Dependence on digital infrastructure
Modern societies are highly dependent on digital communication infrastructure. During crises, such as prolonged power outages, extreme weather events or geopolitical disruptions, this infrastructure can come under pressure or partially fail. This can disrupt communication between emergency services, public authorities and citizens.
Several wireless communication technologies are already available, including LoRa mesh networks, UHF systems and other low-power communication technologies. However, it is still unclear which technology, or combination of technologies, is most suitable for large-scale crisis communication in an urban context.
Different communication needs also place different demands on a system. Communication between professionals, between citizens and professionals, and between citizens requires different levels of range, reliability, energy efficiency, capacity and ease of use. Existing alternatives such as radios and satellite phones can also be limited, energy-intensive or difficult to scale to larger groups of users.
Robust and energy-efficient communication system
The NPN Field Lab investigates how existing connectivity solutions can be combined into a robust and energy-efficient communication system that remains operational during prolonged power outages and disruption of telecom infrastructure.
Procolix works together with TU Delft, AMS Institute and the City of Amsterdam in a public-private partnership. The project combines technical analysis of wireless communication technologies with design-oriented research into their use, governance and implementation.
The research takes place in an urban experimental environment around the Marineterrein in Amsterdam and builds on existing pilots involving emergency support points in the city. A research prototype of a crisis communication network will be developed and tested to enable communication between emergency support points, participating organizations and key people in neighbourhoods during a scenario of prolonged power outage.
The project takes a Living Lab approach, in which the solution is developed and tested iteratively in a realistic urban environment. This allows the technology to be assessed not only from a technical perspective, but also in relation to users, public organizations and the wider crisis communication system.
Results
Insight into communication needs
A better understanding of the communication needs of public authorities during prolonged power outages.
Comparison of communication technologies
A comparison of different wireless communication technologies and their suitability for crisis communication in an urban context.
Tested crisis communication network
Development and practical testing of a prototype crisis communication network in an urban environment.
The insights from the NPN Field Lab will show how communication can remain possible when regular telecom infrastructure is disrupted. This can help public organizations coordinate emergency response and maintain access to reliable information during crises.
Impact
Societal impact
The project can strengthen societal resilience by enabling communication during prolonged disruption of regular infrastructure. This can support the coordination of emergency response and help citizens maintain access to reliable information.
Scientific impact
The project will generate new knowledge about decentralised communication networks, energy-efficient communication protocols and the integration of technology, design and user practices in crisis situations.
Economic impact
The project will contribute to the development of new products and services for crisis connectivity, with opportunities to scale these solutions to other municipalities, safety regions and international markets.
This fieldlab is one of three fieldlabs launching at the Marineterrein in Amsterdam with funding from CLICKNL. The other two fieldlabs focus on green facades (Fieldlab Groeiende Gevels) and a resilient energy system (Fieldlab ISLAND).
The field labs bring together a broad network of partners, each contributing its own expertise, ranging from scientific research and design to technological development, data collection and practical application. By developing, testing and refining innovations in real-world settings, the partners aim to move from experimentation to wider application in Amsterdam and other cities.
| Duration: |
|
Partners
