An Offline Capable Communication Framework for Multinational Disaster Operations based on Self-aligning Wireless Gateways

This paper presents a novel communication solution for first responder organizations in large scale emergency situations. The system is able to use any existing network infrastructure and is able to combine it in areas where the network is down with an easy to install self-aligning wireless mesh network. Further the concept provides an integrated offline capability within the networked devices. Prototypes of a so called Communication Field Relay (COFR) and a Wireless Gateway (WGW) have been designed. The flexible approach is the basis for an ad-hoc information exchange between all the involved actors in emergency management.