U.S. patent application number 11/769791 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-14 for apparatus and method for providing a rapidly deployable wireless network.
Invention is credited to Thierry Etienne Klein.
Application Number | 20080194246 11/769791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39685730 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080194246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein; Thierry Etienne |
August 14, 2008 |
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.
Inventors: |
Klein; Thierry Etienne;
(Fanwood, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON & SHERIDAN, LLP/;LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC
595 SHREWSBURY AVENUE
SHREWSBURY
NJ
07702
US
|
Family ID: |
39685730 |
Appl. No.: |
11/769791 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60900833 |
Feb 12, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/422.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 40/00 20130101;
H04W 76/50 20180201; H04W 84/18 20130101; H04L 2212/00 20130101;
H04W 8/082 20130101; H04W 80/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/422.1 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/20 20060101
H04Q007/20 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for providing a rapidly-deployable,
fully-functional, standalone cellular network, comprising: means
for providing radio access network (RAN) functions comprising at
least one air interface, at least one control function, and at
least one network gateway function; means for providing at least
one core networking function; and means for providing at least one
service; wherein the apparatus is adapted for being deployed using
a mobile platform; wherein the apparatus is adapted for providing
the at least one core networking function and the at least one
service independent of any existing network infrastructure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one air interface
comprises at least one interface supporting wireless access
communications for user devices.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: means for
providing at least one additional wireless interface.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one additional
wireless interface comprises at least one interface supporting
wireless mesh communications.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one additional
wireless interface comprises at least one interface supporting
wireless backhaul communications with an existing network
infrastructure.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one additional
wireless interface comprises at least one interface supporting
wireless management communications with a management device.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for providing RAN
functions comprises a base station router (BSR).
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one core
networking function comprises at least one of an authentication,
authorization, and accounting (AAA) function, a domain name service
(DNS) function, a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
function, and a call/session control function.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one service
function comprises at least one of a voice application, a voice
conferencing application, a data application, a video application,
and a video conferencing application.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mobile platform comprises
a vehicle.
11. A method for providing a rapidly-deployable, fully-functional,
standalone cellular network, comprising: communicating information
using a network element, wherein the network element is adapted to
support radio access network (RAN) functions, at least one core
networking function, and at least one service; wherein the RAN
functions comprise at least one air interface, at least one control
function, and at least one network gateway function; wherein the
network element is adapted for being deployed using a mobile
platform; wherein the network element is adapted for providing the
at least one core networking function and the at least one service
independent of any existing network infrastructure.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one air interface
comprises at least one interface supporting wireless access
communications for user devices.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the network element is further
adapted to support at least one additional wireless interface.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one additional
wireless interface comprises at least one of at least one interface
supporting wireless mesh communications, at least one interface
supporting wireless backhaul communications with an existing
network infrastructure, and at least one interface supporting
wireless management communications with a management device.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one core
networking function comprises at least one of an authentication,
authorization, and accounting (AAA) function, a domain name service
(DNS) function, a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
function, and a call/session control function.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one service
comprises at least one of a voice application, a voice conferencing
application, a data application, a video application, and a video
conferencing application.
17. A method for providing a rapidly-deployable, fully-functional,
standalone cellular network, comprising: placing a node on a mobile
platform, wherein said node supports radio access network (RAN)
functions, at least one core networking function, and at least one
service, wherein the RAN functions comprise at least one air
interface, at least one control function, and at least one network
gateway function, wherein the node is adapted for providing the at
least one core networking function and the at least one service
independent of any existing network infrastructure; and directing
the mobile platform to a network site at which the
rapidly-deployable, fully-functional, standalone cellular network
is to be formed.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: configuring the
node to support communications at the network site.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: supporting
communications associated with at least one wireless user device at
the network site using the node.
20. An apparatus for providing a rapidly-deployable,
fully-functional, standalone cellular network, comprising: a base
station router providing radio access network (RAN) functions
comprising at least one air interface, at least one control
function, and at least one network gateway function; a wireless
interface module providing at least one of a wireless mesh
interface, a wireless backhaul interface, and a wireless management
interface; a core networking functions module providing at least
one core networking function; and a services module providing at
least one service; wherein the apparatus is adapted for being
deployed using a mobile platform; wherein the apparatus is adapted
for providing the at least one core networking function and the at
least one service independent of any existing network
infrastructure.
21. An apparatus for providing a rapidly-deployable,
fully-functional, standalone cellular network independent of
existing network infrastructure, comprising: a base station router
providing radio access network (RAN) functions comprising at least
one air interface, at least one control function, and at least one
network gateway function; a wireless interface module providing at
least one wireless mesh interface, at least one wireless backhaul
interface, and at least one wireless management interface; a core
networking module providing at least one core networking function;
and a services module providing at least one service; wherein the
apparatus is adapted for being deployed using a mobile platform;
wherein the apparatus is adapted for selecting between providing
the at least one core networking function and the at least one
service independent of any existing network infrastructure and
providing the at least one core networking function and the at
least one service using backhaul connectivity to an 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 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. Such deficiencies became clear during the events of
Sep. 11, 2001, and again during the events of Hurricane
Katrina.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[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 performing management
functions.
[0005] The apparatus is adapted for being deployed on a mobile
platform, such as an individual mobile platform, a vehicle-based
mobile platform, or any other mobile platform which may be used to
transport the apparatus to a site at which a rapidly deployable
wireless network is required. The apparatus may be deployed in
various situations, e.g., for emergency response situations (e.g.,
responding to fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, terrorist
attacks, and the like), civilian search and rescue operations,
large-crowd events (e.g., sporting events, concerts, and the like),
rapid replacement of commercial cellular networks (e.g., where part
of a network of a commercial wireless service provider is
unavailable), military situations, and the like, as well as various
combinations thereof. The apparatus may be deployed in any other
situation where a wireless network may be useful. The apparatus may
be deployed to provide a standalone wireless network independent of
any existing network infrastructure, or to provide an integrated
wireless network utilizing existing network infrastructure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The teachings of the present invention can be readily
understood by considering the following detailed description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a standalone 911-NOW communication network
architecture that is independent of any existing network
infrastructure;
[0008] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict communication scenarios for
communications between users at an emergency site using the
stand-alone version of the 911-NOW communication network
architecture of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts an integrated 911-NOW communication network
architecture that utilizes a 911-NOW mesh network and an existing
network infrastructure;
[0010] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict communication scenarios for
communications between users at an emergency site and users at an
emergency headquarters using the integrated version of the 911-NOW
communication network architecture of FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts a high-level block diagram of one embodiment
of a 911-NOW node;
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts a high-level block diagram of one embodiment
of a functional module of the 911-NOW node of FIG. 5;
[0013] FIG. 7 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 8 depicts a high-level block diagram of a
general-purpose computer suitable for use in performing functions
described herein.
