Shared Crisis and Contribution Network on Standby

Crisis management and disaster management face increasing attention by responsible organisations in various countries. When talking to potential users a common understanding shows that crisis prevention and management with the appropriate communications infrastructure is highly desirable. A communications network via satellite is obviously seen as an excellent backup and fill-in option. It is highly flexible, deployable, performing, and reliable. The objective of this project was to implement a network that is ready at all times to immediately respond to the requirements of a crisis or failure of terrestrial connections. With this objective, a number of specific hardware and software features were developed, typical user configurations built and a pilot network operated. The network has to guarantee availability as well as support the main applications of the user groups. By this shared usage, the operational costs are kept at an affordable level for all users.