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Wireless Ad Hoc Network Design for Monitoring Seismic Catastrophes (Earthquakes and Tsunamis) in Nicaragua Project Team

The Red Cross and Red Crescent network strives to help communities prepare for disasters. In 2012, the American Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies established the Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) as a reference center to support innovation and learning in disaster preparedness. In 2013, the GDPC created the Research for Resilience and Preparedness program, administered through Response 2 Resilience (R2R), a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening global disaster resilience through research, training and advocacy. The goal of the Research for Resilience and Preparedness Program is to identify, prioritize, and support applied research that will deepen the evidence base of good practice around disaster preparedness to strengthen the capacity of national societies and improve the caliber and impact of Red Cross and Red Crescent services in disaster preparedness. In each country, universities and/ or research institutions partnered with their respective national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to form “Thematic Committees” that identified and prioritized areas for research to deepen the evidence base of disaster preparedness and promote best practice and innovation. Response to Resilience 1731 State St New Orleans, Louisiana USA 70118 Tel: 202-664-2333 E: [email protected]



Principal Investigators: Marvin René Arias Olivas Armando José Ugarte Solís Research Organization: Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI) (National University of Engineering)

Acknowledgements This work would have not been possible without the collaboration of Response 2 Resilience (R2R), the Nicaraguan Red Cross, the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI) (National University of Engineering), the Mesa Nacional para la Gestión de Riesgos de Nicaragua (MNGR) (National Risk Management Board, Nicaragua), Radio Mágica, Centro Intereclesial de Estudios Teológicos y Sociales (CIEETS) (Interchurch Center for Theological and Social Studies), and Ente Regulador de los Servicios de Telecomunicaciones y Servicios Postales de Nicaragua (TELCOR) (Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services). Project Summary Background: Communication among disaster relief organizations is critical after a disaster such as a large earthquake or tsunami to save lives and minimize damage. Infrastructure-based communication networks are not feasible in a disaster environment. Wireless ad hoc networks can enable reliable communication among first responders and disaster management agencies in a disaster that damages existing communication infrastructure. Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, is highly vulnerable to earthquakes. To strengthen the communication system of organizations in charge of disaster management to address such disasters, Nicaragua’s Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI) (National University of Engineering) designed a basic prototype of a wireless ad hoc network and evaluated its performance. Methods: The team designed the network based on the requirements of the Sistema Nacional para la Prevención, Mitigación y Atención de Desastres (SINAPRED) (National System for Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Attention). Communication points were evaluated for the prototype. Antennas were installed at the selected points and a local area network implemented

Global Disaster Preparedness Center

to evaluate the functionality of the ad hoc wireless network through personal computers, Smartphones and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Results: The measurements of the communication points were used to conduct simulations to evaluate their suitability for a radio link. Las Nubes, the highest point in Managua, and UNI were selected as the best points to establish a radio link. The ad hoc network was simulated through three access points (APs) in ad hoc mode. The simulated radio link configuration radiated to a wide area of Managua, and VoIP communication tests were done successfully with and without Internet. Conclusions: The basic (test bed level) network showed promise to enable better coordination among disaster management organizations in Managua in the event of a seismic disaster. The technology can improve the capacity of the Nicaraguan Red Cross and SINAPRED/CODE to mount first aid operations in case of earthquakes and tsunamis, but more work is needed to deploy a fully functional, secure and efficient hybrid ad hoc network. 1 Introduction The first hours after a large earthquake are crucial. Speed and readiness are vital to provide adequate attention to the victims. Communication is essential to handle the many activities, mostly distributed in time and space, that need to be carried out simultaneously and harmoniously (Fouda et al., 2013; Shibata et al., 2008; Uchida et al., 2012; Echigo et al., 2007; Asahi et al., 2004). Because a disaster strikes suddenly, advance planning is necessary to anticipate and manage its effects. Disaster monitoring is one of the most challenging applications in wireless networking because infrastructure-based networks are neither feasible nor suitable in a disaster environment where communication and information structures may be damaged. A wireless ad hoc network is a temporary connection of mobile computing devices that can be deployed

