Innovation > Innovation

SOS NETWORK

OGILVY & MATHER GROUP HONG KONG, Hong Kong / MAXIS / 2016

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Overview

Credits

OVERVIEW

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Our big idea was the Maxis S.O.S. Network, a unique portable comms network that can be set up in minutes in disaster-affected areas which have NO power, telecoms or internet.

The system is completely self-contained and consists of multiple ‘mesh nodes’ – weatherproof boxes containing a battery, router and antenna. Nodes are placed on rooftops, connecting with each other to form a mesh comms network.

Any smartphone on any service provider can connect to the Maxis S.O.S. Network – no app download is needed. Micro servers in some of the mesh nodes host a mobile messaging service, allowing users to message anyone in the area.

Execution

Each mesh node is essentially a self-powered wireless router. Commotion Wireless firmware installed on the routers allows the nodes to wirelessly connect with each other to create the mesh network.

Our Key Innovation was using a Raspberry Pi inside the nodes as a local server to host a messaging service (built using Node.js as the backend engine, serving HTML pages to mobile devices with websockets handling real-time device-to-device messaging).

This means users simply connect to the mesh network over wifi and open their phone’s browser to use the messaging service.

Key mesh node components:

Weatherproof Hard Case

12v Battery

Ubiquiti Rocket M2 2.4Ghz Router

Alfa AOA-2409TF 2.4Ghz Antenna x 2

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (Configured to function as server)

Tycon Power Systems SCPOE-1224 (Solar and battery charge power convertor)

12v to 5v DC Convertor

RJ45 Cabling / Weatherproof Sockets

Outcome

The Maxis S.O.S. Network was piloted and then deployed in the town of Kuala Krai, scene of some of the worst flooding in previous years – enough mesh nodes were constructed to cover 8.4 sq. km.

The system will allow local rescue teams and the general population to keep lines of communication open during flooding – helping relief efforts to be more effective and efficient.

Because of its truly innovative nature, this idea has the potential to be a real game-changer in disaster-relief efforts worldwide. The relatively low-cost of building the Maxis S.O.S. Network and use of off-the-shelf components mean that it can be easily replicated in the developing world, where a technology like this is needed most.

We are currently in the process of applying for additional funding to refine the technology even further with the goal of making it available as an open source platform.

Relevancy

This work is relevant because it is a truly innovative solution to the problem of poor, damaged or non-existent comms infrastructure in disaster-affected areas.

The Maxis S.O.S. Network is low-cost, easily replicatable and could make a real difference in the lives of people worldwide.

Synopsis

In 2014/2015 Malaysia experienced its worst floods in living memory. Not only did the flooding knock out the power supply, as a result it crippled the cellular network – meaning people had no way of calling for help or telling loved one’s they were safe.

Maxis – Malaysia’s leading telco – briefed us to think of innovative solutions to help people who live in areas at risk of flooding.

We were originally inspired by Hong Kong’s Umbrella Protest Movement – in which protesters used Firechat, a mobile mesh networking platform, to communicate ‘off-grid’. Could a similar solution work in disaster-affected areas?

With a US$5,000 R&D budget, we were able to develop initial prototypes of our new solution as proof-of-concept. This led to an additional US$30,000 budget to build and implement a full-scale version comprising multiple units.

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