Implementing a wireless communications network at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest

Poster Number: 
262
Presenter/Primary Author: 
Donald Henshaw
Co-Authors: 
Bierlmaier, Fred
Co-Authors: 
Valentine, Theresa
Co-Authors: 
Bond, Barbara

The vision for a future “cyber forest” at the Andrews Experimental Forest foresees high performance wireless communications enhancing connectivity among remote field research locations, station headquarters, and beyond to the university and Internet. Increasing use of sensor technologies and collaboration tools for both research and education foretell exponential increases in data and information flow. We have developed a comprehensive, long-range plan to meet these challenges, which includes increased bandwidth to Oregon State University, improved field-to-headquarters data transmission, complete wireless coverage of the Andrews Forest, and dynamic data management and quality control tools to accommodate streaming data from sensor arrays in near real-time. The remote location of the Andrews Forest coupled with steep mountainous topography and very tall trees present significant challenges to the realization of this vision. A plan for implementation of the first phase has been developed and is underway to build a wireless backbone within the site to accommodate most current site activities. Future implementation plans call for building wireless connections from the field station to the university to greatly improve our available bandwidth.