asterisk users - Sep 2005 - Semi-OT: An idea for New Orleans temporary communications infrastructure

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: asterisk-users-bounces@lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-
> bounces@lists.digium.com] 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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