and simulated system operation in conjunction with a base station in remote areas.

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