SO6: Robust and resilient emergency communication and cooperation infrastructure

FASTER will address communication at the field level developing a low-cost device for emergency message broadcasting (ECOBOX), able to operate in conditions where electrical power and all telecommunication infrastructure has failed, and which can form a mesh network capable of efficiently and securely broadcasting messages to the general public on mobile devices using encryption. Additionally, drones or swarm of drones will be used as relay nodes to extend the communication capabilities over regions where it is difficult to deploy a land-based relay. Mobile relay nodes (drones) can adapt their position to achieve the required quality of service (QoS) and maximize the data rate even if first responders move. Moreover, FASTER will capitalize on 5G-enabled networks to provide: 1) timely deployment and appropriate configuration of edge Radio Access Network (RAN) to cover the geographic area under investigation, and most importantly, 2) adequate cloud-based resources to fulfil the operational needs of first responders in terms of reduced latency and high bandwidth, enabling critical, time-sensitive data and real-time multimedia interactions to be processed on virtualized network edges. FASTER will also develop inter organizational cooperation and interoperability capabilities amongst first responders, LEAs and community members, giving everyone involved the ability to write and read relevant situational data on a distributed network to efficiently request and deliver assistance where and when it is most needed using blockchain and smart contract technology providing absolute transparency among all participants.