NeTS-NBD: Wireless Communications Networks for Rural Areas

过去的几十年里，无线技术的部署取得了巨大的进步，手机的广泛使用和大量的ad hoc传感器网络就是明证。这些技术中的焦点主要针对高密度域，其中大量的人或设备可以有效地互连，共享公共基础设施，如在蜂窝网络的情况下，或者创建他们自己的基础设施，如在自组织网络的情况下。这项研究探讨了农村和稀疏的领域，距离，崎岖的地形，和低密度的关键参数驱动系统的设计和性能。它探讨了可以通过物理、链路、网络和应用层策略克服这些障碍的方法。该研究基于无线电技术的进步，如智能天线和可编程无线电，以及新的路由方法，包括位置感知，以优化农村和偏远地区的系统性能。该方法包括分析，建模和仿真，以及经验原型和验证的组合。这一研究计划是由广泛的公共需求越来越依赖于高速，无处不在的信息访问的认识，而这些需求没有得到充分满足，在人口稀少和偏远地区驱动。通过寻求替代解决方案，我们将为经济发展开辟新的机会，并解决服务不足地区的紧迫社会需求。该项目将赞助一个无线蒙大拿讲习班，以提出各种问题，并探讨不同利益攸关方社区对农村通信和信息技术的需求。 研究生和本科生，包括美国印第安人社区的成员将参与这个项目。

The past few decades have heralded huge advances in the deployment of wireless technology, as evidenced by the widespread use of cell phones and the plethora of ad hoc sensor networks. The focus in these technologies has largely been directed to high density domains, where large numbers of people or devices can effectively interconnect, sharing a common infrastructure, as in the case of cellular networks, or creating their own infrastructure as in the case of ad hoc networks. This research explores the rural and sparse domain, where distance, rugged terrain, and low density are the key parameters driving system design and performance. It examines approaches that can overcome these obstacles through physical, link, network, and application layer strategies. The research builds on advances in radio technologies such as smart antennas and programmable radios, as well as new approaches to routing including location awareness, to optimize system performance for rural and remote realms. The approach includes a combination of analysis, modeling and simulation, and empirical prototyping and validation. This research program is driven by the realization that a broad range of public needs increasingly rely on high-speed, ubiquitous access to information, and that these needs are not being adequately met in sparsely populated and remote regions. By seeking alternative solutions we will open up new opportunities for economic development and address pressing social needs in underserved areas. The project will sponsor a Wireless Montana Workshop to surface issues and explore rural communications and information technology needs among a diverse stakeholder community. Graduate and undergraduate students, including members of American Indian communities will be engaged in this project.