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anywhere because it uses wireless transmission for communication and has no fixed infrastructure (Murthy & Manoj, 2004). The ad hoc network may be a local area network (LAN) based on Wi-Fi that uses radio signals as the medium for communication. With a well-designed wireless ad hoc network system, real post-disaster scenarios could be monitored promptly and action taken to save the lives of victims and minimize losses. Nicaragua, with a land area of 129,494 km² and a coastline of 910 km, is located between the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes of considerable magnitude. The country’s geography, non-earthquake-resistant building construction and population density exacerbate this vulnerability. The country is divided into six seismic zones. The northeastern half, which covers 80% of the Caribbean coastline and all the lowlands of that region, is considered at lowest risk of earthquakes and tsunamis. The other half is divided into five additional zones, with seismic activity increasing in intensity around Lake Managua and the capital city (Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales [Ineter] [Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies], n.d.). Managua is under extreme seismic and volcanic threat because it is located directly on the axis of the volcanic chain of Nicaragua. The Managua earthquake of December 1972, which destroyed 13 km2 in the city center (USGS, 1972) and caused massive displacement and destruction, ruptured faults oriented in a northnortheast direction, of which the largest is the Tiscapa fault. Surface fault rupture occurred on at least four faults that passed through the city—the Tiscapa fault, Chico Pelón fault, Bancos fault and Escuela fault (figure 1). Differential surface fault displacement

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apparently contributed to the collapse of many structures that otherwise might have survived the heavy earth shaking (Ineter, n.d.). Figure 1. Fault hazard map of Managua, Nicaragua

of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE 2016), to be held May 15−18, 2016, in Vancouver, Canada (http://ccece2016.ieee. ca/). • Basic infrastructure (test bed level) of wireless ad hoc network at UNI Research Outcomes • Design and implementation of a wireless ad hoc network based on Wi-Fi technology for managing seismic catastrophes

About 2.3 million people live in Managua. The capital is the most significant seismic zone and has the highest level of vulnerability to earthquakes in the country. Moreover, the infrastructure (towers, buildings, electrical networks and telecommunication networks) lacks adequate standards to address earthquakes above 8 degrees on the Richter scale (Ineter, n.d.). All these aspects need to be considered and addressed in the event of a devastating earthquake or tsunami. To strengthen the communication system of organizations in charge of disaster management in Nicaragua to address such disasters, this project proposed a hybrid wireless ad hoc network configuration and implemented a basic prototype system design in order to evaluate its function and performance through several disaster applications such as VoIP for transmission of video and data. 2 Project Outputs and Outcomes Research Outputs • Mid-term report: “Wireless Ad Hoc Network Design for Facing Seismic Catastrophes (Earthquake and Tsunamis),” August, 2015 • Paper: “Hybrid Wireless Ad Hoc Network Design Based on Wi-Fi Technology for Facing Seismic Catastrophes” submitted to the 29th Annual Institute

• Knowledge and experience of the implementation of hybrid wireless ad hoc network technology for monitoring natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis for disaster management organizations in Nicaragua (Nicaraguan Red Cross and SINAPRED/CODE) 3 Methodology The steps in this project are described below. a. Revision of the existing communication system of the disaster management organizations The Centro de Operaciones de Desastres (CODE) (Center for Disaster Operations) is a permanent specialized structure of the Sistema Nacional para la Prevención, Mitigación y Atención de Desastres (SINAPRED) (National System for Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Attention), created and administered by the Defensa Civil del Ejército de Nicaragua (Civil Defense of the Army of Nicaragua). It collects, processes, tabulates and transfers information from SINAPRED institutions to manage and respond effectively and efficiently to the effects of natural disasters. The project met with SINAPRED/CODE representatives to present the proposal and solicit feedback on further requirements.