[0015] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals
have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements
that are common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention provides a rapidly deployable network
(denoted herein as a 911 network on wheels, i.e., 911-NOW). The
911-NOW network is formed using one or more 911-NOW nodes. A
911-NOW node is an integrated network node supporting RAN functions
(and, optionally, one or more additional wireless interfaces), core
networking functions, and services. A 911-NOW node is implemented
on a mobile platform such that the 911-NOW node may be deployed to
form a wireless network wherever such network may be required. By
providing RAN functions (and, optionally, one or more additional
wireless interfaces), core networking functions, and services, a
single 911-NOW node may form a fully-functional and completely
autonomous wireless network independent of existing network
infrastructure. Thus, one or more 911-NOW nodes may be deployed to
form a standalone wireless network that is not dependent on
existing network infrastructure, but which may utilize existing
network infrastructure where such existing network infrastructure
is available.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a standalone 911-NOW communication network
architecture that is independent of any existing network
infrastructure. Specifically, standalone 911-NOW communication
network architecture 100 includes a plurality of 911-NOW nodes
110.sub.A-110.sub.G (collectively, 911-NOW nodes 110) supporting
wireless communications at an emergency site 101. The standalone
911-NOW communication network architecture 100 provides a
fully-functional network since each of the 911-NOW nodes 110
includes RAN functions, CORE networking functions, and services. As
depicted in FIG. 1, each of the 911-NOW nodes 110 is placed or
mounted on a mobile platform and transported to emergency site 101.
The 911-NOW nodes 110 form a wireless network at emergency site
101.
[0018] The emergency site 101 may be any location or combination of
locations at which a wireless network is required. The emergency
site 101 may be a localized site, a collection of localized sites,
a widespread site, a collection of widespread sites, and the like,
as well as various combinations thereof. For example, emergency
site 101 may be a single location, multiple locations within a town
or city, or even span one or more counties, states, countries,
continents, and the like. The 911-NOW network is not limited by the
scope of the emergency site. The emergency site 101 may be
associated with any type of emergency. For example, emergency site
101 may be associated with a natural disaster (e.g., a flood, a
hurricane, a tornado, and the like), a manmade disaster (e.g., a
chemical spill, a terrorist attack, and the like), and the like, as
well as various combinations thereof.
[0019] As depicted in FIG. 1, emergency personnel (denoted herein
as users 102 of the 911-NOW network 100) have responded to the
emergency. The users 102 are performing various different functions
at different areas of emergency site 101. For example, the users
may be containing the disaster, participating in evacuation
operations, participating in search and rescue operations, and the
like, as well as various combinations thereof. The users 102 use
equipment in responding to the emergency, including equipment
capable of receiving and sending information wirelessly (denoted
herein as wireless user devices 104 of users 102). The wireless
user devices 104 include communication equipment, and may include
various other types of emergency equipment (depending on the type
of emergency, severity of the emergency, logistics of the emergency
site, and various other factors).
[0020] For example, wireless user devices 104 may include wireless
devices carried by emergency personnel for communicating with other
emergency personnel, receiving information for use in responding at
the emergency site, collecting information at the emergency site,
monitoring conditions at the emergency site, and the like, as well
as various combinations thereof. For example, wireless user devices
104 may include devices such as walkie-talkies, wireless headsets,
cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, and the
like, as well as various combinations thereof. The wireless user
devices 104 may include various other equipment, such as monitors
(e.g., for monitoring breathing, pulse, and other characteristics;
for monitoring temperature, precipitation, and other environmental
characteristics; and the like), sensors (e.g., for detecting
air-quality changes, presence of chemical or biological agents,
radiation levels, and the like), and various other equipment.
[0021] As depicted in FIG. 1, a 911-NOW-based network is
established at the emergency site 101 by deploying 911-NOW nodes
110 (illustratively, 911-NOW nodes 110.sub.A-110.sub.G) to
emergency site 101. The 911-NOW nodes 110 may be deployed using
mobile platforms. The 911-NOW nodes 110 may be deployed using
standalone mobile platforms. For example, 911-NOW nodes 110 may be
placed in backpacks, suitcases, and like mobile cases which may be
carried by individuals. The 911-NOW nodes 110 may be deployed using
mobile vehicles, including land-based vehicles, sea-based vehicles,
and/or air-based vehicles. For example, 911-NOW nodes may be placed
(and/or mounted) on police cars, swat trucks, fire engines,
ambulances, humvees, boats, helicopters, blimps, airplanes,
unmanned drones, satellites, and the like, as well as various
combinations thereof. The 911-NOW nodes 110 may be deployed using
various other mobile platforms.
[0022] As depicted in FIG. 1, 911-NOW node 110.sub.A is deployed
using a fire engine, 911-NOW node 110.sub.B is deployed using a
fire engine, 911-NOW node 110.sub.C is deployed using a fire
engine, 911-NOW node 110.sub.D is deployed as a standalone node,
911-NOW node 110.sub.E is deployed using a blimp, 911-NOW node
110.sub.F is deployed as a standalone node, and 911-NOW node
110.sub.G is deployed using a fire engine. The inherent mobility of
911-NOW nodes 110 enables quick and flexible deployment of a
wireless network as needed (e.g., when, where, and how the wireless
network is needed), thereby providing scalable capacity and
coverage on-demand as required by the emergency personnel. Since
each 911-NOW node 110 supports RAN functions, CORE networking
functions, and various service functions, deployment of even one
911-NOW node produces a fully-functional wireless network.
