PICANT-BOS

In the PICANT-BOS project, temporary and locally limited (i.e., "ad hoc") additional broadband networks are established in the context of emergencies. These enable rescue services to use modern high-quality communication tools. The ad-hoc networks operate in so-called lightly licensed spectrum (LLS), for example, at 4 and 6 GHz, and support existing networks such as TETRA and the public network (5G, Wi-Fi).

The participating partners include:

• Dräger 
• Universität Rostock
• ituma
• Interlev
• Fraunhofer HHI 
• telent 
• Nokia
• Mugler Telco Networks

In the PICANT-BOS project, temporary and locally limited (i.e., "ad hoc") additional broadband networks are established in the context of emergencies. These enable rescue services to use modern high-quality communication tools. The ad-hoc networks operate in so-called lightly licensed spectrum (LLS), for example, at 4 and 6 GHz, and support existing networks such as TETRA and the public network (5G, Wi-Fi). LLS refers to frequencies that can be exclusively but only locally allocated to specific users. For emergency operations, new approaches are to be developed on how these LLS frequencies could be utilized to provide a temporary broadband network access for public safety agencies (BOS) at the emergency site, meeting high demands for security, guaranteed minimum data rates, and availability, i.e., coverage of all necessary personnel at the site.

Additionally, the PICANT-BOS project aims to conceptualize, develop, and evaluate the integration of these novel ad-hoc 5G and Wi-Fi networks on LLS frequencies with TETRA and existing public networks, using appropriate end devices with BOS-specific applications.

The following main objectives have been set by the partners in the PICANT-BOS project:

• Design, Implementation, Setup, and Demonstration: Wi-Fi and 5G ad-hoc networks that meet the requirements of critical public safety operations (INT, ITU, HHI), including the characteristics, structures, and elements of ad-hoc networks that are crucial for their vulnerability and resilience.
• Qualitative and Quantitative Comparison: Comparison of Wi-Fi and 5G ad-hoc networks regarding scalability, feasibility in practice, network quality, and building coverage.
• Integration of Ad-hoc Networks: Integration into existing public networks (5G, 5G-Campus, public & private Wi-Fi) and interworking between networks.
• Inclusion of Consumer: Reliable communication of end devices through the use of redundant connections in ad-hoc 5G & Wi-Fi, as well as analysis of possibilities for energy efficiency and localization.
• Development of Applications: Development of applications for aggregating information at the site and connecting to the cloud.
• Contributions to Standardization: Contributions to standardization in IEEE 802.11.
• Examination of Operational-Tactical Requirements: Investigation of the operational-tactical requirements and deployment scenarios of BOS users of dual-mode devices and, if necessary, cross-system network integration through direct contacts with stakeholders.