WTI

Mobile Communication Briefcase - UTC

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

There are no reports associated with this project.

Project Objective

The general goal of the project is to determine if a mobile communications briefcase system is viable using an open architecture and Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) equipment.

Project Abstract

Data communication in rural areas presents numerous challenges for both fixed and mobile deployment. At present, department of transportation staff either have no equipment for data communication in these areas, or have separate, redundant equipment for multiple service providers. The Mobile Communication Briefcase project will produce and test a system which will consist of integrated cellular radios/modems, networking equipment (switch/router/bridge), GPS, and associated antennas, power, connectors, etc. The communication briefcase will provide, in a small and portable form, a communications platform that will be of general use for transportation applications and related research in both rural and urban settings. This project dovetails nicely with past, present and anticipated future work by WTI and the Systems Engineering groups specifically on transportation-related communications systems for a broad spectrum of applications (e.g., traveler information systems, communications with traffic management centers, first-responder communications, data collection from remote sensors, communications in remote areas, security communications, etc.). It will allow the project team to extend research beyond existing projects and provide a beneficial tool and experience for future research in addition to addressing UTC strategic goals of safety and global connectivity.

Task Descriptions

1. System Evaluation and Final Report
   1. The system will be evaluated for performance and design. Results will be documented in a final report, and results will be presented and demonstrated at conferences, as appropriate.
2. System Development
   1. Much of the development effort will go towards hardware and software integration. Commercial-grade, off-the-shelf equipment will be purchased and integrated to form the system. Hardware integration will be done using metal fabrication equipment. Other software and hardware development will be done in the WTI Systems Lab, including software configuration of modems and routers, custom cabling, provisioning for antennas and other accessories. Two units will be developed for testing purposes.
3. System Requirements
   1. General system requirements will be gathered from WTI and Caltrans to ensure they are specified to satisfy anticipated needs. Requirements will address data rates, service reliability, equipment grades, interfaces (hardware and software), ease of use, and cost.
4. System Testing
   1. The system will be tested using at least two “real” applications, associated with current projects: 1) Communication signal strength and throughput testing for Caltrans TMC-TMS communications project in Caltrans District 1, documenting provider service availability and signal strength in the district. This would consist of monitoring and logging cellular signal strength while driving along the roadway, using a mobile computer connected to the communications briefcase; and 2) Communication bridge and backbone for Department of Homeland Security MANET project, the intent of which is to create a local-area network using ad hoc networking hardware and software for communication among public safety officials within the scope of an incident.
5. Project Management
   1. Project management will include supervision of staff, budget monitoring and quarterly progress reports.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

False

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Communication, Mesh Networking, Cellular Communication

Partners

USDOT--Research and Innovative Technologies Administration, Office of Research, Development, & Technology