ijcet 07 04 006 - iaeme...project loon is a google x research and development project with the...

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International Journal of Computer Engineering & Technology (IJCET) Volume 7, Issue 4, July–Aug 2016, pp. 59–66, Article ID: IJCET_07_04_006

Available online at

http://www.iaeme.com/ijcet/issues.asp?JType=IJCET&VType=7&IType=4

Journal Impact Factor (2016): 9.3590 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com

ISSN Print: 0976-6367 and ISSN Online: 0976–6375

© IAEME Publication

GOOGLE LOONS

Shashank J. Bhatt

P.G. Student, Masters of Computer Application,

K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research Mumbai, MS, India

Prof. Kimaya Ambekar

Assistant Professor,

K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, MS, India

ABSTRACT

Project Loon is a Google X research and development project with the mission of providing

Internet access to rural and remote areas. The idea is to place balloons at high-altitude of 18 km in

the stratosphere to create a wireless network with up to 4G-LTE speed. This paper includes Google

Loon Technology, Loon design, How loon works, Where loon going, Reception and Reviews,

Incidents, Conclusion and References. It can play big role during disasters because disaster affects

the electricity which than disrupts the networks by which communication between people gets

affected. Google Loon project can be proved helpful for making connection with the disaster

affected peoples and with the rural areas where electricity and reach of internet is a big hurdle. [2]

Keywords: Stratosphere, Envelope, Equipment, Solar Plates

Cite this Article Shashank J. Bhatt and Prof. Kimaya Ambekar, Google Loons, International

Journal of Computer Engineering and Technology, 7(4), 2016, pp. 59–66.

http://www.iaeme.com/ijcet/issues.asp?JType=IJCET&VType=7&IType=4

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the project Google Loon is to provide high speed internet to the remote areas and

especially to the rural areas to increase the communication between the peoples also it can be very helpful

in the areas of Education, Medical, Science and many more.

1. INTRODUCTION

Internet is a global system network which is used to connect billions of users. It is a network of networks.

The world is bouncing from Third Generation (3G) to Fourth Generation (4G) yet, there are still people

who don't get internet access. It is found that, for every three in a group of five of world's population,

internet is unreachable technology. The use of satellite internet is also very expensive and common people

cannot afford it. To overcome this problem, we (India) can use fiber optic cable connections, since the

developing countries cannot afford huge amount of money to put down the cable all over the country it

would not yield optimal solution. [2]

Shashank J. Bhatt and Prof. Kimaya Ambekar


Google X research tries to find the solution somewhere in the skies, which popped up with an

innovative concept of “balloon powered internet access to all”. The research resulted in Project Loon'.

Through this Google can give internet access to all the remote and rural areas at an affordable price. The

project Loon is nothing but an aerial balloon network. Google loon flies at an altitude of 18 km to 20 km

above the earth surface in the stratosphere, and loon provide wireless mobile network station in sky with

up to 3G speeds. With the help of wind data obtained from the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration) they can control the balloon movements. Before reaching the ground station the balloons

are well equipped with transceivers so that it is easy to send and receive the signals which travel in balloon

network. In turn it joins the global network by establishing connection with Internet Service Provider (ISP)

or using Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology we can directly connect to network using mobile phones.

[2]

2. TECHNOLOGY

Project loon is a Google X activity to deploy a high altitude balloon network operating in the stratosphere

(highest point of a graded scale), altitudes between 18-20 km. Google X claims that this particular layer of

the stratosphere is profitable because of its relatively low wind speeds (wind speed between 5 to 20 m/h /

10 to 30 km/h) and minimal turbulence.

Google X claims that the design of the Google loon is accurate, seasonal, longitude, and latitude

variations in wind speeds within the 18– 25 km stratospheric layer. Because of the stratospheric layer

Google loon can control the latitude and longitude position of balloon at high-altitude by adjusting the

balloon's altitude. Google X adjusted the volume of lighter-than-air compounds viz. helium, hydrogen and

such gases to control the balloon's altitude. Google X has also indicated that the balloons can be created by

materials like highly-flexible latex or rubber material or Metalized Mylar. [1]

Initially, 2.4 and 5.8 GHz spectrum unlicensed bands were used to communicate with the balloons but

Google loon can deliver speed up to 3G to the users; they can switched to LTE with cellular spectrum by

joining hands with local telecommunication operators.