[0023] By placing 911-NOW modules on mobile platforms, network
scalability is automatically managed. Since the scope of an
emergency situation typically dictates the response to the
emergency situation (in terms of emergency personnel and equipment
deployed), deployment of emergency response equipment and personnel
of a scope sufficient to respond to an emergency will automatically
result in deployment of sufficient 911-NOW modules to support the
response to the emergency. For example, a fire requiring three fire
engines will most likely not require more than three 911-NOW
modules to support the firefighters and other personnel responding
to the fire, a disaster requiring twenty fire engines and five
ambulances most likely will not require more than twenty-five
911-NOW modules to support the firefighters and other emergency
personnel responding to the fire, and so on.
[0024] In other words, using the 911-NOW network architecture,
there will most likely not be a need for emergency personnel to
dispatch special vehicles for purposes of scaling the scope of the
911-NOW network to match the scope of the emergency situation for
which the 911-NOW network is being deployed (although such special
deployments may be useful in some situations). By removing the
decision of the number of 911-NOW modules required to support the
response to an emergency, critical time and resources otherwise
required to determine the number of required 911-NOW modules may be
saved. Thus, emergency personnel do not have to worry about having
sufficient resources to support any communications which may be
required at the emergency site.
[0025] As depicted in FIG. 1, the 911-NOW nodes 110 support
wireless communications for wireless user devices 104 (denoted
herein as wireless access communications). The wireless access
communications include wireless communications between a 911-NOW
node 110 and wireless user devices served by that 911-NOW node 110.
A911-NOW node 110 includes one or more wireless access interfaces
supporting wireless communications for wireless user devices 104.
The wireless access communications between wireless user devices
104 and 911-NOW nodes 110 are supported using respective wireless
access connections 111 established between wireless user devices
104 and 911-NOW nodes 110.
[0026] The 911-NOW nodes 110 further support mobility of user
devices 104 at emergency site 101. More specifically, 911-NOW nodes
110 support mobility of user devices 104 such that, as users 102
move around emergency site 101, communication sessions between
wireless user devices 104 of those users 102 and 911-NOW nodes 110
are seamlessly transferred between 911-NOW nodes 110 (i.e., from a
911-NOW node currently serving the wireless user device to another
911-NOW node). The mechanism for handoff of wireless user devices
104 between 911-NOW nodes 110 may be performed in any manner, and,
thus, may be based on one or more factors, such as relative signal
strength, loading of the respective 911-NOW nodes 110, and the
like, as well as various combinations thereof.
[0027] As depicted in FIG. 1, the 911-NOW nodes 110 support
wireless communications between 911-NOW nodes 110 (denoted herein
as wireless mesh communications). The wireless mesh communications
include wireless communications between 911-NOW nodes, including
information transported between wireless user devices 104, control
information exchanged between 911-NOW nodes 110, and the like, as
well as various combinations thereof. A 911-NOW node 110 includes
one or more wireless mesh interfaces supporting wireless
communications with one or more other 911-NOW nodes 110. The
wireless mesh communications between 911-NOW nodes 110 are
supported using wireless mesh connections 112 established between
911-NOW nodes 110.
[0028] As depicted in FIG. 1, the following pairs of 911-NOW nodes
110 communicate using respective wireless mesh connections 112:
911-NOW nodes 110.sub.A and 110.sub.B, 911-NOW nodes 110.sub.A and
110.sub.C, 911-NOW nodes 110.sub.A and 110.sub.D, 911-NOW nodes
110.sub.B and 110.sub.C, 911-NOW nodes 110.sub.C and 110.sub.D,
911-NOW nodes 110.sub.B and 110.sub.E, 911-NOW nodes 110.sub.C and
110.sub.F, 911-NOW nodes 110.sub.D and 110.sub.G, 911-NOW nodes
110.sub.E and 110.sub.F, and 911-NOW nodes 110.sub.F and 110.sub.G.
As such, 911-NOW nodes 110 of FIG. 1 communicate to form a wireless
mesh network. Although a specific wireless mesh configuration is
depicted and described with respect to FIG. 1, 911-NOW nodes 110
may communicate to form various other wireless mesh configurations,
and mesh configurations may be modified in real-time as conditions
change.
[0029] As depicted in FIG. 1, the 911-NOW nodes 110 support
wireless communications for one or more management devices 105
(denoted herein as wireless management communications). The
wireless management communications include wireless communications
between a 911-NOW node 110 and a management device(s) 105 served by
that 911-NOW node 110. A 911-NOW node 110 includes one or more
wireless management interfaces supporting wireless communications
for management device(s) 105. The wireless management
communications between management device 105 and 911-NOW node
110.sub.D are supported using a wireless management connection 113
established between management device 105 and 911-NOW node
110.sub.D.
[0030] The management device 105 is operable for configuring and
controlling standalone 911-NOW network 100. For example, management
device 105 may be used to configure and reconfigure one or more of
the 911-NOW nodes 110, control access to the 911-NOW nodes (e.g.,
authorization, authentication, and like functions), control
functions and services supported by the 911-NOW nodes 110, upgrade
software run by the 911-NOW nodes 110, perform element/network
management functions for individual 911-NOW nodes or combinations
of 911-NOW nodes (e.g., fault, performance, and like management
functions) and the like, as well as various combinations thereof.
The management device 105 may be implemented using existing devices
(e.g., laptops, PDAs, and the like), or using a newly-designed
device adapted to support such management functions. The management
device 105 may connect to one or more 911-NOW nodes 110 directly
and/or indirectly using wireline and/or wireless interfaces.
[0031] Although primarily depicted and described with respect to
one on-site management device 105, additional on-site management
devices may be deployed for configuring and controlling a 911-NOW
standalone network. Furthermore, the management device 105 (or one
or more other management devices) may be connected to 911-NOW nodes
110 off-site for performing different functions. For example, the
management device 105 may be connected to a 911-NOW node when the
911-NOW node returns to the location from which the 911-NOW node
was dispatched (e.g., returns to its station) in order to perform
various functions, such as post-analysis diagnostics,
reconfigurations, software upgrades, management functions (e.g.,
fault, performance, and like management functions), and the like,
as well as various combinations thereof.
