Communication Infrastructure (Disaster) Resilience
Creators: name: Karaarslan, Enis
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Disaster Resilience
Communication Infrastructure
Emergency Communication Networks
Cellular Networks
Satellite Networks
Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
LPWAN
LoRa
Mesh Networks
Disaster Preparedness

description: This presentation, titled "Communication Infrastructure (Disaster) Resilience," discusses the challenges and solutions for maintaining communication infrastructure in the wake of disasters, using the recent Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Turkey as a case study. The presentation examines various communication technologies, such as cellular networks, satellite networks, and wireless ad hoc networks, exploring their strengths and weaknesses in disaster scenarios. It also highlights the critical role of energy supply, network redundancy, and quality of service (QoS) in ensuring resilient communication infrastructure. The presentation concludes with recommendations for improving communication infrastructure resilience, emphasizing the importance of robust disaster action plans, collaborative efforts between operators, and innovative use of technologies like LoRa and mesh networks.
description: 1. Introduction to Communication Infrastructure Resilience * 1.1 Defining Resilience: This section explores the concept of resilience in communication infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in disaster recovery and mitigation. * 1.2 Energy Considerations: Addresses the critical role of energy in maintaining communication systems during disasters, highlighting alternative power sources and energy-efficient solutions. * 1.3 Components of Communication Infrastructure: Provides a breakdown of essential communication infrastructure elements, including end devices, networks, packet switching, and the internet. * 1.4 Key Infrastructure and Concepts: This section covers diverse concepts vital for understanding communication systems, including Türkiye's submarine and terrestrial infrastructure, Internet Exchange Points (IXP), protocols, standards, network backup (redundancy), QoS goals, Mesh Networks, and mobile wireless evolution (including 5G and 6G). * 1.5 Understanding Bandwidth, Throughput, and Latency: Explains the difference between bandwidth, throughput, and latency in internet speed, emphasizing their impact on user experience. * 1.6 Wireless Technologies for Communication: This section introduces various wireless technologies used for communication, including RF for IoT, short-range (WPAN) and long-range (LPWAN) networks, and their applications.

2. The Impact of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake on Communication Infrastructure * 2.1 Key Challenges in the Disaster Zone: This section highlights the major communication infrastructure problems faced in the aftermath of the earthquake, such as infrastructure damage, power outages, and lack of effective disaster preparedness. * 2.2 Earthquake Statistics and Impact Assessment: Presents statistics on the damage to base stations and the efforts to restore communication services, including the deployment of generators and mobile base stations. * 2.3 Underlying Infrastructure Issues: Discusses the systemic problems that exacerbated the communication crisis, including the lack of a robust disaster plan by GSM operators, insufficient collaboration, and the internet infrastructure monopoly. * 2.4 Case Study: The "ULAK" Base Station: Examines the role of the "ULAK" base station project, designed to provide service in underserved areas, and its deployment in the disaster zone. * 2.5 The Vital Role of Amateur Radio Operators: Acknowledges the crucial contribution of amateur radio operators in providing communication support during the disaster.

3. Classification and Analysis of Emergency Communication Networks * 3.1 Categorizing Emergency Networks: This section outlines the different classifications of emergency communication networks based on protocol stacks, communication range, infrastructure, and network topology. * 3.2 Amateur Radio for Emergency Communication: Delves into the use of amateur radio for emergency communication, emphasizing its advantages and limitations. * 3.3 Classification Based on Mobile Networks: Categorizes emergency networks based on their underlying mobile network technology, including cellular, satellite, and wireless ad hoc networks. * 3.4 Cellular Networks in Emergencies: Discusses the use of cellular networks during emergencies, highlighting the benefits of mobile base stations and RAN (Radio Access Network) sharing. * 3.5 Satellite Networks for Disaster Relief: Explores the role of satellite networks in disaster situations, including the use of portable satellite phones, terminals, and satellite internet services like Starlink. * 3.6 Wireless Ad Hoc Networks (WANETs): Examines the potential of Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, including MANETs and VANETs, in providing decentralized communication during emergencies. * 3.7 Wireless Hybrid Networks: Briefly introduces the concept of combining different wireless technologies to create hybrid networks for improved resilience.

4. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Solutions for Emergency Communication * 4.1 Building Small-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks: Explores various DIY projects for building small wireless sensor networks using BLE modules, LoRa, and other technologies. * 4.2 DIY Project Examples: Provides links and brief descriptions of DIY projects showcasing the use of LoRa and BLE modules for applications like indoor location tracking, text messaging, and smartphone detection. * 4.3 Creating Your Own GSM Network: Discusses the possibility of building a DIY GSM network, citing examples like the Burning Man festival and highlighting the availability of open-source GSM base station development kits.