Google Loons


3. LOON DESIGN

Loon design consist of 3 different parts i.e. as follows.

• Envelope - The inflatable part of the balloon is named as balloon envelope. Project Loon's balloon envelopes

are made from sheets of polyethylene plastic of about 0.076 mm thickness which grows up to 15 meters

wide and 12 meters tall when fully inflated. This balloons are specially constructed for use under high

pressure, which are long-lasting than weather balloons because they can hang on with higher pressure from

the air inside when the balloons reach float altitude and have a life span of 55 days. [1] Gas is released from

the envelope to bring the balloon down in a controlled descent • when not in use or to be taken out of

service. In the unlikely event a balloon drops too quickly or when the balloon is to be picked out of network

safely, a parachute which is fixed at the top of the envelope is used.

3.1. Envelope

Solar Panels - An array of solar panels are required to power each unit's electronics. These panels are

placed between the hardware and the envelope fitted to balloons. Using the energy from sun light, these

panels produce power up to 100 Watts which is enough to keep the unit running and also charging a

battery for use at night. By moving with the wind and getting charged in the sun, Project Loon power’s

itself using only renewable energy sources. [1]


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• Control Box - A small box weighing approx 20 pounds hangs below the balloon's envelope which has

all Wi-Fi circuits, batteries, Geographical

and sensors to record the temperature of air. [1]

4. HOW LOON WORKS

The project Google loon works on frequency bands and powered by solar energy and wind energy.

develop a Google loon engineers of Google X studied

connect to the Google balloon network they require a special internet antenna at ground. Google balloon

can cover 100's of square kilometers with the

Navigation with the wind

Google Loon balloons travel around 20 km above the Earth's surface in the stratosphere. Winds in the

stratosphere are generally slow and steady and move between 5 and 20 mph, and

in magnitude and direction. To determine where its balloons need to go, Google loon uses the software

algorithms. For one large communication network the balloons are arranged with the moving winds


CET/index.asp 62

3.2. Solar Panels

A small box weighing approx 20 pounds hangs below the balloon's envelope which has

Fi circuits, batteries, Geographical positioning System (GPS) devices, a Linux

and sensors to record the temperature of air. [1]

3.3 Control Box

loon works on frequency bands and powered by solar energy and wind energy.

develop a Google loon engineers of Google X studied balloon science from NASA. If the client wants to


can cover 100's of square kilometers with the help of special internet antenna at ground. [1]

balloons travel around 20 km above the Earth's surface in the stratosphere. Winds in the

stratosphere are generally slow and steady and move between 5 and 20 mph, and


algorithms. For one large communication network the balloons are arranged with the moving winds

[email protected]

A small box weighing approx 20 pounds hangs below the balloon's envelope which has

positioning System (GPS) devices, a Linux-based computer

loon works on frequency bands and powered by solar energy and wind energy. To

balloon science from NASA. If the client wants to


help of special internet antenna at ground. [1]

balloons travel around 20 km above the Earth's surface in the stratosphere. Winds in the

stratosphere are generally slow and steady and move between 5 and 20 mph, and each layer of wind varies


algorithms. For one large communication network the balloons are arranged with the moving winds.

Google Loons


4.1. Navigation with the wind

Stratosphere

When the balloon is situated between 10 km to 60 km altitude on the edge the stratosphere is named after

the different layers of the wind within it. The extreme altitude presents unique engineering challenges like

temperatures hover around -50°C, air pressure is 1% of that at sea level, temperature swings caused by the

sun’s rays and a thinner atmosphere offers less protection from the UV radiation. Project Loon is able to

take advantage of the steady stratospheric winds and remain above weather events, wildlife and airplanes.

[1]

Equipment

Raven Aerostar is made balloon envelopes. Balloon envelopes are composed of polyethylene plastic about

0.76 mm thick.

4.2. Equipment

The balloons are super pressure balloons which are filled with Helium. They stand 15 m across & 12 m

tall when they are full. They also have a custom air pump system "Croce" which is been used to pump IN /

OUT air to ballast the balloon and control its elevation.