[0032] The 911-NOW nodes 110 support wireless communications using
one or more wireless technologies. For wireless access
communications, each 911-NOW node 110 may support one or more
different wireless technologies, such as Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS),
Evolution-Data Optimized (1xEV-DO), Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access
(HSDPA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX),
and the like, as well as various combinations thereof. For wireless
mesh communications, each 911-NOW node 110 may support Wireless
Fidelity (WiFi) or WiMAX technology, microwave technologies, or any
other wireless technology. For wireless management communications,
each 911-NOW node 110 may support one or more such cellular
technologies, and, further, may support WiFi technology, Bluetooth
technology, or any other wireless technology.
[0033] In one example, wireless access communications are provided
using 1xEV-DO, wireless mesh communications are provided using
WiFi, and wireless management communications are provided using
WiFi. In another example, wireless access communications are
provided using UMTS, wireless mesh communications are provided
using WiMAX, and wireless management communications are provided
using WiFi. In another example, wireless access communications are
provided using HSDPA, wireless mesh communications are provided
using WiFi, and wireless management communications are provided
using Bluetooth. In other words, various different combinations of
wireless technologies may be used to support different types of
communications by 911-NOW nodes 110.
[0034] As described herein, wireless communications supported by
911-NOW nodes 110 convey user information, control information, and
the like, as well as various combinations thereof. For example,
user information may include voice communications (e.g., voice
calls, audio conferences, push-to-talk, and the like), data
communications (e.g., text-based communications, high-speed data
downloads/uploads, file transfers, sensor data transfers, and the
like), video communications (e.g., video broadcasts, conferencing,
and the like), multimedia communications, and the like, as well as
various combinations thereof. The wireless communications supported
by 911-NOW nodes 110 may convey various combinations of content,
e.g., audio, text, image, video, multimedia, and the like, as well
as various combinations thereof. For example, control information
may include management information, network configuration/control
information, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof.
Thus, 911-NOW nodes 110 support wireless communication of any
information.
[0035] Although a specific number of 911-NOW nodes 110 is depicted
and described as being deployed to form a 911-NOW network, fewer or
more 911-NOW nodes may be deployed to form a 911-NOW network
supporting communications required to provide an effective
emergency response. Similarly, although a specific configuration of
911-NOW nodes 110 is depicted and described as being deployed to
form a 911-NOW network, 911-NOW nodes may be deployed in various
other configurations (including different locations at one
emergency site or across multiple emergency sites, different
combinations of mesh connections between 911-NOW nodes, and the
like, as well as various combinations thereof) to form a standalone
911-NOW network supporting RAN functions, CORE networking
functions, and various services supporting multimedia
communications to provide an effective emergency response.
[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict communication scenarios for
communications between users at an emergency site using the
stand-alone version of the 911-NOW communication network
architecture of FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 2A (a single-hop case),
two (or more) users at an emergency site communicate with each
other via one 911-NOW node 110 (without the communications having
to traverse wireless mesh connections between 911-NOW nodes 110).
As depicted in FIG. 2B (a multi-hop case), two (or more) users at
an emergency site communicate with each other directly via multiple
911-NOW nodes. A first user 102 communicates directly with a first
911-NOW node 110 and a second user 102 communicates with a second
911-NOW node 110, and first and second 911-NOW nodes 110
communicate (via one or more wireless mesh connections) in order to
provide a communication path between the first and second users
102.
[0037] As described herein, although one or more 911-NOW nodes 110
are capable of forming a fully-functional, standalone cellular
wireless network without relying on existing infrastructure (fixed
or variable), where there is existing infrastructure (that was not
damaged or destroyed), the standalone 911-NOW wireless network may
leverage the existing network infrastructure to form an integrated
911-NOW wireless network capable of supporting various additional
capabilities (e.g., supporting communications with one or more
other standalone 911-NOW wireless networks, supporting
communications with one or more remote emergency management
headquarters, supporting communications with other resources, and
the like, as well as various combinations thereof). An integrated
911-NOW wireless network including a mesh 911-NOW network in
communication with existing network infrastructure is depicted and
described herein with respect to FIG. 3.
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts an integrated 911-NOW communication network
architecture including a 911-NOW mesh network and an existing
network infrastructure. Specifically, the integrated 911-NOW
communication network architecture 300 includes 911-NOW mesh
network 100 and existing network infrastructure 301. The existing
network infrastructure 301 may include any existing communications
infrastructure adapted for supporting wireless communications
(e.g., including backhaul functions, networking functions,
services, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof)
for 911-NOW mesh network 100.
[0039] The existing network infrastructure 301 may include wireless
access capabilities (e.g., radio access networks, satellite access
networks, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof),
backhaul capabilities (e.g., public and/or private, wireline and/or
wireless, backhaul networks supporting mobility management
functions, routing functions, and gateway functions, as well as
various other related functions), core networking capabilities
(e.g., MA functions, DNS functions, DHCP functions, call/session
control functions, and the like), services capabilities (e.g.,
application servers, media servers, and the like), and the like, as
well as various combinations thereof. Since 911-NOW nodes 110 also
supports such capabilities, in some embodiments at least a portion
of these capabilities of existing network infrastructure 201 may
only be relied upon when necessary.
[0040] As depicted in FIG. 3, the existing network infrastructure
301 supports wireless backhaul connections. Specifically, the
existing network infrastructure 301 supports two wireless backhaul
connections from 911-NOW mesh network 100. The existing network
infrastructure 301 supports a first wireless backhaul connection
314 with 911-NOW node 110.sub.E using a satellite 302, where
satellite 302 is in wireless backhaul communication with a
satellite backhaul node 303 at the edge of Internet 306. The
existing network infrastructure 301 supports a second wireless
backhaul connection 314 with 911-NOW node 110.sub.G using a
cellular base station 304, where cellular base station in 304 is in
wireline backhaul communication with a cellular backhaul node 305
at the edge of Internet 306.
[0041] As depicted in FIG. 3, the existing network infrastructure
301 further supports other connections to other locations with
which users 102 of emergency site 101 may communicate. The existing
network infrastructure 301 includes a router 307 supporting
communications for an emergency headquarters 320 (which may
include, for example, emergency personnel and/or emergency
systems). The existing network infrastructure 301 includes a
cellular backhaul node 308 and an associated base station 309
supporting communications for one or more other 911-NOW mesh
networks 330.sub.1-330.sub.N (i.e., one or more other standalone
911-NOW networks established at remote emergency sites).
