Publication

Abstract : After a large-scale disaster in an area, the existing communication systems may not be available either due to physical damage or system overload. The loss of the communication systems and information networks makes the rescue and relief operation extremely difficult. The proposed system designs a heterogeneous network for emergency communication. The proposed system uses communication equipment such as smart phones with Wi-Fi and GSM capabilities, and laptops with Wi-Fi. Soon after a disaster happens, it is proposed that Access Points (AP) can be deployed in the disaster area. As emergency vehicles generally already contain a base station they can be used as the APs. The system uses satellite communication to carry the data outside the disaster area. If cellular coverage of an area is lost, i.e. in a disaster, this system can move communications to an available network ensuring continual communication without disruption. © 2011 IEEE.