5. HOW LOON CONNECTS

In Google loon each balloon can provide connectivity to a ground area about 100's of square km in

diameter at speeds comparable to 3G. For balloon-to-ground communications and balloon-Each

balloon's electronic equipment hangs underneath the inflated envelope, it is been kept in a small box

which weights approx 10 kg. This box also contains circuit boards which are been used to control the

systems, radio antennas and Ubiquity Networks Rocket M2 which are been used to communicate with

other balloons, Internet Antennae on ground and they also contain batteries to store energy so that they

can also communicate during the night. [1] Each balloon is been powered by series of solar panels which


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are been placed between the envelope and the hardware. In full sun, panels produce 100 watts of power

even while working and charging to use the power at night. The parachute at the top of the balloon helps

for a controlled descent and landing whenever it is ready to be taken for servicing. The balloons have a

lifetime of 55 days but Google claims that the balloon can stay up to 100 days because of its design. The

prototype ground stations use a custom patch antenna and a Ubi

connect to the balloons when balloons are in a radius of 20 km.

people can access the Internet everywhere directly from their phones and other devices. Balloons relay

wireless traffic from cell phones and other devices back to the global Internet using high

To balloon communications. The balloons use antennas equipped with radio frequency technology.

Project Loon currently uses industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) bands that are available for anyone

to use. [3]

6. WHERE LOON GOING

In Google loon each balloon can provide connectivity to a ground area near by 80 km in diameter using a

wireless communications called Long Term Evolution (LTE). To use Long Term Evolution (LTE), Google

Loon has partnership with telecom companies to

Maintenance

If a balloon needs maintenance or fails, Google staff brings the balloon down. A trigger mechanism on the

top of the balloon would reduce it by releasing gas from the envelope, and it releases a parachute that

brings the balloon down to the Earth in a controlled descen

tracks where the balloon is landing. Google needs the dedicated staff across the globe for balloon

maintenance. [10]


CET/index.asp 64



descent and landing whenever it is ready to be taken for servicing. The balloons have a


prototype ground stations use a custom patch antenna and a Ubiquity Network Rocket M5 radio to

connect to the balloons when balloons are in a radius of 20 km. share cellular spectrum band so that


from cell phones and other devices back to the global Internet using high

balloon communications. The balloons use antennas equipped with radio frequency technology.


5.1 How Loon Connects

on can provide connectivity to a ground area near by 80 km in diameter using a


Loon has partnership with telecom companies to

or fails, Google staff brings the balloon down. A trigger mechanism on the


brings the balloon down to the Earth in a controlled descent. Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment


[email protected]



descent and landing whenever it is ready to be taken for servicing. The balloons have a


quity Network Rocket M5 radio to

share cellular spectrum band so that


from cell phones and other devices back to the global Internet using high-speed links. [9]

balloon communications. The balloons use antennas equipped with radio frequency technology.


on can provide connectivity to a ground area near by 80 km in diameter using a


or fails, Google staff brings the balloon down. A trigger mechanism on the


t. Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment


Google Loons


6.1 Where Loon Going

Challenges

Google loon wants to build a network with no borders. Its biggest obstacle is not technology, Some

countries are not ready to give permission. In addition to permissions, Google loon should negotiate with

countries to purchase or borrow specific radio frequencies. There might be security and spying threat over

data.

Pros

The most obvious avails of the project is that Google loon will provide the Internet for free. Loon may

increase the Internet usage in remote and rural areas as well as throughout the world. Ground antennas are

easy to use and install. The equipment is relatively cheap and No extra underground infrastructure is

required.

Cons

Google loon provides the limited internet. Balloons can work 100 days only. The main problem is the

hardware failure. If a Loon balloon fails, it can either remain up in the air floating or it might go down in

unwanted areas like sea. These scenarios are a huge concern for the safety of people as well as stability.

7. RECEPTION AND REVIEWS

Although Project Loon has generally been well received, some concerns about signal interference were

raised by the SKA (Square Kilometer Array) project developers and astronomers who believe that the

lower end of the two ISM bands that Google loon uses will interfere with the mid-band frequency range

used in the SKA project.

