Process-oriented deployment of ad-hoc networks in emergency scenarios

In rescue operations, information acquisition from rescue personnel in the field is very crucial. Upcoming decision support systems also rely on information gathered in the field, like sensor data or video feeds. A condition for successful information sharing is a reliable communication network. During crisis, infrastructure networks are often unavailable or destroyed. Hence, personnel in the field have to establish an ad-hoc incident network. Due to its high data rates and low costs, IEEE 802.11 is suitable for networking rescue personnel at an incident area. In this paper, we present a feasible solution for deploying an IEEE 802.11 ad-hoc network in a process oriented way, without hindering rescue personnel and requiring extra resources. Our approach focuses on rescue operations where fire occurs or is at least possible. We propose to integrate wireless mesh routers in fire hose couplings so that these mesh routers cover the whole area of interest in a process oriented way. We show that our approach provides similar network coverage for small and medium areas, compared to selective positioning of wireless mesh routers using optimization algorithms.