Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) is a robust and versatile high speed data communication platform that has revolutionized the communication capabilities of amateur radio operators. It is made up of nodes that form a self healing mesh. This creates a stable working computer network much like the internet, but does not rely on existing infrastructure and repairs itself if some nodes in the system drop out. It is like the internet, but it runs on ham radio frequencies (Mainly 2.4, 3, and 5.8GHz bands). This is to say that AREDN is a collaborative point-to-point high speed data communication network composed of individual nodes that individual amateur radio operators deploy which work together to create a large and long range WIFI type of a mesh network system for them to use in a multitude of ways.

The ability of AREDN’s mesh network capability allows multiple radio nodes to connect and form a self-configuring network. This means that even if a particular node loses connectivity, the network dynamically reroutes data through alternative paths, ensuring seamless communication. This mesh network capability is particularly valuable in large operations, where multiple stations and operators need to be interconnected across a wide area. By leveraging the AREDN mesh network, operators can establish resilient and decentralized communication channels.

For this reason and more AREDN has quickly become an essential tool for seamless and reliable communication in the most challenging field environments. In this blog post, I will explore some of the very interesting and extraordinary capabilities of the AREDN network and how it is used to enhance Amateur Radio operations in some pretty amazing ways.

The integration of ARDEN network capabilities in Amateur Radio operations offers several significant advantages. Firstly, it provides enhanced communication range and coverage, surpassing the limitations of traditional line-of-sight communications. This allows operators to maintain contact over extended distances, enabling efficient coordination among different stations and teams. Additionally, ARDEN’s digital data capabilities enable the transfer of various types of information, including text messages, images, and even real-time video feeds. Such versatility greatly enhances situational awareness and operational effectiveness during amateur radio activities. By utilizing the harnessed power of the AREDN network your team can maintain high-speed data links for radio equipment, desktops, laptops, telephones and more. Amateur radio operators can, themselves, create dedicated connections between different stations allowing for efficient and reliable data transfer. That is not to say encrypted. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has designated amateur radio bands as public communication (Part 97), and prohibits amateur radio operators from sending any obscured (encrypted) communications, with the only exception to the rule being for sending ground to satellite communications. Even with this limitation it ensures reliable and uninterrupted communication. Even in areas with limited working infrastructure or during emergency situations. Point-to-point communications enable a real-time two way information exchange, enhancing coordination and situational awareness among all participating amateur radio operators.

AREDN services include giving access to weather stations, chat servers, website access, site conditions, email servers, and more. Just think of any service you can get on the internet, you can utilize on the AREDN network within the regulations of the FCC Part 97 guidelines.

One of the absolute coolest things I have seen is using a GS-Wave application to establish a direct IP address, wireless, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone call. Hear that again, AREDN enables the integration of actual wireless to actual VoIP phones in amateur radio operations. These phones utilize the AREDN network’s data connectivity to facilitate voice communication over an internet protocol-based infrastructure. Just like picking up the handset of your crystal clear wired VoIP phone at your home or office, but now that same quality of service can be established in the middle of your remote Emergency Command Center, remote fire lookout, watch tower, or remote summer ARRL Field Day site at your local park as well. This essentially creates the capability of having a “Private Branch EXchange (PBX)” which is a private telephone network allowing users to talk to each other and act as a “Call Bridge” to allow people in different locations to take part in a single group conversation at the same time. Today, AREDN enabled VoIP phones offer this and the unfathomable advantage of wireless mobility. Allowing operators to move freely within their coverage area all while staying connected to a reliable communication network.

Think about this for a moment. In an emergency situation when all the regular cell phone infrastructure goes down either because the physical tower is compromised (example; fire, flood, landslide) or the regular infrastructure and preexisting communication channels are overloaded by the sheer demand on their systems due to a large scale crisis and makes them crash and fail all together. It is then that AREDN enabled wireless VoIP phones can now be easily be stood up and utilized as a reliable form of moveable wireless point to point communication. That means as your command center, operations tent, or emergency shelter moves, so can your capabilities. This flexibility greatly enhances the capabilities and continuity of emergency coordination efforts and provides resiliency in voice communication.

Not to mention the ease and availability to stand up whole mesh networks for a coordinated and collaborative Field Day Operation for a large club in a location where there is no WiFi available such as at a National Park, or creekside at your favorite fishing hole. Standing up an AREDN mesh network allows your entire team to be connected to one another. Say goodbye to individual logging contacts for each station that have to later be rolled up in a time and labor intensive process for your club. With the AREDN mesh network you can all be logging contacts at the same time on the same software giving everyone a simultaneous real time count of how many contacts your team has made at any given point of the 24 hour operation. Which is awesome for Field Day, but is even more critical when you think about it in the context of coordinating and managing whole swaths of emergency teams on the ground in a disaster.

AREDN network’s flexibility and adaptability make it suitable for deployment in diverse field environments. Whether in remote locations, disaster-stricken areas, or temporary event setups, AREDN empowers amateur radio operators with a reliable and resilient communication infrastructure. The network’s open-source nature encourages innovation and continuous improvement, enabling the robust amateur radio community of inventive arm chair coders, builders, thinkers, and doers to continuously contribute to its further development and tailor it to a growing demand of operational requirements.

The AREDN network has become an invaluable and ever growing in functionality communications asset for amateur radio operators.

73,

N3DEZ

To find more information on AREDN go to the source:https://www.arednmesh.org

I would also suggest watching these really well done YouTube Videos (See Below)

Ham Radio Crash Course YouTube Video: What is AREDN? Ham Radio Emergency Data Network?

Radio Geek YouTube Video: AREDN Presentation on Mesh Networking Overview

Amateur Radio Field Phone Concept – VoIP & AREDN