[0042] The existing network infrastructure 301 supports
communications for 911-NOW mesh network 100. The existing network
infrastructure 301 may support communications between wireless user
devices 104 of 911-NOW mesh network 100 (e.g., complementing
wireless mesh communications between 911-NOW nodes 110 of the
standalone 911-NOW network 100). The existing network
infrastructure 301 may support communications between wireless user
devices 104 of 911-NOW mesh network 100 and other emergency
personnel and/or emergency systems. For example, existing network
infrastructure 301 may support communications between wireless user
devices 104 of 911-NOW mesh network 100 and an emergency
headquarters 320, one or more other 911-NOW mesh networks 330
(e.g., at emergency sites remote from emergency site 101), and the
like, as well as various combinations thereof.
[0043] As depicted in FIG. 3, in addition to supporting one or more
wireless access interfaces, one or more wireless mesh interfaces,
and one or more wireless management interfaces, each 911-NOW node
110 supports one or more wireless backhaul interfaces supporting
communications between 911-NOW nodes 110 and existing network
infrastructure (illustratively, existing network infrastructure
301). The wireless backhaul communications between 911-NOW nodes
110 and existing network infrastructure 301 are supported using
wireless backhaul connections 314 established between 911-NOW nodes
110 and existing network infrastructure 301. The wireless backhaul
connections 314 may be provided using one or more wireless
technologies, such as GSM, GPRS, EV-DO, UMTS, HSDPA, WiFi, WiMAX,
microwave, satilite, and the like, as well as various combinations
thereof.
[0044] Thus, the mesh networking capabilities provided by 911-NOW
nodes 110, in combination with backhaul networking capabilities
provided by 911-NOW nodes 110 using wireless backhaul connections
with existing network infrastructure 301, enable communications
between emergency personnel at one emergency site (e.g., between
users connected to 911-NOW nodes 110 of a standalone 911-NOW mesh
network), between emergency personnel at different emergency sites
(e.g., between users connected to 911-NOW nodes 110 of different
standalone wireless mesh networks), between emergency personnel at
one or more emergency sites and emergency management personnel
(e.g., users stationed at emergency headquarters 320), and the
like, as well as various combinations thereof.
[0045] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict communication scenarios for
communications between users at an emergency site and an emergency
headquarters using the integrated 911-NOW communication network
architecture of FIG. 3. Although primarily depicted and described
with respect to communications between a user at an emergency site
and emergency headquarters, the communication scenarios depicted
and described with respect to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B may also be used
to support communications between users at different emergency
sites, where existing network infrastructure (including existing
wireless and wireline infrastructure as depicted and described with
respect to FIG. 3) provides backhaul connections between the
emergency sites.
[0046] As depicted in FIG. 4A (a single-hop case), a user 102 at
emergency site 101 communicates with emergency headquarters 320
(e.g., with emergency personnel and/or emergency systems) by
communicating with a 911-NOW node 110 (i.e., the 911-NOW node 110
functions as a wireless connection point for the user device 104 of
user 102). The 911-NOW node 110 at the emergency site supports
wireless backhaul communications between 911-NOW node 110 and
existing wireless network infrastructure 301 which, as described
with respect to FIG. 3, provides a connection to the Internet 306
in order to provide an end-to-end communication path between the
wireless user device 104 of user 102 at emergency site 101 and
emergency headquarters 320.
[0047] As depicted in FIG. 4B (a multi-hop case), a user 102 at
emergency site 101 communicates with emergency headquarters 320
(e.g., with emergency personnel and/or emergency systems). The
wireless user device 104 communicates with a first 911-NOW node 110
(i.e., the first 911-NOW node 110 functions as a wireless
connection point for the user device 104 of user 102). The first
911-NOW node 110 supports wireless mesh communications between the
first 911-NOW node 110 and one or more other 911-NOW nodes 110 in
order to transport communications between the first 911-NOW node
and existing wireless network infrastructure 301 which, as
described with respect to FIG. 3, provides a connection to the
Internet 306 in order to provide an end-to-end communication path
between the wireless user device 104 of user 102 at emergency site
101 and emergency headquarters 320.
[0048] Thus, 911-NOW nodes 110 may each support four different
types of wireless interfaces. The 911-NOW nodes 110 support one or
more wireless access interfaces by which user devices 104 may
access 911-NOW nodes 110. The 911-NOW nodes 110 support one or more
wireless mesh interfaces by which 911-NOW nodes 110 communicate
with other 911-NOW nodes 110. The 911-NOW nodes 110 support one or
more wireless backhaul interfaces by which 911-NOW nodes 110
communicate with existing network infrastructure (such as existing
network infrastructure 301 of FIG. 3). The 911-NOW nodes 110
support one or more wireless management interfaces by which network
administrators may manage the 911-NOW-based wireless network.
[0049] FIG. 5 depicts a high-level block diagram of one embodiment
of a 911-NOW node. As depicted in FIG. 5, 911-NOW node 110 includes
a functions module 501, a processor 540, a memory 550, and support
circuit(s) 560 (as well as various other processors, controllers,
modules, storage devices, support circuits, and the like required
to support various functions of 911-NOW node 110). The functions
module 501 cooperates with processor 540, memory 550, and support
circuits 560 to provide various functions of 911-NOW node 110, as
depicted and described herein).
[0050] The functions module 501 includes a wireless functions
module 509, a core (CORE) networking functions module 520, and a
services module 530. The wireless functions module 509 includes a
radio access network (RAN) functions module 510 and, optionally, a
wireless interface module 515. The CORE networking functions module
520 provides CORE networking functions. The services module 530
provides one or more services. The RAN functions module 510 (and,
when present, wireless interface module 515) communicate with both
CORE networking functions module 520 and services module 530, and
CORE networking functions module 520 and services module 530
communicate, to provide functions depicted and described
herein.
