Development of Movable and Deployable ICT Resource Unit (MDRU) and its Overseas Activities

• Published in: Journal of disaster research 2019-03, Vol.14 (2), p.363-374
• Main Authors: Shimizu, Yoshitaka, Suzuki, Yasuo, Sasazawa, Ryota, Kawamoto, Yuichi, Nishiyama, Hiroki, Kato, Nei, Yamamoto, Atsushi, Kotabe, Satoshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1881-2473; 1883-8030
• DOI: 10.20965/jdr.2019.p0363

Based on the lessons learned from the East Japan Great Earthquake of March 11, 2011, the authors have been engaged in the research and development of movable and deployable information and communication technology (ICT) resource units (MDRUs), which provide immediate and minimally required ICT service in areas struck by disaster. The MDRU is a transportable unit that contains equipment necessary for ICT service provisions and is designed to be quickly transported to and set up in affected areas after a natural disaster has struck. The unit is used to quickly construct a wireless local network in the area, and thus provide immediate and minimally required ICT service to the people in the area. In this paper, we describe MDRU technology and other technologies that lead to improved performance and/or service when connected or linked up with the unit. Along with this development, we have conducted various activities aimed at its international deployment. Specifically, we conducted trials with resident participation in the Philippines and Nepal to verify the validity of these technologies overseas, where we were able to confirm its validity under various conditions. Furthermore, we have undertaken activities for its standardization, and have succeeded in the standardization of MDRU at International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).