Convergence Communication over Heterogeneous Mesh Network for Disaster and Underserved Areas

The existing data service providers have gaps in their connectivity, especially in disaster and remote underserved areas. A mesh network can address this shortcoming by providing Internet access to devices outside the coverage area with the help of other nearby devices. Mesh networks are homogeneous using a single interface across the network and require large-scale deployment of proprietary devices. We propose to build a heterogeneous mesh network using various interfaces such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data services to connect devices. These interfaces are available in devices such as smartphones, laptops, and home automation devices and have the potential to be a convergence device. We present an Android application enabling devices with various interfaces to become convergence devices and build heterogeneous mesh networks to address the shortcoming of the existing wireless ISP services. We target this prototype implementation to provide a tactical communication link in disaster zones, enabling the public to build the network and send a life-critical distress signal calling for help. The proposed implementation achieved an average throughput of 1 Mbps with multiple hops and through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data service.