[0051] As depicted in FIG. 5, processor 540 controls the operation
of 911-NOW node 110, including communications between functions
module 501, memory 550, and support circuit(s) 560. The memory 550
includes programs 551, applications 552, support data 553 (e.g.,
user profiles, quality-of-service profiles, and the like, as well
as various combinations thereof), and user data 554 (e.g., any
information intended for communication to/from user devices
associated with 911-NOW node 110). The memory 550 may store other
types of information. The support circuit(s) 560 may include any
circuits or modules adapted for supporting functions of 911-NOW
node 110, e.g., power supplies, power amplifiers, transceivers,
encoders, decoders, and the like, as well as various combinations
thereof.
[0052] The wireless functions module 509, CORE networking functions
module 520, and services module 530 cooperate (in combination with
processor 540, memory 550, and support circuits 560, and any other
required modules, controllers, and the like, which are omitted for
purposes of clarity) to provide a rapidly deployable wireless node
which may form: (1) a single-node, standalone wireless network; (2)
a multi-node, standalone wireless network (i.e., using wireless
mesh connections between 911-NOW nodes); or (3) an integrated
wireless network (i.e., using wireless backhaul connections between
one or more 911-NOW nodes and existing network infrastructure and,
optionally, using wireless mesh connections between 911-NOW
nodes).
[0053] The RAN functions module 510 provides RAN functions. The RAN
functions include supporting one or more wireless access interfaces
for communications associated with wireless user devices.
Specifically, RAN functions module 510 supports a plurality of air
interfaces (AIs) 511.sub.1-511.sub.N (collectively, AIs 511). The
AIs 511 provide wireless access interfaces supporting
communications associated with wireless user devices. For example,
AIs 511 may support functions typically provided by a base
transceiver station (BTS).
[0054] The RAN functions module 510 provides control functions. The
control functions may include any control functions typically
performed by controllers in radio access networks. For example, the
control functions may include functions such as admission control,
power control, packet scheduling, load control, handover control,
security functions, and the like, as well as various combinations
thereof. For example, in one embodiment the control functions may
include functions typically performed by RAN network controllers
(RNCs) or similar wireless network controllers.
[0055] The RAN functions module 510 provides network gateway
functions. The network gateway functions may include any functions
typically performed in order to bridge RAN and CORE networks, such
as IP session management functions, mobility management functions,
packet routing functions, and the like, as well as various
combinations thereof. For example, where intended for use with
CDMA2000-based wireless technology, the network gateway functions
may include functions typically performed by a Packet Data Serving
Node (PDSN). For example, where intended for use with GPRS-based
and/or UMTS-based wireless technology, the network gateway
functions may include functions typically performed by a
combination of a GPRS Gateway Support Node (GGSN) and a Serving
GPRS Support Node (SGSN).
[0056] In one embodiment, RAN functions module 510 may be
implemented as a base station router (BSR).
[0057] The wireless interface module 515 provides one or more
wireless interfaces. The wireless interfaces provided by wireless
interface module may include one or more of: (1) one or more
wireless mesh interfaces supporting communications with other
911-NOW nodes; (2) one or more wireless backhaul interfaces
supporting communications with existing network infrastructure;
and/or (3) one or more wireless management interfaces supporting
communications with one or more management devices. The wireless
interface module 515 supports a plurality of air interfaces (AIs)
516.sub.1-516.sub.N (collectively, AIs 516), which provide wireless
interfaces supporting communications associated with one or more
of: one or more other 911-NOW nodes, existing network
infrastructure, and one or more management devices.
[0058] The CORE networking functions module 520 provides networking
functions typically available from the CORE network. For example,
CORE networking functions module 520 may provide authentication,
authorization, and accounting (AAA) functions, domain name system
(DNS) functions, dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
functions, call/session control functions, and the like, as well as
various combinations thereof. One skilled in the art knows which
functions are typically available from the CORE network. The CORE
networking functions module 520 is adapted to provide core
networking functions independent of any existing network
infrastructure.
[0059] The services module 530 provides services. The services may
include any services capable of being provided to wireless user
devices. In one embodiment, for example, services module 530 may
provide services typically provided by application servers, media
servers, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof. For
example, services may include one or more of voice services, voice
conferencing services, data transfer services (e.g., high-speed
data downloads, high-speed data upload, file transfers, sensor data
transfers, and the like), video services, video conferencing
services, multimedia services, multimedia conferencing services,
push-to-talk services, instant messaging services, and the like, as
well as various combinations thereof. One skilled in the art knows
which services are typically available over RAN and CORE networks.
The services module 530 is adapted to provide services independent
of any existing network infrastructure.
[0060] FIG. 6 depicts a high-level block diagram of one embodiment
of a functional module of the 911-NOW node of FIG. 5. As depicted
in FIG. 6, functions module 501 includes wireless functions module
509, CORE networking functions module 520, and services module 530.
The wireless functions module 509 includes a base station router
(BSR) 610 and, optionally, a wireless interface module 615. The
wireless functions module 509 communicates with CORE networking
functions module 520 and services module 530, and CORE networking
functions module 520 and services module 530 communicate.
[0061] The BSR 610 includes a base station (BS) 612, a radio
network controller (RNC) 613, and a network gateway (NG) 614. The
BS 612 includes a plurality of air interfaces (AIs) similar to AIs
511 depicted and described with respect to FIG. 5. The BS 612
communicates with RNC 613. The RNC 613 communicates with NG 614.
The BSR 610 supports any functions typically supported by a base
station router.
[0062] The wireless interface module 615 may include one or more
of: a wireless management interface module 616 including one or
more AIs supporting wireless communications with one or more
management devices, a wireless mesh interface module 617 including
one or more AIs supporting wireless communications with one or more
other 911-NOW nodes, and a wireless backhaul interface module 618
including one or more AIs supporting wireless communications with
existing network infrastructure.
[0063] In one embodiment, a 911-NOW node 110 may be implemented
without wireless interface module 615 (e.g., if the 911-NOW node
110 is not expected to require support for wireless mesh, backhaul,
or management communications). In other words, support for the
additional wireless interfaces of wireless interface module 615 is
optional.
