Extending Wi-Fi Direct for Automated Operations

Abstract : During a large-scale disaster, first responders face a number of different challenges. Their ability to communicate with each another is among the most critical challenges they face. If the disaster has wiped out the infrastructure that enables communications, it creates a serious issue for first responders. In such situations, infrastructure-less technology could enable first responders to establish a communications network independent of any existing operational or non-operational infrastructure. Wi-Fi Direct can enable such communication, but it is fraught with issues that need to be addressed to make it usable for first responders. An extension to Wi-Fi Direct has been developed that would address these issues. The extended Wi-Fi Direct protocol allows for a persistent communications network that involves zero user interaction. The extensions to the protocol do not require any infrastructure or any human involvement to establish a communications network.