Oregon HamWAN expands digital communication network
San Diego, CA, October 16, 2021 – (PR.com) – Oregon HamWAN, a non-profit association of radio amateurs, plans to expand its digital communications network by deploying 12 network backbone distribution locations between Portland and Salem, Oregon. The sites will eventually be connected to the Puget Sound Data Ring, which currently extends from Seattle to Vancouver, Washington. This network will enable emergency management to communicate in the event of a disaster such as a major earthquake.
In the hours immediately following a disaster, Internet, landline, and cell phone communications are likely to be disrupted. In the event of such a disaster, radio amateurs can quickly set up network nodes where they are needed for emergency communications over Oregon’s digital HamWAN network. Such a mobile or portable setup requires devices that cost less than $ 100, including an inexpensive WiFi router and a 12-volt battery. “This will fundamentally change emergency communications in the Portland area,” said Herb Weiner, HamWAN project leader in Oregon.
Funding for this project was provided through a $ 88,000 grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), a private foundation that supports innovative amateur radio projects like this one. “The decision to fund the Oregon HamWAN project was an easy one,” noted John Hays, K7VE, chairman of the ARDC Grants Advisory Committee. “It’s a well-organized and well-staffed project that uses several amateur radio technologies such as the 44Net IP address space, 5 GHz radios, and best software practices. It will provide a strong backbone network in Oregon and help preserve our microwave bands. “
Via Oregon HamWAN
Oregon HamWAN was founded by members of the Cascade Amateur Radio Society (CARS), Washington County ARES and Clackamas County ARES, who all provided initial funding for the project. CARS, Oregon City, OR operates nine amateur radio repeaters and works with many local CERTS, ARES, and even church groups to provide emergency communications when needed.
Learn more about Oregon HamWAN at https://www.oregonhamwan.org.
About ARDC
Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a California-based foundation with roots in amateur radio and internet communications technology. The organization began by managing the assignments of the AMPRnet address space, which is intended for licensed radio amateurs worldwide. In addition, ARDC awards grants to projects and organizations that follow the practice and tradition of amateur radio technical experimentation in both amateur radio and digital communication science. Such experiments have resulted in widespread advances for the benefit of the general public, including cell phone and wireless Internet technology. ARDC envisions a world where all of these technologies are available through open source hardware and software, and where everyone has the opportunity to innovate.
Learn more about ARDC at https://www.ampr.org.