Wireless COFDM IP Ad-Hoc Mesh Networks

White Paper

June 2010

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1. Introduction
Wireless Ad-hoc networks are important enablers for next generation communications and video surveillance systems. Generally, such a network can be formed and re-configured on-the fly and does not require any underlying infrastructure. Ad-hoc networks may be mobile, stand-alone and/or internetworked with other networks [1]. A wireless ad-hoc network is a collection of autonomous terminals that communicate by forming a multi-hop radio network and maintaining connectivity in a decentralised manner. As any other radio network, wireless ad-hoc networks suffer from issues such as noise, interference, fading, insufficient bandwidth, and so forth. This is particularly important when ad-hoc networks are used for video surveillance applications where large throughputs over robust and reliable channels are essential for successful operations. To address these issues, ad-hoc networks are central to re-configurability, self-organisation, pervasiveness, ubiquity and user centricity, which have been recognised as the main characteristics of next generation communications and video surveillance systems. Rinicoms COFDM IP ad-hoc mesh video surveillance system, termed RHINO, is the result of extensive research, sponsored by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (KTP Project) and EU FP6/FP7 Research projects (Net-on-Demand and INFRA). As a result, the developed technology provides unrivalled performance and represents state of the art in wireless COFDM IP ad-hoc mesh networking for broadband communications and video surveillance. This white paper provides general overview of ad-hoc mesh networks, outlines the challenges and drawbacks of the existing solutions and explains how Rinicoms solution overcoms these challenges.

2. Wireless Ad-hoc Networks

Wireless ad-hoc network can be represented as a computer network with wireless communication links where each node has the capacity to forward video and/or data to other nodes. The decision for determining which nodes are to forward data and to whom are made dynamically based on the connectivity in the networks. This is one of the major differences when compared with fixed (both wireless and wired) networks where the all transmissions are managed centrally, usually by the network management system (NMS). Each node in an ad-hoc network operates as both a host and a router, with the control of the network distributed among the nodes. The network topology can be dynamic, it supports mobility and automatically accounts for the arrival of new nodes or the departure of established nodes (providing that these are authorised to be part of the network). The main features of the ad-hoc networks are their minimal requirements for configuration, which makes them ideal for rapid deployment applications (e.g. during the Golden Hour by First Responders). Rinicom have exploited these features and developed a novel product, called RapidNet, which specifically addresses the needs of First Responders. Figure 1 illustrates an example of RapidNet system.

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Figure 1. Rinicoms RapidNet State of the Art COFDM IP ad-hoc Mesh Network

2.1.

Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs)

A Mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) is a self-configuring network consisting of mobile routers that are interconnected by wireless links. MANETs support communications in mobile networks by incorporating a routing capability into the mobile nodes. Such networks are expected to have dynamic topologies which are composed of relatively bandwidth constrained wireless links. A typical MANET is decentralised and all network activities are executed by the mobile nodes themselves. MANETs range from small static networks to large scale mobile networks. The design of network protocols for these networks is extremely complex and sometimes results in complicated procedures which are required for establishment and maintenance of communications. Rinicom decided not to follow this route and instead focus its developments on the protocols which will allow seamless configuration of the network.

2.1.1. Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs)

The vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is a form of MANET, which is used for communication among vehicles and between vehicles and roadside equipment. The VANET formed by a number of nearby peers is organised in a fully decentralised fashion, in order to cope with the continuous arrival and departure of peers.

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Figure 2. A Typical Example of VANET Recently, the IEEE802.11 working Group introduced a new amendment specifically aimed for vehicular ad-hoc communications. However, IEEE 802.11p is limited to situations with high peer density [1], compromising reliable transmission of time-critical safety related messages. Rinicoms RHINO COFDM IP ad-hoc Mesh Network has eliminated this drawback by providing reliable connectivity over a long ranges, thus significantly reducing the required density of peers.

2.2.

Wireless Mesh Networks - RHINO

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) provide a cost-effective approach to extend the range of the air interface. A WMN is a type of network that is dynamically self-organised and self-configured comprising of nodes that automatically establish and maintain mesh connectivity among themselves. WMN provide a fault tolerant architecture and unlike traditional MANETs, WMNs are a combination of infrastructure (mesh routers) and infrastructureless (mesh clients) networks which offer a broader and more flexible and reliable array of services and applications. Rinicoms RHINO is such a wireless mesh network, which utilises COFDM modulation for robust and reliable communications in challenging environments. RHINO, like other WMNs, can be deployed incrementally (i.e. one node at a time as per requirements). It offers Rinicoms customers an opportunity to roll out robust and reliable wireless broadband communications and video surveillance services with minimal upfront investment. The following are the main advantages of Rinicoms RHINO solution: Multi-hopping is used to achieve higher throughput without sacrificing the effective radio range via shorter link distances. There is less interference between nodes and more efficient re-use of frequency Flexible network architecture, easy deployment and configuration, fault tolerance and mesh connectivity due to which upfront investment requirements is low Mesh clients can be stationary or mobile Both backhaul access to Internet and peer-to-peer communications are supported. RHINO also enables the integration of multiple networks, thus creating almost unlimited system throughputs

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Very efficient spectrum requirements due to TDD Very low power consumption

Typical examples of RHINO and RapidNet applications are shown in Anex

2.2.1. RHINO Backhaul Applications

In addition to typical wireless mesh applications, RHINO has been successfully implemented as a substitution of the wired/wireless backhaul network infrastructure. As one of the key partners in EU FP7 INFRA Project, Rinicom has introduced and implemented backhaul mesh functionality to RHINO. The new system successfully combines IEEE802.11* access points with RHINO as a backhaul, thus allowing first responders and emergency services to use of WiFi enabled handheld devices. The system is successfully tested by Spanish Fire-fighters in Madrid Underground and is recommended as the foundation for a new European standard for rapid deployments systems.

3. CONCLUSIONS
Future communications and video surveillance systems will support multiuser applications, in which various users, using various devices, can dynamically change devices and continue their tasks in applications that dynamically enable and disable the available functions. Dynamic networks, networks that are mobile and rapidly deployable and that may be created in an ad-hoc manner, are core to the future of wireless communications and video surveillance. Rinicoms RHINO Wireless COFDM IP ad hoc Mesh Network is a state of the art solution which offers unrivalled performance. When a rapidly deployable system with high throughput, robust and secure channels for harsh environments is required, Rinicoms RHINO is a solution which will meet operational and commercial requirements. About Rinicom: Established in 2002, Rinicom is Lancaster, UK, based private company specialising in leading edge products for wireless communications and video surveillance. For more information please visit www.rinicom.com

References
1. R.Prasad, A.Mihovska. New Horizons in Mobile and Wireless Communications. Volume 4 Ad hoc Networks and PANs. ARTECH HOUSE, Boston/London, 2009 2. RHINO product brief: www.rinicom.com/products.html 3. RapidNet Product Brief: www.rinicom.com/products.html 4. www.infra.eu

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Annex

Figure A1 - Rhino as VANET

Figure A2 - Rhino In Convoy Application

Figure A3 Rhino for City-Wide Deployment

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