Satellite Wi-Fi Terminal for Post-Disaster Emergency Communication Management

Abstract

Post disaster Emergency communication in partly functional or completely isolated scenarios requires a solution that is autonomous and resilient to network vulnerabilities due to both man-made and natural disasters. This paper presents the design of Wi-Fi based Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) terminal and the application developed to provide GSM connectivity for audio calls and text messaging for smartphone users in remote areas with intermittent and/or weak GSM signals or even with completely disrupted terrestrial connectivity. The operational features that incorporate automatic beam selection and enable re- routing of traffic from terrestrial through satellite network for inter-networking of technologies have been highlighted. The terminal can be used as a hot-spot by agencies coordinating relief measures for the trapped population.