[Discuss-gnuradio] Opinions on best choice for project...

[Jovan Mostanovski]

Hi group,
        I'm doing a uni project which entails me building an RF data comms
network. The network must facilitate communications between many nodes
and a single main hub, node to node communications is not required. The
nodes can be moving, may be implemented in an aeroplane, car, etc.

The network must be able to operate over very long distances, past line
of site. Therefore must use ionospheric bouncing to achieve this. Hence,
the nodes and hub must be able to select the best frequency for
communication. In addition to this, I must design a protocol which
allows each node to know when it's OK to transmit to the hub, as the hub
will only be able to handle one node at a time. Unless any of you have
ideas on how to make the hub receive multiple transmissions
simultaneously?

This protocol design part is quite tricky from what I've discussed with
others. I was originally set on using GNU Radio and the USRP for this
project, though someone suggested to me that using some sort of
transceiver with built-in modem would eliminate the need to design the
"when is it OK to transmit to the hub" protocol.

I'm interested to hear your opinions on the best choice of
hardware/software to use for this project. I have 7 months to complete
this project, so I'd like to find the option which requires the least
amount of work. I know most of you will be biased towards GNU
Radio/USRP :)

I've attached a basic diagram of the network I must design.

Cheers,
        Jovan

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