HASTILY FORMED

NETWORKS

Hastilly Formed Networks

The ability to form multi-organizational networks rapidly is crucial to humanitarian

aid, disaster relief, and large urgent projects. Designing and implementing the networks conversion space is the central

challenge

Hastilly Formed Networks

HFN is a computer network formed in response to a crisis or disaster.

Relief aid is usually provided by larger computer companies and volunteers.

Hastily Formed Networks

This term was coined by the US DOD and the Naval Post Graduate School, and came into public use after the

Hurrican Katrina disaster relief effort, which necessitated the rapid building of new communications systems using modern wireless communications technology following

the destruction of much of the existing computer infrastructure.

Hastily Formed Networks The term has also been used to describe the

human command & control structures that are put in place in such disaster, which cut across cross normal agency boundaries and command and reporting structures.

Many international government, non-government humanitarian organizations, commercial firms

and academic institutions recognize the need for HFN capability and are working on various

promising approaches. The issue appears to be unifying effort across the organizational and cultural boundaries. The Strong Angel and Golden Phoenix exercises were attempts to

address this issue.

Hastily Formed Networks

People, Process, Policies, Procedures

Technology•Sensors•Cameras•Phones•Computers

Human and Technology Networks

HFNConvergence

Conversation space

The effectiveness of a Hastily Formed Network depends as much on the

participating people and organizations –

as it does on the communication system through which they interact…

Hastily Formed Networks

Guide to effective HFNs

• The quality of the conversation space is critical

• The physical communication systems are part of conversation space

• The participating organizations are another part of conversation space

• Information glut will be aproblem in the network

Guide to effective HFNs

• Understand and practice the effective technologies for collaborative networks

• Prepare to overcome the barriers to interorganizational collaborations

• Prepare for organizational tendencies to appear under overwhelming stress

• Train the skill of improvisation

HASTILY FORMED

NETWORKS