Survey on Wireless Based Disaster Recovery Networks

Survey on Wireless Based Disaster Recovery Networks

Abhinav Tiwari  abhinav.tiwari.1991@gmail.com  412-327-9535

Abstract - In this paper a survey is presented on Disaster recovery networks based on wireless technology. There are various technologies which are being developed and analysed to be used in the events of a disaster like the Self-Powered Wireless Communication Platform, Self-Powered Wireless Ballooned Network etc. Various algorithms have been proposed on finding an alternative method to set up communications between two users because of the damaged lines. It provides the list of locations where to put new nodes in order to patch the. coverage holes and mend the disconnected components. Disaster recovery networks are of utmost importance as every organization is compelled to make appropriate disaster recovery plans and use advanced technology to keep its network secure and stable. Ensuring strong communication during disaster relief is very important for rescue operations, to locate and give aid, provide access, etc. This paper will include the hardware and software aspects of the wireless technology used at the times of disaster

Keywords – Ad–hoc, wireless, disaster recovery.

Introduction

The importance of network contingency planning has become more of a reality. When a disaster strikes be it natural disaster or terrorism, networks can be the link that facilitates both human and economic recovery. Medical resources need to be quickly, efficiently deployed to the correct areas; donations and supplies must be delivered to those in need; and commerce should resume normalcy to prevent further hardship. In disaster circumstances, hardwired networks are fragile. Detecting and fixing breaks in the line may require getting into flooded or dangerous areas. Network redundancy may prevent some outages, but if the wires are co-located, both may be disabled by the same circumstance.

One of the main issues with existing technology for disaster relief is lack of reliable support for data communication. The other issue with the existing wireless technology is lack of wireless access in inhospitable terrains. When access is restricted to rescue personnel for a particular location, they would be unable to set up emergency communications network which would in turn delay all other activities.

There are several scenarios which showed that the wireless based disaster recovery networks are a necessity today. There are many instance which depict that the flaw in the telecommunication system proved to be hazardous. Like wildfires in the western United States during the summer of 2012 in Colorado, which caused a loss of a lot of lives and property worth millions of dollars, accentuated the need for a reliable warning system. The alert systems being deployed at the time were landline-based telephone warning systems which was not effective as the emergency information did not reach the victims. The earthquake in Haiti (2010), Google Inc. crisis response team created software tools to aid in emergencies. The Resources page displays information critical to the particular disaster, The Person Finder application enables the victims to get in touch with friends and families and the Crisis Map displays important location based information like shelters, etc.

The first 72 hours after the occurrence of the disaster are the most important according to some studies. This period of time is called “the golden relief time.” After the golden relief time, the probability of finding survivors is very low. Consequently, coordination of first responders and/or victims is of paramount importance. Communications in general and among the first responders in particular play an important role in achieving an efficient coordination.

The objective of a Disaster Recovery Networks consists of providing emergency support to victims and crew members taking part in rescue operations. On the other hand, a Search and Rescue Network is a network formed to track individuals in an emergency operation.  the main features required for DRN and SRN, such as quick response, life expectancy of the network, interoperability, tariff-free operation, network coverage, support for heterogeneous traffic types, network capacity, ease of use and cost of equipment, outdoor and indoor operation, high precision for localization, and search operation.

In response to various disasters, both man-made and natural, a number of companies and some individuals are providing solutions by creating applications that use mobile and wireless technology for disaster warning and relief operations. The applications currently used during disaster relief and emergency focus mainly on early warning information and emergency response information. There are several companies which are working on various hardware devices like TSUNAMI, BRIDGEWAVE etc. which can be used at the time of disaster for maintaining communication links with reliability. Several devices such as SPWC, BRCK can also be used for disaster relief operations. Making improvement in the existing technologies like LTE to make use of it when a disaster strikes so as to prevent from cellular congestion. Not only the hardware field but the major steps are also taken in the field of software and mainframe, the logic behind which is to automatically activated a sequence of protocols for establishing communication at times when a calamity strikes.

Wireless Recovery Networks

In this paper we will discuss about some of the technologies which are being developed and some of which are under the process of development in response to what mankind has suffered because of the drawbacks in the existing technology. Researchers from various universities are working on developing methods and techniques which can help restore the damaged communication system. Mobile ad hoc networks exhibit many of the above-mentioned features so they are suitable for both Disaster Recovery Networks and Search and Rescue Network and consequently for disaster response networks in general. Furthermore, the key obstacles in effective disaster response, such as communication and collaboration support, provision of real-time data to field personnel and to incident command post, unified approach to data handling, visual data capture, on-site building assessment, access to building design documents, personal mobility support, resource allocation issues, and multiple connectivity. Ad hoc networks can be a feasible solution for those complications related to real-time communication and collaboration between the personnel taking part in the rescue operations.