SolarMesh - Energy-efficient, autonomous wireless networks for developing countries

Abstract

This paper presents the research and development activities within "SolarMesh - Energy-Efficient, Autonomous, Wide-Area Wireless Voice and Data Network", a R&D project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The project, bringing together expertise from academia and industry in Germany, is specifically dedicated to develop reliable wireless communications infrastructure for rural areas in developing countries, such as in sub-Saharan Africa. Wireless mesh networks based on IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN technology combined with intelligent functions for self-configuration and self-adaptation can provide affordable ICT infrastructure for access and backhaul operation while at the same time offering carrier-grade QoS for voice and data services. Moreover, the paper outlines how the SolarMesh network operates independently from (potentially unreliable) local energy grids using autarkic energy supply (solar power) and implementing energy-aware routing and handover functions. © 2012 ICST Institute for Computer Science, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.