Last mile wireless network in rural Nicaraguas

Abstract

Our team designed a wireless local area network to connect Sabana Grande, in Totogalpa, Nicaragua. Sabana Grande is a rural community, where grid power is sparse and internet access is currently non-existent. We identified the need for internet access in Sabana Grande by working with local leaders to organize community-wide meetings where we interviewed resident families. Sabana Grande had not been previously connected because the surrounding rough terrain and sparse infrastructure presented several unique challenges. Our team overcame each of these challenges in our design. We began our design work by working with local contacts to determine power and performance requirements. Using MATLAB to model Fresnel zone interference, we found that surrounding mountains block the line-of-sight from existing access points. So in our design, we included a repeating station overlooking the community. There is no grid power at the repeating site or the receiving sites. So, we have also included solar power solutions. To ensure maintainability, we favored locally available components. After designing the network, performing a feasibility analysis, and conducting follow up interviews with local leaders, we have determined that connecting Sabana Grande will be a practical and impactful project. We are excited to return to install our system in the Summer of 2015.