Katrina SGER: Mapping the Coverage Islands of Wireless Base Stations
Institution: Ohio State University
PI: Sinha, Prasun
Proposal scope-The PIs propose to map the wireless base stations by locally checking connections to the backbone with identification of connectivity (electrical power failure, antenna obstruction or mechanical damage). They are proposing to extend their experience on wireless systems and study an algorithm on Island Mapping.
Intellectual Merit - Existing wireless communication systems in the Louisiana area have failed as a result of electrical power outages, flooding, and wind damage. Although the status of base-station data may be easily obtained from service providers, it may be insufficient to create maps of the real coverage island of base-stations because of the change of the landscape in the effective reach of antennae after they have been moved by wind or partially obstructed by debris.
Broader Impact - This work will gather data and perform analysis that will provide deeper insight in how to plan a wireless communication system with an accurate map of coverage. Such information is critical for coordination of rescue missions in regions that do not have extensive coverage and by pre-planning needed steps of operation in uncovered regions.
