The national guard and/or army routinely implements VoIP over wireless
in situations where comm is lost, I did see an news release that the
Guard started this project in the south the day after the disaster hit.
The key is not the VoIP infrastructure, that is the easy part (one ss7
Sonus softswitch and a DS3!), the key is distributing IP over a wide
area, which is best done on the quick with WiFI and WiMAX like wireless
technologies that can cover even areas submerged in water.
WiFi VoIP phones now have new value...
I am sure there are applications that the Guard does not prioritize that
could use some help, but the law enforcement agencies will get what they
need from the Guard and Homeland security.
The best thing we can all do is pay our taxes, donate to a respectable
charitable organization, and if in the position to do so, volunteer your
time and skills to help out the private, non-profit, and government
organizations that are experts at fixing disaster struck areas.
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:asterisk-users-
[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jeremy Melanson
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 7:36 AM
To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion
Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Semi-OT: An idea for New Orleans
temporarycommunications infrastructure
Just something I was thinking about today...
The communications infrastructure of New Orleans and surrounding
communities has been obliterated. It occurred to me that it may be
possible to provide outgoing phone capability using a few Asterisk
servers, connected wirelessly (routing provided using NoCat, MIT
Roofnet, or some other wireless routing implementation), and 20-30 SIP
phones connected to each server. Using a couple good internet
connections, one could theoretically use asteriskout.com or a similar
service for the outgoing calls.
Some hurdles would need to be overcome:
1. Where to get the equipment. A basic setup for each point of
presence
would require 1 computer (preferrably a high-powered laptop, 20-30
low-cost SIP phones, and 1 ethernet switch to connect the phones. We
would also need a means to provide high-gain 802.11b/g networking from
the machine, or some other piece of equipment.
2. Power for the equipment. SIP phones are fairly low in terms of
power
consumption. IMHO, a single gas generator for each point of presence
would be required.
3. Internet connectivity. Where and how would one provide internet
connectivity to the nodes, and what would be the required bandwidth?
Could a local ISP, satellite broadband, or telecom provider be
contacted
to provide the needed bandwidth? Who would pay for the service?
4. Funding and help. This would obviously cost time and money to
implement. One could potentially solicit donations for equipment and
money, and time from volunteers willing to assist in the rollout and
management.
5. Security. Local law enforcement and/or the Army National Guard may
be
required to provide security assistance due to the anarchic state of
the
region.
-
It's just an idea I had. It may not even be feasable, or even worth
it.
I know that if I was stranded somewhere, I'd at least want to be able
to
contact family or loved-ones outside to let them know I'm ok.
I'd be curious if anyone had some thoughts on the value and
feasability
of such a project as this. I live in Massachusetts, and have no
ability
to get down there myself at the present time, but I'd be willing to
provide what I can with funding, equipment, planning, and remote
administration if needed.
-
Jeremy
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