ECHO: A WIFI – based emergency communication platform

Abstract

Natural disasters are catastrophic events caused by nature which include floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other destructive geologic processes. They cause death or destruction of telecommunication, properties, transportation and livelihood. Communication during and immediately after a disaster is an important component of response and recovery, in that it connects affected people, families, and communities with first responders, support systems, and other family members. Telecommunications and advanced technology are the lifelines of any major emergency response during and immediately after a catastrophic event. This research designed and developed an alternative information and communication  system for disaster via a mobile application and a point-to-point (P2P) network and mesh network for communication system. Actual testing and evaluation of the system’s functionality and range of operation were conducted. The developmental and experimental methods of research were used to solve problems on response to disasters that prompted development of innovation. To achieve this purpose a hybrid network topology using IEEE 802.11 protocol using mesh network and point-to-point network was designed. Suitable hardware, a power beam long range P2P network device and wide range Pico station were chosen for the communication setup. Software modules were developed for the user interface in captive portal and mobile application. Testing and evaluation of the functionality and range of communication system were done. Evaluation of the system conclusively shows the device is portable, the mobile application is designed according to the desired graphical user interface (GUI) and can easy download through the captive portal. The designed hybrid network topology which is flexible reliable and has expanded adaption to non—critical failure and faults can be effortlessly analyzed and corrected. The developed system passed the functionality test.