[0064] In one embodiment, a 911-NOW node 110 is implemented such
that wireless interface module 615 includes a subset of: wireless
management interface module 616, wireless mesh interface module
617, and wireless backhaul interface module 618. In this
embodiment, the implementation of the wireless interface module 615
may be tailored depending on the type(s) of wireless interfaces
that the 911-NOW node 110 is expected to need when deployed, i.e.,
depending on whether the 911-NOW node 110 will require wireless
management, mesh, and/or backhaul capabilities.
[0065] In one embodiment, a 911-NOW node 110 is implemented such
that wireless interface module 615 includes each of: wireless
management interface module 616, wireless mesh interface module
617, and wireless backhaul interface module 618. In this
embodiment, the 911-NOW node 110 supports wireless management,
mesh, and backhaul capabilities such that such additional wireless
interfaces are available should the 911-NOW node 110 require such
capabilities.
[0066] In one embodiment, for example, for a 911-NOW node only
expected to be deployed as a single-node, standalone network,
wireless interface module 615 may only include wireless management
interface module 616 (since mesh and backhaul support is not
required). In one embodiment, for example, for a multi-node,
standalone network, wireless interface module 615 may only include
wireless management interface module 616 and wireless mesh
interface module 617 (since backhaul support is not required). In
one embodiment, for example, for an integrated network, wireless
interface module 615 may include each of wireless management
interface module 616, wireless mesh interface module 617, and
wireless backhaul interface module 618 (since management, mesh, and
backhaul capabilities are all required).
[0067] The CORE networking functions module 520 includes a
plurality of modules supporting CORE networking functions. As
depicted in FIG. 6, CORE networking functions module 520 includes
an AAA module 621 providing AAA functions, a DNS module 622
providing DNS functions, a DHCP module 623 providing DHCP
functions, a call/session control module 624 providing call control
functions and/or session control functions, and may include various
other modules supporting various other networking functions
typically available from the core network (represented by other
CORE networking functions module 629).
[0068] The services module 530 includes a plurality of modules
supporting various services. As depicted in FIG. 6, services module
530 includes a voice services module 631, a data services module
632, a video services module 633, a multimedia services module 634,
and may include various other modules supporting various other
services (represented by other services module 639). As described
herein, such services modules may support various different
services such as voice calls, voice conferencing, data transfers,
streaming video, video conferencing, and the like, as well as
various combinations thereof.
[0069] Although primarily depicted and described herein with
respect to a specific configuration of a 911-NOW node including
three modules providing wireless functions (including RAN functions
and, optionally, additional wireless interfaces and associated
interface functions), CORE networking functions, and services,
respectively, 911-NOW nodes may be implemented using various other
configurations for providing wireless functions, CORE networking
functions, and services. Similarly, although primarily depicted and
described herein with respect to a specific configuration of a
functions module providing specific wireless functions, CORE
networking functions, and services, functions modules of 911-NOW
nodes may be implemented using various other configurations for
providing wireless functions, CORE networking functions, and
services.
[0070] Therefore, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the
described functions may be distributed across the various
functional modules in a different manner, may be provided using
fewer functional modules, or may be provided using more functional
modules. Furthermore, although primarily depicted and described
with respect to specific wireless functions (including RAN
functions and, optionally, one or more additional wireless
interface functions), CORE networking functions, and services, it
is contemplated that fewer or more wireless functions (including
RAN functions, optionally, and one or more additional wireless
interface functions), CORE networking functions, and/or services
may be supported by a 911-NOW node. Thus, 911-NOW nodes are not
intended to be limited by the example functional architectures
depicted and described herein with respect to FIG. 5 and FIG.
6.
[0071] FIG. 7 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the
present invention. Specifically, method 700 of FIG. 7 includes a
method for deploying, configuring, and using a rapidly deployable
wireless node (such as a 911-NOW node depicted and described
herein). Although primarily depicted and described with respect to
one rapidly deployable wireless node, multiple rapidly deployable
wireless nodes may be deployed, configured, and used as depicted
and described with respect to FIG. 7. Although depicted and
described as being performed serially, at least a portion of the
steps of method 700 of FIG. 7 may be performed contemporaneously,
or in a different order than depicted and described with respect to
FIG. 7. The method 700 begins at step 702 and proceeds to step
704.
[0072] At step 704, a rapidly deployable wireless node is placed on
a mobile vehicle. The rapidly deployable wireless node may be
permanently affixed to the mobile vehicle, temporarily affixed to
the mobile vehicle (i.e., affixed in a way that the rapidly
deployable mobile node may be easily detached from the mobile
vehicle if necessary or desired), or simply placed in the mobile
vehicle (e.g., carried onto the mobile vehicle by personnel to be
transported on the vehicle). The rapidly deployable wireless node
supports RAN functions (and, optionally, one or more additional
wireless interfaces), at least one CORE networking function, and at
least one service. For example, the rapidly deployable mobile node
may be a 911-NOW node depicted and described herein.
[0073] At step 706, the mobile vehicle, including the rapidly
deployable wireless node, is transported to a site. The
transportation of the mobile vehicle to the site varies depending
on the type of vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be driven to a
site, flown to a site, and the like. The site may be any site at
which a rapidly deployable wireless node may be desirable. For
example, the site may be an emergency site (where the mobile
vehicle is an emergency vehicle such as a fire truck, a hazmat
vehicle, and the like), the site may be a battlefield site (where
the mobile vehicle is a military vehicle such as a humvee, a tank,
and the like), and the like, as well as various combinations
thereof.
[0074] At step 708, the rapidly deployable wireless node is
configured to support communication at the site. In one embodiment,
the rapidly deployable wireless node may be automatically
configured to support communications at the site. At step 710, the
rapidly deployable wireless node supports communications at the
site. At step 712, method 700 ends. Although omitted for purposes
of clarity, eventually, the mobile vehicle leaves the site (e.g.,
to provide support at a different site or to return to headquarters
from which the mobile vehicle was dispatched). For example, a fire
truck returns to the fire station after the fire is out, a tank
returns to command headquarters after the battle is over, and the
like.
[0075] FIG. 8 depicts a high-level block diagram of a
general-purpose computer suitable for use in performing the
functions described herein. As depicted in FIG. 8, system 800
comprises a processor element 802 (e.g., a CPU), a memory 804,
e.g., random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM), a
911-NOW module 805, and various input/output devices 806 (e.g.,
storage devices, including but not limited to, a tape drive, a
floppy drive, a hard disk drive or a compact disk drive, a
receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, a display, an output port, and
a user input device (such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, and the
like)).
