Improving networks management in MDC: Pocket Routers

This resource was originally published on the CartoBlog in 2016 by CartONG. It was transferred to the IM Resource Portal in May 2021. The CartoBlog will be decommissioned in early 2022.

This resource is available as a ZIP file containing two pdf files: the full benchmarking and an extract of it.

Pocket routers (PR) are a new alternative to conventional routers, which have been used for a few years already in MDC to allow exchange of data between the phones and the survey computer. Just like conventional routers, they can be used to manage a WIFI network, but they require constant electrical supply to work which can at times be problematic in the field.

Some features of particular interest from a MDC perspective are power autonomy, greater flexibility to provide internet connection than convention routers, including the use of SIM card for 3G networks which are fairly common in field operations where options for internet access are limited. They otherwise tend to work similarly to conventional router, although their cost is slightly higher and different models tend of focus on different features –meaning that careful testing and research would be needed before settling down on a particular model.

Of particular importance for MDC uses are the ability to fix the IP address at which the VM can run. Being able to keep this address fix makes it easier for survey managers to obtain the data from the phone. Another key point for potential PR are ease of use from the end user perspective –once they are configured, they should ideally only need to be started much like conventional routers currently used.

Three models have been tested: TP-LINK’sTL-MR3040, Netgear trek’s N300 PR2000 and D-Link’sAC750. It seems at this point that they each have pros can cons, though none seemed to be a perfect fit from a MDC perspective. TP-LINK’s router have most of the desired features, however some bugs have been noticed in its use and they would need to be corrected (perhaps in a newer version) and tested anew in order to be recommendable.