The Challenges of Using Wireless Mesh Networks for Earthquake Early Warning Systems

Abstract

The total cost of an Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS) can be substantially decreased by using Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs), which are inexpensive computer networks whose nodes communicate wirelessly using a license-free spectrum in a self-organized manner. The Early Warning System triggers on the small-amplitude, but fast P-wave in order to shutdown critical infrastructures before the destructive, but slow S-waves arrive only a few seconds later. It demands low-latency communications of high robustness. We conducted shakeboard-based measurements using IEEE 802.11a/b. Innovatively, our tests show that already for the slight shaking related to P-waves representative for strong (Mw ≫ 6) and nearby (epicentral distance