Developing an Open Access Wireless Network for Lake Erie: A Smart Lake Necessity

Session: Smart Lakes: Real-Time Monitoring, Networking, and Analytics Across the Great Lakes (1)

Ed Verhamme, LimnoTech, [email protected]
Max Herzog, Cleveland Water Alliance, [email protected]
John Bratton, LimnoTech, [email protected]

Abstract

The emergence of low-cost open access wireless networks provides a unique element to the Smart Lake concept.  Previously researchers that wanted to transmit data from the field in real-time had to invest in cellular, satellite, or indivual radio system to transmit data to the internet.  Most researchers with a defined set of research questions and budget did not incorporate real-time telemetry unless it was absolutely necessary.  Even those that do integrate real-time data into their projects are burded with monthly/annual subscription fees and power/data limitations.  In 2019, LimnoTech will be deploying a low cost, open access, long distance wireless network in Toledo, Cleveland, and Sandusky.  A single gateway to relay  depoloyed sensor node data to the internet can support between 300 and 1000 devices transmitting data from up to 10 miles away (potentailly 20 miles given line of site) using a very small amount of data and power.  Node radio boards can be purchased for $5 and can run on a single D cell battery for several years.  This presentation will describe the 2019 pilot efforts, how you can access the network, and what else we can do to seamlessly connect on water sensors to cloud-based data management systems.   

Twitter handle of presenter
eddiegreatlakes