With VTT technical solutions computers form themselves independently into distributed networks
The mobile consumer now gets Internet services easier than before on the terminal

VTT have developed technology solutions through which personal computers and mobile terminals independently form themselves into communication networks in common use. This means that while the consumer is on the move he can easily obtain an Internet connection and services automatically anywhere and even free of charge. In the future the VTT methods will ensure that society will have the crucial data transfer connection even in a crisis situation independent of a centralised server computer.

VTT research scientist Johanna Kallio (left) and Bluepoint product development manager Miika Peltonen using a mobile device to find out if there are restaurant tables available for lunch. High resolution image (487 Kb) Photo: Sanna Kallio

In the future being independent of centralised server computers will also make it easier to ensure that in a possible crisis situation the important data transfer contacts will be safe, for example in energy distribution or defence operations. With the VTT methods each terminal adjusts to the data transfer connections, near and far in its environment, including satellite connection. Such independent networks, which need no centralised control, have already been tried out, for example in the game events of several hundred users and in military use.

In the near future the self-organising networks will enable the consumers on the move, for example, to have constant access to a video image of their summer home. They will also be able to participate in a wireless, constantly updated so-called neighbourhood network. On such a net members provide one another with the use of services, for example, Internet connections, printout and multimedia services or their own files.

With companies VTT has carried out tests on the constantly changing mobile network through which the mobile user can obtain information on the services of local restaurants and shops or, for example, send pictures and other files to the network. The user may, among other things, direct the angle of the restaurant's video camera.

It was also demonstrated on the development project that self-organising communication networks can be used for flexible machine-to-machine (M2M) data transfer. For example, a container being transported can be contacted and located any time, any place, because the terminal devices can adjust to whatever local nets based on different technologies.

Those involved in the VTT-led R & D project are Bluepoint Oy and Sofnetix Oy. The project is funded by TEKES.

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