Overview

U2010 represents the Next Generation IP Networks Vision and its overall objective is to provide the most capable means of communication for rescue personnel in emergency and crisis situations such as the aftermath of earthquakes, tsunami, floods or major terrorist attacks. In addition, U2010 tries to provide the most effective access to information to mobile search and rescue personel, via existing or future telecommunication infrastructure, so that they can act fast and efficiently in case of a crisis.

The project's goal is also to try and address public safety issues by researching new emergency and crisis management solutions. This can be done by investing on innovative and state-of-the-art communication technologies based on the current and new Internet technologies that could be put in use to realize this vision.

More information about the project can be found here

Our Involvement in U-2010

Innovation in mobile networking and ICT systems can greatly benefit search and rescue operations in emergency and crisis situations. This is the exact focus of our involvement in the U-2010 project. Our research is focused on the two following axes :

• Support hosts and networks mobility with pioneering networking protocols (NEMO, Mobile IP, Mobile IPv6, MANEMO etc). Being able to move entire rescue networks (as well as single user devices) in a seamless manner in response to specific areas of need is of critical importance. The combination of IPv6 with related network mobility protocols can help us achieve this. If you want to find out how, check our MANEMO page.


• Develop innovative software to support a rescue mission. The ability for a command and control centre to monitor and manage rescue personnel and other resources in real-time can significantly increase operational efficiency. Our main software, the Presence Management System, enables live monitoring and tracking of the rescuers during a rescue mission in order to increase the success of the mission. In addition, we have developed a VoIP application that runs on PDAs to enable mountain rescuers to communicate and collaborate effectively. Finally, we are also developing a software that applies search theory and rescue patterns to enable the mission coordinator to take more informed decisions for each mission. You can find more information on the Mountain Rescue page.

To achieve the above in practice and evaluate our ideas we are collaborating with the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team that provides real life requirements.

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