Internet - To - Go A Small Mobile Satellite System for Internet Access Anywhere Dr. Bob Dixon Chief Research Engineer OARNet and Ohio State University ©2004 Robert S. Dixon All Rights Reserved. Transportable System Design Goals Provide high-speed Internet access for ALL purposes, including computers, telephones and PDAs. •Inexpensive to build and operate •Off-the-shelf parts for easy duplication •Easy to operate by one person with one day training, with NO hand tools. •Small and light •Reliable and adaptable to diverse field conditions •Easily modified ©2004 Robert S. Dixon. All Rights Reserved. Planned Applications •Emergency communications. •Provide distance learning in under connected locations such as rural areas and inner cities. •Link field research to campus computers and laboratories and collaborators worldwide. •Link field instruction and demonstrations to campus classrooms. •Link field activities to remote databases, eg via PDAs. •Special events, conferences, fairs, etc. •Remote monitoring of construction projects. ©2004 Robert S. Dixon. All Rights Reserved. Some Actual Applications National Farm Progress Show rural Iowa, Sept 2002 Distance Learning Conference Worthington, Ohio October 2002 Kentuckyana Cattle Auction rural Kentucky, February 2003 Lewis and Clark Re-enactment Pennsylvania to Oregon and back 2003-2006 Ladysmith, WI School District. Stark Co, OH Parks District. Stark Co. OH Education District Ladysmith-Hawkins School District Ladysmith, Wisconsin www.lhsd.k12.wi.us Students aiding the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tracking wolf pack locations. Involve classroom-based students in analysis of stream quality and release of brown trout. Virtual field trips to copper mines in Upper Michigan. Stark/Portage (County) Area Computer Consortium www.stark.k12.oh.us 31 school districts Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor • “Virtual tours” to promote site visits and hands-on research projects along the corridor and its associated rivers. • Corridor as an outdoor classroom to monitor the impact of human and ecological activities and teach land stewardship. Stark County Park District http://www.starkparks.com/ Nature programs sent from parks to classrooms. Example - Birds of Prey. Satellite Trailer Subsystems •Dish and Radio Transceiver •Power •Leveling and Aiming •Heating and Cooling •On-Board Computer •Local Wired and Wireless Connections •Specialized Remote Units •Telephone •Video Broadcasting and Conferencing ©2004 Robert S. Dixon All Rights Reserved. Ground Station Power Alternatives (ALL are provided) Type of power Running Time Local Power Outlet (long extension cord) unlimited Batteries via UPS (computer controlled) 4 to 8 hours before recharging Gasoline generator (pushbutton start) 3 days before refueling Also provides power to user-supplied equipment. ©2004 Robert S. Dixon All Rights Reserved. Weatherproof Equipment Rack Cabinet Mounted on shock absorbers. Automatic thermostatically controlled heater. Automatic thermostatically controlled ventilation fan. No actual air cooling. Use provided parasol if needed. Contents: Radio transmitter and receiver UPS and batteries (more batteries elsewhere) Auditory dish aiming instrument Ethernet switch, DHCP/NAT server Laptop PC Local wireless access point Power line frequency meter ©2004 Robert S. Dixon All Rights Reserved. Computing System Laptop PC Runs 3 special programs: Satellite aiming Dish Transceiver control and monitoring UPS control and battery monitoring Also supports all Internet access tools such as: Web browsing Email H.323 Video Conferencing Distance Learning tools optional encryption ©2004 Robert S. Dixon All Rights Reserved. Ground Station to Local Site Connection Alternatives (ALL are provided) 1 2 3 Long-Range wireless (up to 20 miles) Wall-Penetrating wireless (several non-metal walls) Local Wireless (1000 ft) 4 Transportable Ground Station Local Ethernet Cable (200 ft) Local Site ©2004 Robert S. Dixon All Rights Reserved. Specialized Remote Units Boat Automobile Satellite Trailer Backpack Equestrian (Wearable heads-up display under development) The Satellite Trailer as a Telephone Cell Tower Handheld Telephone Satellite Trailer Telephony Adapter Cordless Telephone 5 miles Handheld Telephone Up to 4 telephone lines and 36 telephones, local wireless. ©2004 Robert S. Dixon. All Rights Reserved. Transportable Satellite Internet System ©2004 Robert S Dixon. All Rights Reserved. Transportable Satellite Internet System ©2004 Robert S Dixon. All Rights Reserved. Internet2 Confence Washington, DC Tachyon Central Ground Station San Diego, CF Earth Satellite Internet2 Lewis and Clark Keelboat on Mississippi River Lewis and Clark Shore Encampment near St Louis, MO Total one-way path length 50,000 miles. Small Satellite Trailer Weekly Educational Broadcasts and Conferences Lewis and Clark Mobile Satellite Link MORENet Apple Research Channel Internet