Architecture of WiFi Based Broadcast Network for Rural Community

Abstract

Digital divide is a reality in developing nations. Most of the technological advancements are available only in urban areas and rural community is still deprived of communication technology even in 21st century. To ensure the availability of Internet, TV (Television) and other high data-rate services to the rural community; use of high power ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band broadcast should be of interest. The aim of this research work is to design a WiFi based broadcast network that provides broadband access to remote areas and to study the propagation characteristics of this network in a typical rural community in the plains of Pakistan. This paper uses extensive measurements in indoor and outdoor environments of village “Lower Kot Ratta” to develop a WiFi broadband broadcast propagation model for rural areas of Pakistan. The proposed model is simple, flexible and more suitable for rural areas as compared to existing models.