N4C
Networking for communications challenged communities: architecture, test beds and innovative alliances
Challenge
The N4C project sought to address the lack of basic internet access in remote areas where it is either absent or the costs are prohibitive for users (e.g. satellite) and it is impractical to use a permanent internet service.
Solution
The solution was based on the DTN (Delay Tolerant Network) communication principle which enables the exchange of data between the source and destination of messages with a limited time delay. The communication between sites is established by using data "mules", which can be people, animals or vehicles such as boats, helicopters and cars, to carry information between areas with internet access and remote areas without access to the network. In the testing phase, helicopters and cars were used in remote regions of Lapland (Sweden) and Slovenia. In the case of Lapland, the system was tested in a reindeer herding community (Sami) which was also given a reindeer location module with communication via DTN.
Project Reference
FP7-ICT-2007-2-223994Funding