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b. Definition of requirements for the wireless ad hoc network with SINAPRED/CODE The team requested a sample of 20 priority sites at high risk of earthquakes and tsunamis to model the network. Specific data such as area in square kilometers were required for the modeling. SINAPRED/CODE felt that because the entire area of Managua overlies five seismic faults and earthquakes are not predictable, site selection should be based on population density. According to Ineter, the areas of highest seismic risk in Managua were the Mercado Oriental (Eastern Market) and eastern neighborhoods, as well as the area of the Masaya Highway, which are situated along major faults. The team considered these sites for simulations (figure 2). Figure 2. Locations of highest seismic risk in Managua for the ad hoc network simulations

Figure 3. Measurements at Las Nubes

A 2-day visit to Nueva Guinea allowed the team to gather geo-referenced coordinates of strategic communication points for rural areas. Information was collected for a potential communication point at the Jacinto Hernández Regional Hospital. Another communication point was measured at the main campus of UNI (figure 4). Figure 4. Measurements at the UNI main campus communication point

The team decided to evaluate communication points at El Crucero (the highest point in the Managua area) and Nueva Guinea (about 280 km east of Managua) as references and strategic points for the communications network. They contacted key people to obtain access to the infrastructure in those locations and gathered georeferenced coordinates of several points with potential for communication. Figure 3 shows the measurements at the potential communication point at Las Nubes.

Based on modeling and simulation of the wireless ad hoc network design and operations (see section d), the team selected the main features of the hardware (sites, traffic, mobility, service areas related to disaster, Internet gateways) to meet the technical communication requirements, including performance analysis, simulation and capacity scaling, for the deployment of the network. Table 1 lists the equipment needed. Each element of the network can communicate with any other computer or terminal connected to the ad hoc network to one node. The radio transmitter (Rocket model M2) has an operating frequency of 2402−2462 megahertz (MHz), with an output power of 28 decibel-milliwatts (dBm).

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Table 1. Equipment needed to implement a basic ad hoc wireless network Item Brand/model Quantity Router Cisco/Linksys 1 2500 Radio transmit- Ubiquiti/Rocket 3 ter M2 Antenna Ubiquiti/AMo 3 2G13

network deployed in the disaster area with the disaster prevention and mitigation hub of SINAPRED/CODE in Managua. Figure 5 is a diagram of the connection. The coordinates of the Las Nubes point, El Crucero, are 12.00189183N and -86.2855700W, and the coordinates of CODE are 12.1305050N and −86.2699750W. Figure 5. Basic scheme of expected radio-link implementation

Table 2 lists the transmission power specifications, considering the type of modulation, data rate, transmitted power average and transmitted power tolerance value, as well as the sensitivity levels required for the received power. Table 2. TX power specifications and TX power specifications Modula- Data rate Average Sensitiv- Tolertion Tx ity ance 802.11g 1−24 28 deci- −97 dBm ± 2 megabel mil- Min. decibels bits per liwatts (dB) second (dBm) (Mbps) 802.11g 36 Mbps 26 dBm −80 dBm ± 2 dB 802.11g 48 Mbps 25 dBm −77 dBm ± 2 dB 802.11g 54 Mbps 24 dBm −75 dBm ± 2 dB

b. Implementation of the design of the wireless ad hoc network using simulation software Figure 6 shows the design of the ad hoc network. Figure 6. Proposed hybrid wireless ad hoc network

a. Design of the wireless ad hoc network based on requirements Based on the requirements, the team selected the best architecture, communication and data. The process included an inventory of digital maps of communication technology available at SINAPRED. Coverage and channel capacity for a basic ad hoc network were analyzed. The coverage analysis concluded that 63% of the cell would be covered with a signal level greater than −75 dBm. A radio link was important to connect the ad hoc

Using the simulation results, the project aimed to deploy in the areas of greatest risk in the city of Managua. Radio Mobile software was used to analyze the behavior of the signal. The ad hoc network was structured with three access points (APs) based on the network repeaters (figure 3). Nine users were considered to be displayed as information APs for search and rescue crews. The AP in the wireless distribution system (WDS) was configured in repeater mode using an Ubiquiti

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Radio omnidirectional antenna Model AMO 2G-13 to be configured in ad hoc mode by the AP WDS Repeater. The measurements of the communication points were used to conduct simulations to evaluate their suitability for a radio link. The simulations showed that Las Nubes was the most appropriate communication point. Evaluation of the communication points collected in Nueva Guinea showed that they were not adequate to communicate with Managua. UNI was a suitable communication point to establish a radio link with Las Nubes. Figures 7 to 10 show the results of the simulation of the prototype.

