The objective of Phase 1 is to develop and validate the requirements and design for a specialized wireless backbone data backhaul network to support a wide variety of sensors deployed across vast areas. The specialized nature of the backbone network-support for low-power sensor nodes, vast coverage areas, limited access, autonomous operation, and no grid power-sets it apart from other wireless backhaul concepts and approaches. Elements of commercial broadband wireless access (BWA) technology may be applicable but no existing equipment or approach can meet the system requirements. Validation of the requirements and design is necessary and important in advance of deployment to reduce risk. A combination of analysis, simulation, emulation, and prototyping provides the most effective risk reduction
