The Connectivity Innovation Network’s Large Area WiFi (LAWIFI) project is a cutting-edge initiative designed to revolutionise long-range and large-area WiFi systems, particularly for disaster recovery and remote environments. This project aims to deliver reliable, high-speed WiFi coverage in areas where cellular networks are lost due to natural disasters or where no existing connectivity infrastructure is available, particularly in regional and remote parts of Australia.

This 12 month pilot project was successfully delivered and demonstrated on the 27th of February 2024 at Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park.

The Problem: Communication Failures in Critical Situations

Natural disasters often compromise traditional communication networks, delaying rescue efforts and access to essential services. Additionally, many remote communities face persistent challenges in accessing reliable internet, impacting critical services such as healthcare, education, and local businesses.

Market Gaps: Insufficient Coverage and Deployment

Current communication technologies face limitations such as:

• Limited range: Traditional WiFi networks lack the ability to cover large areas.
• Rapid deployment: There’s a shortage of quick-to-deploy communication solutions for emergencies.
• High infrastructure costs: Many existing solutions are expensive and complex to maintain.
• Mesh network limitations: Mesh networks have logistical challenges and reduced reliability over larger areas.
• WiFi Halow limitations: While popular for IoT, WiFi Halow is incompatible with standard mobile devices, operating on a sub-1Ghz frequency, whereas most devices operate on 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.

The Solution: Large Area WiFi (LAWIFI)

The LAWIFI system addresses these gaps by deploying advanced antenna and WiFi technology capable of covering areas up to 2×2 km with high-speed broadband. It provides a scalable, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable solution for both disaster zones and underserved regions.

Key features include:

• Novel Antenna Design: A wide beam, high-gain antenna extends coverage over large areas without compromising signal strength.
• Patented WiFi Protocols: These solve the “hidden node” problem, enabling longer transmissions with minimal interference.
• Flexible Satellite Backhaul: Using SD-WAN architecture and various satellite providers (OneWeb, NBN, Starlink), the system ensures reliable connectivity even with heavy user traffic.
• Portable Power Supply: Guarantees independent power, ensuring functionality in areas with limited infrastructure.

Applications

• Disaster Recovery: Providing critical communication for emergency responders during natural disasters.
• Remote Area Connectivity: Supporting underserved communities with access to services such as healthcare and education.
• Temporary Events: Offering rapid deployment for public events and large gatherings.

Next steps

The project is now in its second phase, focusing on integrating antenna and access point technologies. The next steps involve validating and benchmarking the upgraded system to ensure scalability and robustness for deployment in varied scenarios.

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