Fraunhofer WiBACK
Fraunhofer WiBACK

First Responders

Swift communication among first responders saves lives

In disaster situations, first responders must quickly grasp the situation on the ground and coordinate to act rapidly and effectively. Well-functioning communication on-site is essential for this. Most of the time, however, the communication networks are down. First responders, therefore, set up a communication network for reliable communication with each other before they begin the rescue. This communication network must be quick to set up, easy to operate, function without a secure power connection, and transmit data such as WiBACK.

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In the case of large-scale fires

Large-scale fires can be triggered by many causes but all of them need to be extinguished as quickly as possible. This requires a quick counteraction and coordination of the first responders. Yet rural areas usually lack the necessary communication network.

In the case of flood disaster

Floods cause damage or disruptions to the electrical installation, resulting in a breakdown of the power grid and the communication that depends on it. For coordinated rescue operations, a reliable communication network and transmission of GPS data are necessary.

In case of earthquakes or storm disasters

Earthquakes destroy among other things the power supply and cause the mobile communication network to fail. Yet the necessary team coordination and communication for the rescue operation need a working commuication network.

Emergency Networks

»Maintain command and control capability in the event of disasters«

WiBACK is a communications technology solution that enables long-term and short-term radio network establishment over long distances.

In a disaster, authorities and organizations with security tasks (BOS) could connect areas cut off from the Internet or other networks using WiBACK. Also, they could maintain services such as:

  • exchange of patient records
  • exchange of situation pictures
  • use of databases
  • mission critical communication

WiBACK ensures:

  • A fail-safe connection
  • Connection of any access technologies
  • Transmission of larger data

Swiftly set up your communication with WiBACK

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Lost Communication Skills in Emergency Services

As highlighted in the video, quick, reliable communication can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. Time is essential in critical situations. There is no room for outdated and unreliable networks that slow down coordination when every second counts.

However, since the 1990s, many signal units have been disbanded, leaving first responders with no standardized nationwide system for emergency communication. Instead, they rely on a mix of TETRA (DBOS) radio, VHF BOS radio, DSL landlines, and public mobile networks. These systems struggle with modern demands: Bandwidth for video, database access, and real-time image sharing is often insufficient, and mobile networks fail during power outages.

On top of that, emergency services depend on private companies and external IT specialists, making them less flexible and reliant on third-party support in critical situations. A more reliable and independent solution is needed.

WiBACK: A Reliable Communication Solution

WiBACK offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative for emergency communication. Originally developed to provide broadband Internet to remote areas, WiBACK uses a combination of WLAN and directional antennas to create a stable and independent network, even in disaster zones. Because these areas often face power outages, limited budgets, and a shortage of trained technicians, WiBACK is designed for quick and simple deployment.

Unlike traditional systems, it operates without relying on mobile networks and can be set up with minimal technical expertise, eliminating the need for external IT specialists. This guarantees that first responders and emergency communication teams remain connected and operational, even in the most critical situations.

Two use cases for first responders

Reliable Network Solutions for First Responders

Whether at large public events, disaster drills, or real crisis situations, WiBACK ensures an efficient network with smooth coordination. To realize this, WiBACK offers two key deployment solutions: a permanent backup network and a portable emergency network. Both use the same hardware but differ in setup, flexibility, and use cases.

1. Permanent Backup Network for First Responders

One use case for WiBACK enables first responders to build their own permanent network that can be seamlessly integrated into existing networks, extending and complementing existing solutions.

To do this, cities or municipalities can install WiBACK’s radio link antennas throughout their city to create a resilient network. The local fire department or emergency management team oversees the network, ensuring stable communications for all emergency responders (police, fire, medical services, and disaster relief units).

This network acts as an independent, self-sufficient fallback system. If mobile networks are down due to infrastructure damage, first responders can still rely on WiBACK to maintain critical services such as email, database access, and real-time coordination. It also extends existing networks to remote locations, ensuring that emergency teams in the field remain connected.

2. Portable Emergency Network for Disaster Scenarios

During large-scale events such as a festival with overloaded networks or sudden crises like natural disasters, fast-deployable communication with autarkic power supply is crucial. WiBACK’s portable emergency network allows first responders to set up an instant, reliable network anywhere – even in areas with no existing connectivity.

  • Rapid Deployment: The network consists of portable nodes, antennas, and controllers, which can be quickly assembled on-site or mounted on emergency vehicles.
  • Disaster Recovery: If existing communication lines fail, responders can replace damaged connections in minutes.
  • Flexibility: Networks can be set up for short-term use during public events or emergency drills, ensuring first responders always have a working communication infrastructure.

Integration and Practical Use Cases

The two network types work hand in hand. A permanent WiBACK network acts as the main communication backbone, while the portable solution serves as a rapid-response extension in crisis situations. This combination ensures first responders are always prepared, whether they are covering a planned event, conducting an emergency drill, or responding to an actual disaster.

Example Scenario:

  • A city installs WiBACK antennas as a permanent backup network.
  • During a large festival, mobile networks become overloaded. First responders activate a portable WiBACK network to maintain seamless communication.
  • In a natural disaster, infrastructure collapses. The permanent network covers key locations, while portable nodes restore connectivity in affected areas.

This approach provides first responders always have access to a robust, independent communication system – no matter the situation.

How can WiBACK be reliable?

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A WiBACK network's reliability is based on two factors: the fast and automatic self-configuration of links as well as to run on solar power. 

Automatic self-configuration 

In case of a WiBACK node failure, caused e.g. by battery drain, the automatic self-configuration detects this immediately and redirects the traffic in case of a redundant network structure such as a ring. At the same time, WiBACK tries to find another link to bridge the failed node. This will keep up communication, albeit with possibly degraded performance until the failed node is back in service. 

Solar powered 

WiBACK’s extremely energy-efficient components allows to run a node with a small solar cell and battery. The components were carefully matched to achieve a power supply that is not dependent on external power supply, while providing stable and predictable throughput. Unless the WiBACK nodes are stolen or otherwise damaged, they require extremely little maintenance. 

Durable Hardware 

Our latest WiBACK-4-Connect node has a built-in solar charger for LiFePo batteries. The built-in battery has been dimensioned for permanent operation (24/7/365) for areas approximately within the equatorial belt. The life battery is approximately five years. Only an external solar panel (about 100 Wp) is required to operate this node.