Next‐generation wireless communication technologies for improved disaster response and management

• Published in: ETRI journal Vol. 47; no. 3; pp. 375 - 392
• Main Authors: Song, Hwankyu, Chung, Jong‐Moon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) 01.06.2025; 한국전자통신연구원
• Subjects: 5G new radio; autonomous mobility; disaster response; next-generation wireless communication technology; vehicle‐to‐everything; 전자/정보통신공학
• ISSN: 1225-6463; 2233-7326
• DOI: 10.4218/etrij.2024-0546

This paper introduces next‐generation wireless communication technologies applicable to disaster response. With recent technological advances—such as 5G new radio vehicle‐to‐everything (NR‐V2X)—real‐time communication, decision‐making, and emergency operations can be enhanced through ultralow latency and high‐speed transmission. Additionally, several technologies—such as autonomous mobility, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT)‐based sensor networks—can improve rescue operations and mitigate human risks during disasters. Moreover, future communication technologies—including platooning, digital twins, and cell on wheels (COW)—can support situational awareness and rapid decision‐making in disaster environments. Consequently, we propose industrial applications and standardization strategies to effectively utilize next‐generation communication technologies for disaster response. Lastly, we analyze current wireless technologies and suggest future research directions for optimizing disaster preparedness and response. Nextߚgeneration wireless communication technologies are expected to revolutionize disaster response and management. In a new study, researchers from Yonsei University integrate numerous such technologies to come up with a novel disasterߚresponse communication framework. This innovation demonstrates ultraߚlow latency and highߚspeed data transmission, thus potentially paving the way for improved rescue operations, better situational awareness, quick decisionߚmaking in disaster environments, and human risk mitigation.