Convergence Communication over Heterogeneous Mesh Network for Disaster and Underserved Areas

Abstract

The existing data service providers have gaps in their connectivity, especially in disaster and remote underserved areas. A mesh network can address this shortcoming by providing Internet access to devices outside the coverage area with the help of other nearby devices. Mesh networks are homogeneous using a single interface across the network and require large-scale deployment of proprietary devices. We propose to build a heterogeneous mesh network using various interfaces such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data services to connect devices. These interfaces are available in devices such as smartphones, laptops, and home automation devices and have the potential to be a convergence device. We present an Android application enabling devices with various interfaces to become convergence devices and build heterogeneous mesh networks to address the shortcoming of the existing wireless ISP services. We target this prototype implementation to provide a tactical communication link in disaster zones, enabling the public to build the network and send a life-critical distress signal calling for help. The proposed implementation achieved an average throughput of 1 Mbps with multiple hops and through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data service.

Meeting Name

EEE 17th Annual Consumer Communications & Networking Conference, CCNC 2020 (2020, Jan. 10-13, Las Vegas, NV)

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Bluetooth; Cellular Data Services; Convergence Devices; Heterogeneous Mesh Network; Tactical Communication; Wi-Fi

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-172813893-0

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2020 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

26 Mar 2020

Link to Full Text

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