Deployable Mobile Switch for Emergency Call Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 911 emergency call systems are vulnerable during large-scale emergencies, as they can be destroyed or rendered inoperable, disrupting communication infrastructure and preventing citizens from accessing emergency services.
Innovation Solution
A deployable mobile switch on wheels provides wireless telecommunications capabilities by routing emergency calls through a satellite connection to unaffected communication infrastructure, with civilian mobile devices programmed to access the switch only for emergency calls via a secondary Preferred Roaming List (PRL), ensuring limited access and prioritizing first responder communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deployable mobile switch is deployed to provide emergency call service during disasters, then emergency communication capability is restored, but device complexity and deployment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile switch system is divided into deployable modular units that can be transported and set up in affected areas. Each unit contains essential components for providing emergency call service, allowing the system to be segmented into manageable, relocatable packages that restore communication capability without requiring complete infrastructure reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile switch acts as an intermediary between citizens' mobile devices and the centralized 911 system. It receives emergency calls from citizens in disaster areas, determines appropriate PSAP routing based on location information, and connects callers to the nearest functional public safety answering point, thereby mediating communication when direct infrastructure is damaged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile switch allows access to all mobile devices, then emergency reporting capability is maximized, but communication resources are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile switch implements differentiated access policies where first responder devices receive priority handling and guaranteed bandwidth allocation, while citizen devices receive standard service. This local quality differentiation ensures critical emergency communications from professionals are maintained while still allowing citizen reporting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile switch monitors communication resource utilization and call patterns in real-time, adjusting resource allocation and routing decisions based on feedback from the network status. When bandwidth becomes constrained, the system can prioritize critical calls and manage resource distribution to prevent complete depletion while maintaining essential emergency reporting functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods are presented to provide local citizenry with the ability to initiate emergency calls on their mobile device through a deployable cellular communication resource, such as a switch on wheels. The mobile device may be provisioned with a primary preferred roaming list (PRL) and a secondary PRL. The secondary PRL is accessed only when a switch-to-secondary-PRL flag is set in the primary PRL. Upon detection of the switch-to-secondary-PRL flag, the mobile device may enter an emergency call mode which only allows the mobile device to initiate an emergency call. If no network listed in the primary PRL and no emergency network listed in the secondary PRL is available, the mobile device may pause for a predetermined time before repeating attempts to access a network in order to conserver battery power until cellular communication networks are repaired or temporary networks implemented.