Apparatus and Method for Providing a Rapidly Deployable Wireless Network

Abstract

The invention includes apparatus and method for providing a rapidly deployable wireless network. An apparatus includes means for providing radio access network (RAN) functions, means for providing at least one core (CORE) networking function, and means for providing at least one service. The RAN functions include at least one air interface, at least one control function, and at least one network gateway function. The CORE networking functions include at least one of an AAA function, a DNS function, a DHCP function, a call / session control function, and the like. The apparatus may further include means for providing at least one additional wireless interface, including one or more of a wireless mesh interface, a wireless backhaul interface, and a wireless management interface. The apparatus is adapted for being deployed on a mobile platform. The apparatus may be used to provide a standalone wireless network independent of existing network infrastructure, or an integrated wireless network utilizing existing network infrastructure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 900,833 entitled “911-NOW: A Network On Wheels For Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery Operations,” filed Feb. 12, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to the field of communication networks and, more specifically, to wireless networks.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Emergency response organizations increasingly depend on wireless communication technology to provide communication during emergencies. Disadvantageously, however, emergencies often result in damage to, or sometimes even destruction of, existing network infrastructure, thereby preventing communications between emergency personnel. In other words, the existing communications infrastructure lacks survivability. Furthermore, even if portions of the existing communications infrastructure do survive the emergency, the exi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]Various deficiencies in the prior art are addressed through the invention of an apparatus and method for providing a rapidly-deployable wireless network. An apparatus includes means for providing radio access network (RAN) functions, means for providing at least one core (CORE) networking function, and means for providing at least one service. The RAN functions include one or more air interfaces, control functions, and network gateway functions. The CORE networking functions include at least one of an AAA function, a DNS function, a DHCP function, a call/session control function, and the like. The services include one or more applications, such as voice calls, voice conferencing, file transfers, sensor data transfers, high-speed data downloads, streaming video, video conferencing, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof. The apparatus may further include means for providing at least one additional wireless interface, including one or more of a wireless interface for mesh networking, a wireless interface for backhaul to existing network infrastructure, and a wireless interface for perform

Problems solved by technology

Disadvantageously, however, emergencies often result in damage to, or sometimes even destruction of, existing network infrastructure, thereby preventing communications between emergency personnel.

In other words, the existing communications infrastructure lacks survivability.

Furthermore, even if portions of the existing communications infrastructure do survive the emergency, the existing communications infrastructure may not be able to handle the increased traffic load typical during emergencies.

Specifically, remaining portions of the existing communication infrastructure may be overloaded as emergency personnel, and the general public, attempt various types of communications.

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