September 2024 – February 2026
Effective communication is vital for coordinating humanitarian operations. However, regions in which humanitarian workers operate often suffer from frequent internet disruptions or lack connectivity altogether. Internet outages leave smartphones stranded, despite their widespread availability. To address this issue, the project will analyze a novel communication solution for times when cellular networks and non-terrestrial (satellite) networks are unreachable. We will explore the combined use of wireless mesh networks and Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs). The solution will adapt to a changing environment: it will dynamically utilize the available resources, such as internet access or local Wi-Fi networks, and seamlessly transition to mesh networks (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) during internet outages.
ETH PI: Prof. Dr. Kenneth Paterson
ICRC: Claudiu Mateescu (Senior Telecommunications Engineer), Jeremie Oberson (Transformation Program Manager)
Partners: Dr. Stefan Mangold (Founder and General Manager of Lovefield Wireless GmbH), Dr. Lenka Mareková (postdoc in the Applied Cryptography group at ETH Zurich)
Photo: by Dr. Stefan Mangold
