CIN selects winning project for Vehicle as a Node Wi-Fi antenna development

The Connectivity Innovation Network has selected the successful project team for its Vehicle as a Node (VaaN) Antenna Development Call for Proposals, focused on improving Wi-Fi coverage for emergency service operations in environments where traditional networks may be unavailable or constrained.

The selected project is led by Associate Professor Peiyuan Qin and Dr Lizhao Song from the University of Technology Sydney, in collaboration with industry partner WANFi Technology.

The project aims to significantly improve Wi-Fi coverage for existing Vehicle-as-a-Node systems used by emergency service organisations, supporting more reliable connectivity for personnel operating in the field during emergency situations.

Vehicle as a Node systems enable emergency vehicles to function as mobile connectivity hubs, supporting communications and data sharing when fixed or commercial networks are unavailable. Improving the effective Wi-Fi coverage around these vehicles has the potential to enhance operational capability, situational awareness and responder mobility during incidents such as bushfires, floods and land rescue operations.

The team will develop a novel low-cost omnidirectional (360°) Wi-Fi antenna designed to extend the coverage range of existing VaaN systems. The proposed solution focuses on practical deployment considerations, including retrofit compatibility with existing systems and suitability for vehicle-mounted, field-based operation.

The project forms part of CIN’s broader work to accelerate the development and translation of connectivity technologies that improve public safety, disaster resilience and emergency communications capability across New South Wales.

The project team is currently progressing through development and testing, with a live demonstration of the new antenna technology planned for mid-2026.

More information

Further updates on the project and final demonstration will be shared through our LinkedIn channel and mailing list.