Research
Funded Research
Effective Utilization of Commercial Wireless Networking Technology in Planetary Environments
Dr. Phillip L. De Leon and Dr. Stephen Horan
Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
NASA John H. Glenn Research Center
$646,771
Commercial wireless networking technology will play a key role in future planetary surface exploration involving autonomous rovers and sensor webs. With the use of powerful radio frequency (RF) planning/propagation software tools, there will be an ability to accurately assess attenuation effects, transmission ranges and multi-path delays. Based on these results, modifications can be made to existing wireless networking standards that will enable better, cost-effective utilization commercial products in planetary environments. The objectives of this research are to simulate the RF environment of a planetary surface using actual digital terrain models, analyze the performance of current wireless networking standards in the RF environment and propose modifications to the standards for better use. By achieving these goals, wireless computer networks may be reliably established on planetary surfaces. The Principal Investigators for this project are Phillip L. De Leon and Stephen Horan