Performance evaluation of wireless ad-hoc network for post-disaster recovery using Linux Live USB nodes

Wireless ad-hoc networks are unplanned, quickly deployable, infrastructureless, and realistic for networking in emergency or restricted situations. They have actively been studied and proposed for post-disaster recovery. Our approach uses Linux Live USB nodes, which can be any available laptop computer at disaster-affected site, to boot the guest OS using USB flash drive with a variety of customized software packages demanded in post-disaster situations. Using an additional Wi-Fi USB adapter, Linux Live USB nodes help to easily form wireless ad-hoc network and serve user devices through Wi-Fi hotspot. While a lot of studies have been done over simulation, it is crucial to understand how wireless ad-hoc networks behave and their performance in the real field. In this paper, we examine different scenarios of wireless ad-hoc network deployment inside a building: 1) the assignment of frequency (Single Channel or Multi Channel), and 2) choice of mesh and routing protocol (OSLR or batman-adv). According to the results of field trials, our primary option of deployment will be Multi Channel batman-adv to cover multiple rooms inside the building expected to be evacuation shelter.