MDRAN: Multihop disaster recovery access network

This paper proposed a novel approach to resilient wireless multihop disaster recovery access networks (MDRAN). Both virtual access point (VAP) and wireless virtualization (WV) techniques have been combined in an appropriate way thereby the networks can be automatically setup on-demand using on-site commodity mobile devices (laptops, tablet PCs, smart phones). In the proposed approach, difficulties remained from conventional access network technologies such as the requirements of installing special hardware (e.g. multiple network interface cards - NICs, particular mesh routers, etc.,) and software (e.g. network auto-configuration software including routing protocols) on each mobile node (MN) in advance have been resolved. As a result, users can connect to the proposed MDRAN as easily as connecting to conventional APs. After connecting to the proposed network, users naturally and unconsciously contribute to the network extension. This feature improves the self-supporting capability at the disaster's local communities. Experimental evaluations reveal the feasibility, effectiveness as well as the scalability of the proposed approach. As a result, the proposed scheme is ready to be realized in the actual disaster recovery applications.