UAV-based GSM network for public safety communications | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

UAV-based GSM network for public safety communications


Abstract:

Communications infrastructure can be damaged during natural disasters or terrorist attacks. For example, the 2011 Tsunami in Japan has severely damaged the cellular netwo...Show More

Abstract:

Communications infrastructure can be damaged during natural disasters or terrorist attacks. For example, the 2011 Tsunami in Japan has severely damaged the cellular network infrastructure, which negatively affects search and rescue operations, emergency communications, and coordination among first responders. In this paper, we present an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based software defined radio (SDR) platform which can be rapidly deployed for use in emergency communication scenarios. In particular, the UAVs serve as flying GSM base stations and can provide cellular network coverage to users within their vicinity. The Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) are used as the SDR equipment, which run OpenBTS software for implementing the GSM technology. We present the design and implementation of the considered platform in this extended abstract.
Published in: SoutheastCon 2015
Date of Conference: 09-12 April 2015
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 25 June 2015
Electronic ISBN:978-1-4673-7300-5

ISSN Information:

Conference Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

I. Introduction

This extended abstract describes the outcomes of our senior design project, conducted at Florida International University during Spring and Fall 2014. The goal of the senior design project was to design a flying GSM relay copter, which can help in maintaining connectivity in emergency scenarios in which the communication infrastructure is not operational. This may help in maintaining broadband connectivity between first responders even in the absence of any nearby base station. We implemented the GSM base station using the OpenBTS software and universal software radio peripheral (USRP) software defined radio (SDR) equipment. The prototype was fully developed, and its operation was demonstrated during the senior design day at FIU Electrical and Computer Engineering department.

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