Overview of the WIDENS architecture, a wireless ad hoc network for public safety

This paper highlights preliminary results and status for the European Project entitled WIreless DEployable Network System (WIDENS). The purpose of this Industry/Academia collaborative research effort is to design, prototype and validate a vertically integrated rapidly deployable and scalable communication system for future public safety, emergency and disaster applications. In such scenarios, the communication system must be highly reliable to allow rescue teams to work and collaborate quickly and efficiently. Such operations are strongly dependent on the availability of the communication links both to rescue operators on the fields and to the central control room. However, in disaster areas, the links and central control are subject to failure, leading to a complete collapse of the network. To address these issues, WIDENS exploits the advantages of wireless mobile ad hoc networks in accordance with public safety usage scenarios. The project partners (see www.widens.org) are designing the system and software architectures, and prototyping the radio frequency, air interface, network, and application level hardware and software. The project supports the on-going European involvement in the joint ETSI/TIA standardization initiative MESA (Mobile Broadband for Emergency and Safety Applications). The design and prototype developments will contribute to the development of future broadband private mobile communication systems.