Testing and Evaluation Highlights
Challenge –Search and rescue missions are carried out throughout the US by many different types of public safety agencies. Without reliable communications between the Base of Operations (BoO) and forward search teams, search and rescue operations can be challenging, and critical delays can occur.
Solution –HyphaMESH creates a secure and dedicated public safety wireless network to extend coverage or establish an independent local network. The versatile HyphaMESH product line is well equipped to support search and rescue operations where LTE and LMR don’t reach.
Challenge
During search and rescue missions involving collapsed structures, maintaining reliable communications can be difficult. Often the structural collapse is part of a larger disaster that has knocked out cellular and radio towers or the forward search team must traverse deep into the rubble pile where cellular and radio signals don’t reach. Without reliable voice and data communications between the Base of Operations (BoO) and forward search teams, search and rescue operations can be challenging, and critical delays.
Solution
The HyphaMESH REX Kit was staged at the Base of Operations with the included Cradlepoint IBR900 providing LTE backhaul. HyphaCAPs #29 and #25 went with the USAR Task Force team into the rubble pile. The team connected their Sonim XP8 rugged smartphones to the HyphaCAPs’ Wi-Fi and recorded search activities on Esri’s ArcGIS QuickCapture application. While in the rubble pile, HyphaCAP #25 established a strong connection to the HyphaNODE 0.25 miles away back at the BoO, and HyphaCAP #29 extended further to examine the perimeter of the rubble pile (see Network Diagrams).
Benefits
Utilize existing devices and applications
While at the rubble pile with HyphaCAPs providing Wi-Fi access with LTE backhaul located more than 0.25 miles away, USAR Task Force team members were able to use their Sonim XP8s and Esri’s ArcGIS QuickCapture application. As they recorded their search activity in QuickCapture, leadership at the Base of Operations was able to monitor progress at the rubble pile in real-time.