Hybrid wireless networks for civil-military-cooperation (CIMIC) and disaster management

In this paper Free Space Optics (FSO) in combination with Wireless LAN and Satellite Communications in Civil-Military-Cooperation (CIMIC) is presented. At first a modular communication system developed at the TU Graz is shown, which allows worldwide access to the Internet or other networks by combining Satellite Communications, FSO and Wireless LAN. Wireless LAN offers connectivity to mobile users in a network cell, Free Space Optics allows quick installation of broadband fixed wireless links instead of cables and Satellite Communications provides a backbone between distant locations in the world. In the second part results of Free Space Optics- and Satellite applications installed at a civil-military exercise in Spring 2004 in Styria (southern part of Austria) are presented. In this civil-military cooperation a mobile Satellite Earth Station (equipped with FSO and Wireless LAN) was used for Videoconferencing between military and civil organisations.