1 Simulating the Performance of Building Area Networks as a Communication Bridge to Emergency Responders

This paper describes the development and use of OPNET models to simulate the use of building network infrastructures as a communication bridge between emergency responders inside buildings and emergency personnel outside of buildings. Emergency responders frequently encounter difficulties with radio communication when located within buildings because of the shielding effects of the structure. One possibility for overcoming this problem is to use the existing building network infrastructure, including wireless access points, radio transceiver gateways and the IT network, to provide a communication path from the portable radios inside the building to the public safety network outside the building. Methods for modeling such a system were developed and quality of service issues evaluated