Enhancing Disaster Preparedness with Self-Converging Mesh Networks Training and Deployment

Project Title: Enhancing Disaster Preparedness with Self-Converging Mesh Networks Training and Deployment

 

Project Duration: 01 February 2025 to 30 April 2026
Supported by: Internet Society Foundation (2024 Resiliency Application)

Project Summary: Nepal is highly prone to natural disasters such as landslides and floods, which frequently disrupt communication and coordination. This project aims to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities by training emergency IT responders on self-converging mesh networks and deploying essential infrastructure in universities across Nepal. This project builds on NREN’s prior work in post-earthquake ICT deployments and will empower communities to stay connected during crises, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote long-term digital resilience.

 

Key Objectives:

  • Develop technical capacity in mesh network deployment for emergency responders
  • Deploy DUMBO routers to establish resilient local mesh networks
  • Facilitate training and knowledge transfer through workshops and field drills
  • Strengthen collaboration between universities and local disaster response units

Major Activities:

  1. Training Program Development – Create a comprehensive curriculum on Ad-Hoc and mesh networking tailored for emergency contexts.
  2. Mesh Network Deployment Manual – Develop a detailed manual to guide disaster responders in deploying mesh networks.
  3. 5-Day Workshop – Host a training session for 40 participants from 10 universities with experts from IntERLab (AIT) and NREN.
  4. Field Deployment Drills – Conduct practical mesh deployment exercises near Kathmandu to simulate emergency conditions.
  5. Equipment Handover – Distribute 130 mesh devices to participating universities, supported by local government and university officials.

Resilient Internet Infrastructure: The project utilizes DUMBO routers that form self-converging mesh networks during internet outages. These will be maintained by university IT teams trained during the project. Universities will retain long-term responsibility for deployment and upkeep.

Training and Community Education: Training workshops will educate university IT teams and foster their commitment to serve as community responders. Long-term responsibilities include equipment storage, deployment, and maintenance.

Partnerships and Collaboration: NREN will collaborate with:

  • IntERLab, AIT for technical resources and training support
  • Local governments and Municipal Association of Nepal (MUAN) for disaster response coordination
  • University IT Teams to manage equipment and execute response efforts

Sustainability: Through localized disaster management units formed by universities and local governments, this project will ensure sustainability and quick mobilization of the deployed infrastructure.

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