Figure 9. Coverage of the radio link

Figure 10. Google Earth view toward Managua from the communication point at Las Nubes

Figure 7. Simulation of radio link between communication points at Las Nubes and UNI

c. Evaluation of four different scenarios for the designed wireless ad hoc network at simulation level Figure 8. Georeferenced view of radio link between communication points at Las Nubes and UNI

This activity was not implemented because the scope of the project was reduced due to a 4-month delay in clearing the equipment from customs in Managua. d. Acquisition of equipment, materials and supplies for construction of the prototype mode

Figure 9 shows that the configuration radiates to a wide area of Managua, which is highly vulnerable to earthquakes.

Equipment (antennas, radios) was purchased online in the United States because the budget did not cover the higher cost of local procurement. The prolonged delay in customs clearance was a major limitation. The budget covered most of the planned communication equipment, but it was not possible to purchase the balloons and related equipment such as cables. The next steps therefore had to be modified in scope. e. Construction and configuration of the prototype node

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The proposed wireless ad hoc network system consisted of multiple (ballooned) wireless network nodes, the fixed AP, mobile note personal computers (PCs), Smartphones, and wireless VoIP telephone to receive/send SMS and pictures from cell phones and other mobile devices. The team evaluated the designed configuration of the wireless ad hoc network by installing a prototype radio link between UNI and Las Nubes. Antennas for the radio link were installed and aligned at Las Nubes and UNI (figure 11). Figure 11. Antenna installation at UNI

f. Implementation of test bed to evaluate the prototype node’s performance The functionality of the ad hoc wireless network was tested by verifying Internet access at Las Nubes and communicating between UNI and Las Nubes via VoIP telephone and mobile telephones connect to the network. g. Dissemination of the project results via the website of the organizations involved in the project The results will be disseminated in language easy to understand on the website of the UNI Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (http://www. fec.uni.edu.ni/). 4 Results

Radios were also installed to simulate communication nodes at UNI and Las Nubes. As balloons were not available for this test, radios were fixed at the desired height in existing infrastructure to simulate the designed scenario. Figure 12 shows the antenna and communication node installed at Las Nubes. Figure 12: Las Nubes Antenna and Communication Node

For the simulation of the ad hoc network, Radio Mobile software was used to analyze the behaviour of the signal in various areas of Managua. The simulation was done in the Eastern Market area through three APs in ad hoc mode. A user can connect to the AP, and each AP in turn can be connected together in ad hoc mode. It was necessary to locate each AP physically to define the coverage area of the network. Table 3 shows the longitude and latitude coordinates of the APs. Table 3. Coordinates of the APs Number Latitude AP1 12.14592N AP2 12.13481N AP3 12.13531N

Longitude −86.25497W −86.26058W −86.24722W

Figure 13 shows the location of the APs of the ad hoc network proposed in this paper.

Figure 12. Antenna and communication node, Las Nubes

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Figure 13. Location of the ad hoc network on a map of Managua

Figure 16. Using the designed ad hoc network

Figure 14 shows the radiation pattern that defines the coverage of AP1. Figure 14. Result of simulation of the hybrid wireless ad hoc network

5 Conclusions In a wireless world dominated by Wi-Fi, architectures with hybrid infrastructure networking and ad hoc connections are becoming recognized for their simplicity and low cost. The project successfully implemented a radio link between Las Nubes and UNI using a hybrid wireless ad hoc network, indicating potential to facilitate communication in the event of earthquakes and tsunamis in Managua.

