ROSNet: A WMN based Framework using UAVs and ground nodes for
Post-Disaster Management
Abstract
Communication breakdowns during natural disasters can significantly
restrict disaster management operations. Furthermore, cellular networks
may also be unreliable in such scenarios. Hence, establishing
communication using alternative means is of importance in these
scenarios.
In this paper, we propose a prototype system to establish communication
using wireless mesh network, through the use of stationary and mobile
ground nodes, and aerial nodes using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This network is ad hoc and establishes connectivity without the usage of
a cellular network or internet. Our system provides a complete end to
end architecture, where we deploy an android application on smartphones
at the user-end, the ad hoc network comprising of stationary and mobile
nodes, and a graphical user interface (GUI) at the base station that
facilitates situational awareness. We use the Robot Operating System
(ROS) as the middleware for message synchronization between the nodes as
well for UAV control. We evaluate the system for different system
configurations by using UAVs and a semi-autonomous car. Our experimental
results show that the system could be indispensable in providing large
scale connectivity.