Towards a robust rescue network: Wireless communication is the choice

This paper examines the limitations of conventional communication systems during disaster recovery and discusses alternative wireless solutions that can assist with post-disaster relief operations. Factors such as network infrastructure, deployment requirements, localization and tracking architecture, and autonomous control are considered. One of the biggest challenges is that conventional communications infrastructure collapses or becomes out of order after a major disaster. Wireless communication could offer an opportunity to rapidly restore communications which is critical for minimizing loss of life and property. It can reduce deployment time and ensure the timely flow of information to meet the immediate needs of first responders. Since wired networks act as a backhaul to most wireless systems, the collapse of their infrastructure such as towers may severely limit their use. Consequently, infrastructure-less, self-organizing, internally-powered, and easily deployable networks could be the method of choice. However, the lack of sufficient coverage range in such networks may hinder initial efforts to collect, manage, and circulate information. This problem is made worse by the operational constraints associated with the disaster operations area. While wireless service is available in open areas, in partially obstructed or indoor environments, wireless service may not be available or the quality of radio signal may be quite coarse. As an example, factors such as disaster ruins, multipath, reflection and attenuation collectively work to decrease the accuracy of tracking and localization systems in estimating the position of a person trapped under mine or tunnel rubble. In this paper, we review the most recent studies that address the aforementioned challenges and the technical solutions proposed to establish a rapid and cost-effective rescue system.