Harvard Forest Research

Field Wireless Network

Principal Investigator: Emery Boose
Harvard Forest: Nov 01 2006 - Jan 01 2030:

Abstract:
The Harvard Forest field wireless network will provide high-speed Internet access to research sites across the 400-ha Prospect Hill Tract. The network will use unlicensed spread-spectrum radios and will consist of three parts: (1) A high-speed backhaul network of 5.8 GHz radios will utilize above-canopy line-of-sight connections among four existing towers (fire tower and three eddy flux towers) and a new relay tower to be erected at the Barn site. (2) A distributing network of 900 MHz radios will extend out from the towers and through the canopy to surrounding sites at distances of 400 m or more. (3) Wi-Fi access points (2.4 GHz) at each tower and at selected forest sites will provide network access for computers and sensors within 50-100 m. In the future the network may be extended to the Tom Swamp, Slab City, and/or Simes Tracts.

Plans for 2009 include installation of a 100 ft relay tower near the Barn and installation of radio and other equipment to provide network connectivity to the new warming experiment. If additional funding becomes available, the wireless network will be expanded to include the three eddy flux towers and six hydrological gages.
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