5. Conclusions and Recommendations 

* 5.1 Addressing the Shortcomings of GSM and Internet Operators: This section emphasizes the need for GSM and internet operators to invest in infrastructure upgrades, improve disaster preparedness plans, and enhance cooperation to ensure uninterrupted communication during emergencies. * 5.2 Importance of Cell Tower Location and Durability: Highlights the significance of strategic cell tower placement, considering factors like distance from potential disaster sites, physical durability, and accessibility. * 5.3 Effective Radio Frequency Utilization: Explores the use of radio frequencies for emergency communication, including radio broadcasts, amateur radio, and the potential for a nationwide LoRaWAN Mesh Network. * 5.4 Exploring Alternative Communication Tools: Advocates for further research and development of wireless hybrid communication networks, utilizing ad hoc networks for coordination, location tracking, and resource management during disasters. * 5.5 Prioritizing Energy Supply: This section underscores the crucial need for a rapid and reliable energy supply to disaster areas, emphasizing the importance of generators, solar energy, and charging solutions for communication devices. * 5.6 Adapting Regulations for Disaster Response: Argues for more flexible regulations and procedures during disasters to facilitate the swift deployment of emergency communication solutions, even if they deviate from standard practices. * 5.7 Investing in Sustainable Projects: Emphasizes the importance of government-funded, sustainable communication projects that can be readily deployed during emergencies. * 5.8 Learning from Past Mistakes and Preparing for the Future: Concludes with a call for proactive measures, learning from the shortcomings exposed by the earthquake, and prioritizing disaster preparedness to ensure communication resilience in the face of future events.
description: Main Themes:





Resilience in communication infrastructure during and after disasters. This document focuses heavily on the Turkish earthquake of 2023, using it as a case study to highlight existing weaknesses and potential solutions for maintaining communication in disaster scenarios.




Importance of diversified and redundant network infrastructure. The document stresses the need for redundancy across various aspects of communication networks, including geographical location, software, network operators, network types, and telecommunication interconnects.




Emergency Communication Networks. The presentation explores various emergency communication network options, including cellular, satellite, Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, and hybrid solutions, analyzing their pros and cons.




Practical DIY solutions and recommendations for disaster preparedness. The document goes beyond theoretical frameworks by offering concrete examples of DIY wireless sensor networks using LoRa, BLE, and other technologies, advocating for their use in disaster scenarios.



Most Important Ideas/Facts:





Resilience is not about avoiding outages, but minimizing their impact and recovery time. The author emphasizes that alternative communication structures are crucial for ensuring continued connectivity during downtime. ("Resilience - The ability of the system to continue working after an attack/disaster… Solving connection problems as soon as possible... The alternative should be to use Emergency communication structures.")




The 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake revealed critical vulnerabilities in Turkey's communication infrastructure. The earthquake caused widespread damage to base stations, fiber optic cables, and power grids, severely impacting communication. The author criticizes the lack of a robust disaster plan, insufficient collaboration among GSM operators, and the internet infrastructure monopoly. ("Kahraman Maras Earthquake 2023 - Statistics - Of the 8,900 base stations in the region, 2,451 were damaged/inoperable… Internet infrastructure monopoly and lack of collaboration between GSM operators")




Wireless Ad Hoc Networks present a viable solution for disaster-stricken areas. Utilizing readily available devices like smartphones and laptops, these networks bypass the need for traditional infrastructure and enable direct communication between devices. The author suggests solutions for overcoming limitations, such as using store-and-forward mechanisms and exploring Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). ("Ad Hoc Network is the name given to the process of establishing a network connection between two or more devices without the need for any network device... Solutions: Latency-tolerant network (store and forward), Mobile Private Network (MANET) - nodes are mobile")




LoRa technology is particularly well-suited for emergency communication. Due to its long-range capabilities, low power consumption, and resistance to interference, LoRa offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for disaster scenarios. The document provides examples of DIY LoRa projects for building sensor networks, location tracking systems, and even mobile phone detection systems. ("LoRa [8] ADVANTAGES: Easy to install, Pack size can be controlled, Flexible (different power and latency needs can be adjusted)...")




Collaboration between stakeholders is essential for effective disaster response. The author calls for greater cooperation between GSM operators, internet providers, and government agencies. Sharing resources, implementing roaming and RAN sharing, and prioritizing communication infrastructure in disaster response are crucial for minimizing communication outages. ("GSM and Internet Operators… Need for cooperation among internet providers - Roaming - 'RAN' (Radio Access Network) sharing")



Quotes:





“The control mechanism must also be active in the infrastructure works of the operators.”




“Füsun Sarp Nebil stated that only Türk Telekom has a network in the earthquake region; and explained that if there is more than one network, communication can continue without interruption.”




"It was reported that independent wireless service providers in the earthquake region made a proposal to 'establish a wireless network' on the first day and that BTK rejected this on the grounds that 'logging cannot be done'."




"Learn wisdom from the mistakes of others. Be prepared, be safe!"



Overall, the presentation underscores the urgent need for robust and resilient communication infrastructure to mitigate the devastating impacts of disasters. By advocating for diversified network solutions, exploring alternative technologies like LoRa and Ad Hoc networks, and emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts, the author provides a valuable roadmap for improving disaster preparedness and response in communication.