Introduction
The demonstration was conducted in collaboration with NSW Rural Fire Services, ACT Emergency Services Agency and technology partner Vocus. It took place at the NSW Rural Fire Service Eurobodalla Hot Fire Training Facility in Bimbimbie.
Challenge
During communications outages or where connectivity is insufficient, rapidly deployable and flexible solutions are required to establish vital communications. The Broadband Connectivity Drone experiment tested the creation of temporary large-area cellular, wi-fi and Land Mobile Radio networks, using a combination of drone and satellite backhaul technology. This can provide critical communications services in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, searches for missing persons or recovery efforts.
Solution
The solution used a cutting-edge XM2 EON800 Heavy Lift Tether System drone to support a payload of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) base station, a wi-fi access point and a P25 repeater. This enabled a canopy of wireless connectivity to be created quickly and flexibly. Through tethering, the drone was connected to a cable that provided a fibre-optic feed down to a Starlink terminal and LTE core on the ground. Coverage can be maintained for many hours because power is sourced from a generator.
This was the first time in Australia such a unique set of components were combined into one solution. Functioning as an aerial mobile tower, the drone provided up to 28 square kilometres of 4G/5G and two-way radio connectivity. It is capable of remaining airborne indefinitely while tethered to a ground-based power source. The demonstration successfully provided LTE coverage for up to a 3-kilometre radius in heavy bushland.
The Broadband Connectivity Drone can serve as a repeater for public mobile networks or establish a private mobile network for emergency services. It can also accommodate advanced network equipment, P25 two-way radios, floodlights and cameras, making it invaluable in places where traditional infrastructure is lacking or compromised.
During the experiment, the Broadband Connectivity Drone proved itself effective in overcoming diverse challenges and ensuring seamless continuity of communications. Unlike permanent ground-based infrastructures, such as communication towers, the drone presented a flexible option for areas without coverage. Its rapid deployment capabilities have the potential to provide immediate communication links for individuals stranded without mobile reception. For example, it could assist the NSW State Emergency Service in missing persons searches, particularly in challenging terrains or areas with no carrier networks. It can facilitate more efficient rescue and response efforts by bridging critical communication gaps.
Expected outcomes
The successful demonstration of the Broadband Connectivity Drone showcased its potential to revolutionise emergency communications. This cutting-edge solution provides a swift, flexible and on-demand approach to establishing vital connectivity in challenging scenarios, ultimately enhancing infrastructure resilience and improving response efforts in remote regions.