Networks That Build Themselves
Sep 04, 2008 0813 hrs IST
Wireless nodes will now tell technicians where they need to be deployed
Setting up large wireless networks can be a pain, especially if you're doing so while chaos unfolds around you. During emergencies, one of the first priorities is to set up an effective communications network so workers can keep in touch and co-ordinate activities. This is usually an ad-hoc network--there's no central server controlling operations--and the general rule of thumb is to place a wireless node every 15 meters or so.
We all, however, know how obstacles can affect wireless signals ever tried accessing your home WiFi network through two walls? Rather than find out the hard way (read network failure), emergency workers need an efficient way to know where they need to install nodes.
Now, thanks to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the nodes themselves will tell workers where they need to be deployed. The prototypes use special algorithms that monitor the signal's quality, and flash red LEDs to indicate where they should be put down.
Excellent development, this--if rescue workers spend less time mucking with networks, they can get down to rescuing quicker.
Source: Technology Review
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nice article
by Yogi, Bangalore, on Sep 05, 2008 11:49 PM, Report abuse Reply