Bill Gates: When you are dying of malaria, I suppose you will look up and see that balloon, and I am not

sure how it will help you. When kid get diarrhea, there is no website that relieves that.”(09-08-2013) [4]

Mark Zuckerberg: “We're doing experiments on helping different people connect and so is Google with

balloons while we're working on planes and satellites, but I think that's actually at the fringe of the real

work going on. 90% of people in the world already live within range of a network and the real work

happens here [with traditional telecom].”(MVC 2015 03-03-2015) [7]

Barack Obama: “Change is going to happen, Google as one of the first companies about to make the

internet a reality for more and more people in the country.”(ABC News 21-03-2016) [8]

Narendra Modi: “Impressed by Google's flagship Project Loon - that takes internet to the remote and

inaccessible areas. It has multiple uses like long distance education, rural schools and

telemedicine.”(Washington 30-09-2015) [6]

Sundar Pichai: “When a natural disaster hits, people often get no network coverage, as it happened in

Chennai as well. Project Loon is focused on providing connectivity in rural areas, and we can use software



to position these balloons to areas where there’s no coverage or network capacity is less.” (The Hindu

17/12/2015) [5]

8. INCIDENTS

The incidents of Google loon are as follows. [2]

Google loon balloon crashed in power lines in Washington, United States. (May 2014)

New Zealand officials briefly scrambled Emergency Services personnel when a Google loon balloon came

down. (20 June 2014)

South African farmer found a crashed Google loon balloon in the Karoo desert between Strydenburg and

Britstown. (November 2014)

Google loon balloon crashed in a field near Bragg City, Missouri. (23 April 2015) Google loon balloon

crash landed in the front lawn of a residence on Rancho Hills, Chino Hills, CA. (September 12, 2015)

Google loon balloon crashed tea-growing region of Gampola, Sri Lanka while carrying out tests. (17

February 2016)

Google loon balloon landed on a farm in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. (April 7, 2016)

Google loon balloon crashed in a field in the Neembucu department, Paraguay. (April 22, 2016)

9. CONCLUSION

There is near about 69% comment is in the favor of Google loons. so far as I think it would be great

Success of this Project in Future. And we hope Google balloons could become an option for connecting

remote areas, rural areas and undeserved areas, and it will help in communications after natural disasters.

Google loon can be helpful in different areas i.e. as follows.

Information: Information is easily available in the history of this planet, everything is just a two clicks

away, from any corner of the world you are in.

Education: In this huge world, there are millions of poor children who haven’t even heard the word

‘school.’ Google loon has the potential to become a school on the air for the under privileged.

Medicine: Health and hygiene information can be easily available to the people who haven’t even heard of

the word doctor.

Collaboration: Connecting with the remote and rural countries and inaccessible terrains will no longer be

impossible. It will eliminate the need to lay down cables in those areas, and live weather forecast reports in

such areas would be of a great help to the locals there.

REFERENCES

[1] www.Google.com/loon/ [01-05-2016 / 10:45AM]

[2] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Loon [24-04-2016 / 01:50PM]

[3] www.youtube.com/watch?v=m96tYpEA [08-05-2016/11:00AM]

[4] www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/aug/ 09/bill-gates-Google-project-loon [20-05-2016 / 11:45PM]

[5] www.thehindu.com/news/national/chennai-floods-Google-ceo-sundar-pichai-pitches-project- loon-for-

connectivity/article7997667.ece [20-05-2016 / 02:15PM]

[6] www.ndtv.com/india-news/Googles-flagship-project-loon-impresses-pm-modi-1224673 [20-05-2016 /

01:40PM]

[7] www.smh.com.au/technology/mark-zuckerberg-shuns-Googles-project-loon-to-focus-on-real-work-

20150302-13t9ii.html [20-05-2016 / 11:45PM]

[8] http://9to5Google.com/2016/03/21/obama-Google-internet-cuba/ [20-05-2016 / 01:00PM]

[9] www.youtube.com/user/ProjectLoon [08-05-2016 / 02:00AM]

[10] http://www.ranjaykrishna.com/blog/project-loon [15-05-2016 / 11:45PM]

ijcet 07 04 006 - iaeme...project loon is a google x research and development project with the...

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