[0076] It should be noted that the present invention may be
implemented in software and/or in a combination of software and
hardware, e.g., using application specific integrated circuits
(ASIC), a general purpose computer or any other hardware
equivalents. In one embodiment, the present 911-NOW process 805 can
be loaded into memory 804 and executed by processor 802 to
implement the functions as discussed above. As such, 911-NOW
process 805 (including associated data structures) of the present
invention can be stored on a computer readable medium or carrier,
e.g., RAM memory, magnetic or optical drive or diskette, and the
like.
[0077] The 911-NOW network enables emergency personnel to
communicate mission-critical information on a rapidly-deployable,
highly-flexible, secure wireless network. The 911-NOW network is a
fully integrated service architecture that may be deployed as a
single-cell solution for local communication or configured as an
ad-hoc network of cells for widespread communication (e.g., for
multiple localized or large emergency sites). The 911-NOW network
supports auto-configuration, wireless mesh networking,
interoperability with existing systems and technologies, network
service and management function, and various other features,
functions, and capabilities, thereby providing a cost-efficient
solution that is scalable and flexible to emergency response needs,
as well as spatial and temporal network deployment scenarios.
[0078] The 911-NOW network may be deployed in support of multiple
missions in emergency response and disaster recovery operations,
such as first responder communications, search and rescue
operations, restoration of local cellular service, and the like, as
well as various combinations thereof. In such scenarios,
applications which may be supported by the 911-NOW network include
basic voice communications, push-to-talk, database access
capabilities, file transfer applications (e.g., to provide access
to floor plans, emergency exits, elevator shafts, chemical storage
rosters, hazardous material handling instructions, and the like, as
well as various combinations thereof), alert messaging broadcasts,
streaming video, location tracking (e.g., of people, vehicles, and
the like), sensor monitoring applications (e.g., temperature, air
composition, radiation, and the like), biometric monitoring
applications (e.g., breathing, pulse, and oxygen tank sensors that
transmit information about the health of emergency personnel, and
the like).
[0079] The 911-NOW network provides numerous functions, including
assured access and reliable communications anywhere and at any
time, capacity and coverage on-demand for mobile incident area
networks, standards-compliant air interface technologies and
network interoperability through IP interfaces, efficient local
communication in the absence of fixed network infrastructure
including integrated services architecture for full stand-alone
network operation, wireless backhaul capabilities to fixed public
and/or private network(s), wide-area coverage through wireless mesh
networking, reachability and robustness through flexible multi-path
routing, converged multimedia communication capabilities (e.g.,
with voice, high-speed data, video, and like communication
capabilities) and the like.
[0080] The 911-NOW network provides security features. The 911-NOW
network provides triple-layered wireless network security to
protect the network operator, network elements, and user devices.
For example, 911-NOW nodes may include advanced security tools such
as air interface complexity, cryptographic authentication,
encryption, scrambling, link-layer assisted security protocols, and
the like, may be implemented in the 911-NOW network in order to
deter technical fraud, information eavesdropping, session
hijacking, and other potential security vulnerabilities. The
911-NOW nodes may support various other security measures
associated with RAN functions (and additional wireless interface
functions), CORE networking functions, and services provided by
911-NOW nodes, thereby resulting in a highly secure 911-NOW
network.
[0081] The described features, functions, and capabilities of the
911-NOW network thereby enable increased situational awareness at
emergency sites and situational awareness of emergency sites by
emergency management personnel at remote emergency management sites
(i.e., headquarters), communication between emergency sites as well
as between emergency sites and emergency headquarters, and various
other desirable results. The operation of a 911-NOW network may be
better understood with respect to FIG. 1, which depicts an example
of a 911-NOW network, as well as FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, which depict
example communication scenarios using the 911-NOW network of FIG.
1. The operation of a 911-NOW node which enables the 911-NOW
network may be better understood with respect to FIG. 4 and FIG.
5.
[0082] Although primarily depicted and described herein with
respect to using rapidly deployable nodes (such as 911-NOW nodes
depicted and described herein) to deploy a wireless network in
emergency response situations, rapidly deployable nodes may be used
to deploy a wireless network in various other situations. In one
embodiment, rapidly deployable nodes may be used in large-crowd
environments. For example, rapidly deployable nodes may be deployed
during large-crowd events, such as sporting events (e.g., in a city
hosting the Super Bowl, in a city hosting the Olympics, and the
like), concerts, and the like. In one embodiment, rapidly
deployable nodes may be used as a rapid replacement network for
commercial cellular networks (i.e., to replace existing network
infrastructure while such infrastructure is unavailable). In one
embodiment, rapidly deployable nodes may be used in military
environments (e.g., to form a rapidly deployable network on the
battlefield or in other situations).
[0083] Therefore, rapidly deployable nodes according to the present
invention are useful for various other applications in addition to
emergency response applications, and, thus, may be deployed in
various other situations in addition to emergency situations. Thus,
the term "emergency site", which is used herein to denote the
geographical location in which one or more rapidly deployable nodes
may be deployed to form a wireless network, may be more commonly
referred to as a "network site" (i.e., the site at which the
rapidly deployable wireless network is deployed to support wireless
communications). Similarly, other terms primarily associated with
emergency applications may be referred to more generally depending
upon the application in which rapidly deployable nodes are
deployed. In other words, any number of rapidly deployable nodes
according to the present invention may be deployed to any
geographical location to form a wireless network for any
reason.
[0084] It is contemplated that some of the steps discussed herein
as software methods may be implemented within hardware, for
example, as circuitry that cooperates with the processor to perform
various method steps. Portions of the present invention may be
implemented as a computer program product wherein computer
instructions, when processed by a computer, adapt the operation of
the computer such that the methods and/or techniques of the present
invention are invoked or otherwise provided. Instructions for
invoking the inventive methods may be stored in fixed or removable
media, transmitted via a data stream in a broadcast or other signal
bearing medium, and/or stored within a working memory within a
computing device operating according to the instructions.
[0085] Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings
of the present invention have been shown and described in detail
herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other
varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.
* * * * *