Sikker kommunikasjon i dynamiske og misjon kritiske nettverk

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

This project aims to research wireless self-organizing networks for data and voice communication in a harsh and mission-critical environment. This type of networks requires neither GSM signal nor other infrastructure for operation; it is a sustainable and "instantly ready" type of network communications. An example of such nets could be emergency networks for rescue services, military operations, firefighters, ambulances, etc. The importance of these networks cannot be underestimated. A vivid example of the importance of these networks could be demonstrated in Lærdal during the Fire on 18.01.2014. When the GSM network went down with no power, Lærdal was left with no communication to the rest of the country. The firefighters, medical staff, and police could not coordinate their efforts to locate and rescue survivors in the most efficient way. Today police, ambulance and firefighter services in Norway rely on conventional wireless communication channels: either GSM or walkie-talkie. However, the equipment and technology is delivered from the USA and may not be changeable or fit to local needs. Information security is relevant to the regional research policy. In this project we are investigating the critical security vulnerabilities, scalability and reliability of the conventional infrastructure-less wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Walkie-Talkie, propose the improvements and verify our technical approach via designed simulation testbed and device prototype. This project idea is a result of multiyear cooperation between researchers at NTNU and the private sector.