Feasibility of using distributed Wireless Mesh Networks for medical emergency response.

Abstract

Achieving reliable, efficient data communications networks at disaster site is a difficult task. Network paradigms such as Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) architectures are one paradigm for providing high bandwidth scalable data communication. WMNs are formed by self-organized wireless nodes that use multi-hop wireless relaying for data communications. In this paper describe our experience using mesh network architecture broadband network developed for homeland security and medical emergency applications. We briefly discuss the architecture and present the traffic behavioral observations made by a client server applications tested during a large scale homeland security drill. The results suggest that 802.11 mesh networks are feasible and scalable systems for field communications. We also present our traffic measurements based on which we make essential requirements for such medical emergency response networks.