Supporting Emergency-Response by Retasking Network Infrastructures

Recent events have demonstrated the susceptibility of conventional network infrastructures to both man-made and natural disasters. The attacks on September 11th, 2001 disrupted many communication channels that were routed through the World Trade Center, and the mass panic that ensued also caused the telephone switching network to collapse. Even more significant disruptions to communication channels occurred when Hurricane Katrina rendered most of the infrastructure components within its wake partially or completely inoperable. This caused great difficulties for both the victims of Katrina and those who were working to save them.