SCEWN Seeking Expert Consultation

There are several problems that remain to be solved in the development of the ideal emergency network. SCEWN.org seeks collaboration through consultation, development, research, or funding in interesting areas such as those listed below. In order of priority.

Radio Performance

• Physical means of improving performance.
  • Antenna gain vs beam-width tradeoff.
  • Any others?
• Closer examination of radio configuration vs performance.
  • Locking down data rates vs auto-negotiation.
  • Optimal bandwidth settings (Ubiquity radios allow concentrating bw for higher power spectral density.)
  • ACK timeout settings for distance optimization.
  • RTS and Fragmentation thresholds.
  • Assessing need for noise immunity.
• Choosing effective performance metrics and tools.
  • Data rate
  • Reliability
  • Latency
• Network test loading
  • Since SCEWN is a development effort, we welcome projects that push the envelope of network capability. We would like the technical equivalent of an army of ants probing its capability and weaknesses in every conceivable detail.

Energy Resilience

• Single board Linux computers for routers with low power consumption but adequate performance. What is adequate? Who to look to for these? Soekris? Others?
• Low cost renewable energy + battery systems for remote deployment. Power demand around 15 Watts for extended periods of several weeks without access.
• Development of applications suitable to resilient and ad-hoc networking. Messaging that is tolerant of intermittent nodes and sometime highly restricted data rates.

Antenna Seismic Resilience

• Passive earthquake-resilient antenna mount structures.
• Active antenna realignment mechanisms for post seismic trauma of antenna structure.

If you or your organization can assist in fashioning solutions in these areas, please contact us to collaborate on this project on behalf of the residents of Santa Clara County.