Figure 15 shows the prediction of the wireless link between AP2 and Node 1. Figure 15. Predicted wireless link between AP2 and Node 1

6 Immediate Impact The basic (test bed level) network showed promise to enable better coordination among the Nicaraguan Red Cross, SINAPRED/CODE and UNI in the event of a seismic disaster. SINAPRED/CODE expressed interest in following the progress of the project and collaborating in future activities. 7 Future Impact

The radio link was implemented successfully. Some modifications were needed in the height of the antenna because recently constructed buildings obstructed the link. VoIP communication tests were done successfully with and without Internet. VoIP services were in use throughout the designed ad hoc network (figure 16).

The technology can improve the capacity of the Nicaraguan Red Cross and SINAPRED/CODE to mount first aid operations in case of earthquakes and tsunamis. Managua can benefit from prompt post-disaster monitoring, which will save the lives of victims and minimize losses. However, there is a long way to go before a fully functional, secure and efficient hybrid ad hoc network can be deployed.

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8 Publications A paper will be submitted to the 14th International Symposium on Modeling and Optimization in Mobile, Ad Hoc and Wireless Networks (WiOpt) at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA, May 9−13, 2016 (http://www.wi-opt.org/) (appendix 1 is the abstract of the paper). References Asahi, H., Takahata, K., & Shibata, Y. (2004). Recovery protocol for dynamic network reconstruction on disaster information system. Paper presented at the 18th Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications (AINA ’04), Fukuoka, Japan, March 29−31, 2004 (pp. 87−90). Echigo, H., Yuze, H., Hoshikawa, T., Nobuhiro, Swano, Yoshitaka Shibata (2007). Robust and large scale distributed disaster information system over Internet and Japan Gigabit Network. Paper presented at the 21st Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications (AINA ‘07), Niagara Falls, Canada, May 21−23, 2007 (pp 762−768). Fouda, M. M., Nishiyama, H., Miura, R., & Kato, N. (2013). On efficient traffic distribution for disaster area communication using wireless mesh networks,” Wireless Personal Communications, 74(4): 1311−1327. Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/ article/10.1007%2Fs11277-013-1579-9 Murthy, C. S. R., & Manoj, B. S. (2004). Ad hoc wireless networks: Architectures and protocols. Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA: Prentice-Hall. Shibata, Y., Sato, Y., Ogasawara, N., & Chiba, G. (2008). A ballooned wireless ad hoc network system for disaster cases. Paper presented at the 22nd Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Advanced

Information Networking and Applications (AINA ‘08), March 25−28, 2008, Okinawa, Japan (pp. 1118−1122). Uchida, N., Takahata, K., Shibata, Y., & Shiratori, N. (2012). A large scale robust disaster information system based on never die network. Paper presented at the 26th Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications (AINA ‘12), Fukuoka, Japan (pp. 89−96). United States Geological Service (USGS). (1972). Historic earthquakes: Nicaragua 1972 December 23 06:29:42 UTC, magnitude 6.2. Retrieved from http:// earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/ events/1972_12_23.php

Appendix 1. Abstract of Paper to be Submitted for Publication to CCECE 2016 Title: Wireless Ad Hoc Network Design Based on Wifi Technology for Facing Seismic Catastrophes Authors: Oscar N. Martinez Z, Member, IEEE; Marvin Arias O., Member, IEEE; Anayanci López Poveda and Armando Ugarte. National University of Engineering. Managua, Nicaragua

Abstract: Natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, in addition to annual disasters such as floods and droughts, occur frequently in many places around the world. Disaster monitoring is one of the most challenging applications in wireless ad hoc networks, as establishing infrastructure-based networks is neither feasible nor suitable in disaster environments. This paper proposes a hybrid wireless ad hoc network design to ensure communication to obtain information about the affected area, residents’ safety, and relief provision after the occurrence of a disaster. By combining multiple wireless network nodes, a large ad hoc network can be organized in the sky over a disaster area and can cover shelters or interrupted communication areas as an urgent means of communication. This paper describes the system configuration and its functions. A basic prototype system was constructed to evaluate the function and performance of the system through several disaster applications such as Voice over Internet Provider (VoIP) telephone via an Internet emergency system.