Subterranean Communications for First Responders and the Military

Kutta will design a portable Subterranean Wireless Electronic Communications (SWEC) system that allows two-way, networked communications with up to 10 nodes through over 100 feet of solid rock per hop. At the end of the Phase 1 effort, Kutta will demonstrate the ability to send a picture and provide voice communications through a three-node system with a proven cave radio developed by Kutta's engineers. Kutta's proposal enumerates many innovative features that provide for hands-free voice/data/video communications well beyond the 100 ft of solid rock proposed in the solicitation. The Work Plan also calls for detailed research into optimum frequency ranges over a myriad of different media types (e.g. limestone, concrete, etc.) as well research and experimentation with numerous antenna configurations. Kutta's team also leverages a layered communications infrastructure being developed under another U.S. Army SBIR. The communications infrastructure is integrated with COTS self-healing multi-node network protocols to create a robust design. The Work Plan is designed to determine the required frequency ranges, antenna configurations, and COTS technologies (miniature CB-Radio and PDA) that will allow Kutta to eventually deliver a SWEC system that satisfies the ( 48 hrs.) system requirements.