A framework for post-disaster communication using wireless ad hoc networks

Disaster management system requires timely delivery of large volumes of accurate messages so that an appropriate decision can be made to minimize the severity. When a disaster strikes, most of the infrastructure for communication gets uprooted. As a result, communication gets hampered. A well designed Internet of things (IoT) can play a significant role in the post-disaster scenario to minimize the losses, and save the precious lives of animals and human beings. In this paper, we have proposed a framework for post-disaster communication using wireless ad hoc networks. The framework includes: (i) a multi-channel MAC protocol to improve the network throughput, (ii) an energy aware multi-path routing to overcome the higher energy depletion rate at nodes associated with single shortest path routing, and (iii) a distributed topology aware scheme to minimize the transmission power. Above proposals, taken together intend to increase the network throughput, reduce the end-to-end delay, and enhance the network lifetime of an ad hoc network deployed for disaster response. A multi-channel MAC protocol permits the transmission from hidden and exposed nodes without interfering with the on-going transmission. We have compared the proposed framework with an existing scheme called Distressnet [1]. Simulation results show that the proposed framework achieves higher throughput, lower end-to-end delay, and an increased network longevity.