Emergency broadband access network using low altitude platform

Abstract

Emergency Broadband Access Network (EBAN) is a balloon-based broadband wireless access flies in low altitude (100–500 meter) offering various emergency applications. One of the applications may include IP video camera allowing the authority to observe the affected area and act accordingly. The emergency team can use WiFi coverage from EBAN sky station to get internet access, VoIP, video conference and tailored emergency applications such as Emergency Medical Care Information System (EMCIS). Atmospheric disturbances and its effect to the system performance are considered in term of platform and communication design. WiFi solution is selected because of its popularity and relatively easy to deploy. According to the trial result the WiFi-based EBAN system is able to provide coverage about 5.5 km radius or 72 km square from sky station at altitude 440 meter.