Communication is key in the aftermath of a disaster. Unfortunately, this is when current methods of communication are least reliable. Infrastructure is often destroyed or disabled by the disaster itself, rendering cell phones, land line phones, and internet connections useless. Having a way to coordinate efforts that does not have a single point failure system is vital for emergency preparedness.

Researchers at the Georgia Tech College of Computing are currently working on addressing these concerns with a solution called LifeNet, which is free, open source software designed to run on consumer devices such as laptop computers, Android cell phones and wireless routers. The core development team consists of Hrushikesh Mehendale, Ashwin Paranjpe and Dr. Santosh Vempala, who serves as primary technical advisor. The software is still in development, and they welcome users to contribute to the platform.

When LifeNet is installed on a device, it enables that device to become part of an ad hoc network that allows for communication via text messaging, voice messaging and MIS systems. The network can be instantly deployed by disaster relief organizations in an emergency situation to help coordinate efforts and resources. The network can grow incrementally because the software is able to self-discover other users and maintains a virtual map of them.

The advantage of LifeNet is that it does not rely on switching stations, base station controllers or transceiver towers. No mounting structures or power supplies are required. Because everyone on the network is a peer and there is no hierarchy, there is no single point of failure. Every device on the network functions as both a host and a router, and users are able to converse in unicast or multicast.

This solution is useful for relief agencies that do not have the ability to pay for satellite phones, which can be expensive and not always reliable. If one user on the network has access to the internet or a satellite phone service, then all users are able to access those services. LifeNet communication is robust, easy to use, requires no infrastructure and requires little power. It addresses many of the current concerns surrounding communication for disaster relief and emergency preparedness.

A potential drawback to LifeNet is that users must be in range of one another, which is generally about one kilometer (or .62 miles). However, users can be lined up to form a chain of routers to converse at greater distances. Some advance planning within organizations could create a protocol for setting up these chains.

Advances in emergency preparedness such as LifeNet are increasing our chances for survival in the aftermath of disasters. We can do our part by educating ourselves and spreading the word about these advances.

—Gary Jenkins—

Gary Jenkins is a father and husband living in Oregon who is a wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor adventure enthusiast.