Application of Wireless Sensor Nodes to a Delay-Tolerant Health and Environmental Data Communication System in Remote Communities

This paper introduces a vehicle-based simple delay tolerant data communication system for the transmission of health and environmental data in areas in developing nations that are in dire need of basic data communication and will not have in the next few years. The system is composed of affordable and open source wireless devices that do not require complex infrastructure or expert knowledge in their installation, operation, and maintenance. The proposed solution takes into consideration the basic information needs of remote rural communities served by periodic or semi-periodic vehicular transportation. This technology has the potential to save the lives of thousands of individuals who otherwise would have no access to basic health and environmental information provision. These very same communities could be very vulnerable to environmental changes which could have direct or indirect influences on their daily lives as they depend on agricultural products for their sustenance. Moreover, the system may be adapted and improved for other needs and has the potential to help the most vulnerable communities in developing nations.