This paper describes an implementation of a wireless mobile ad hoc network with radio nodes mounted at fixed sites, on ground vehicles, and in small (10kg) UAVs. The ad hoc networking allows any two nodes to communicate either directly or through an arbitrary number of other nodes which act as relays. We envision two scenarios for this type of network. In the first, the UAV acts as a prominent radio node that connects disconnected ground radios. In the second, the networking enables groups of UAVs to communicate with each other to extend small UAVs' operational scope and range. The network consists of mesh network radios assembled from low-cost commercial off the shelf components. The radio is an IEEE 802.11b (WiFi) wireless interface and is controlled by an embedded computer. The network protocol is an implementation of the Dynamic Source Routing ad hoc networking protocol. The radio is mounted either in an environmental enclosure for outdoor fixed and vehicle mounting or directly in our custom built UAVs. A monitoring architecture has been embedded into the radios for detailed performance characterization and analysis. This paper describes these components and performance results measured at an outdoor test range.

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Rural areas especially in emerging countries often lack affordable broadband Internet connectivity. This 'digital divide' limits the access to knowledge, government services or health care. The major limiting factors are seen in the CAPEX and especially the OPEX related to traditional wireless carrier equipment, its relatively large energy footprint, the vast and sparsely populated areas and the low revenues to be collected. Since in many rural regions access to a power grid may not be available or highly instable, ensuring a 24/7 operation of a cell site is a very costly task. To address these issues we have developed a carrier-grade heterogeneous multi-radio backhaul architecture which may be deployed as an alternative to traditional operator equipment. As integral part of Detecon's PeopleConnect eKiosk business model, Fraunhofer FOKUS' Wireless Back-Haul (WiBACK) network technology provides punctual wireless back-haul connectivity while building on cost-effective and low-power equipment. In this paper we present a pilot scenario in Maseru, Lesotho, where an entrepreneur starts out with three WiBACK-connected eKiosk sites with the goal of providing broadband Internet access to incrementally larger parts of Maseru over time.

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