Developing a resilient green cellular network

Abstract

As technology drives society to a ubiquitously wireless world, the paradox of mobile wireless network accessibility versus resilience is disturbingly trending in opposite directions. The demand for cellular networks with greater capacity and bandwidth appears to be the primary factor in expanding coverage nationwide, with resilience becoming a secondary thought. It is expected that resilient systems will be able to withstand shocks and stresses from critical incidents and still be able to function as intentionally designed. However, the fragility of cellular networks affected by recent disasters within the last ten years has demonstrated otherwise. The purpose of this research is to direct attention to the importance of cellular base station functionality during power outages and illustrate how these assets require modification to provide critical communications for the public to summon aid, and first responders to coordinate response efforts. Prior research offers strategies to implement post-disaster remediation supplanting failed localized communication infrastructure. This mitigating strategy requires substantial time, labor, and planning to deploy that subsequently detracts from conducting immediate response and recovery. This research is intended to propose a path forward for resiliency in U.S. mobile cellular networks using renewable/alternative energy outlined in Indias National Telecom Policy for 2012.