Finding Lost People Using Mobile Networks

In this paper, we explore the use of opportunistic networks in the context of locating missing persons within mobile networks. Opportunistic networks, characterized by their dynamic and ad-hoc nature, facilitate communication between devices without the need for a preestablished connection. The significance of this research stems from the alarming frequency of missing persons reports. While a substantial percentage are found within 24 hours, this time frame remains considerable for those separated from their loved ones. To address this issue, our paper introduces a mobile application that operates within opportunistic networks, obviating the need for an Internet connection. Each mobile device serves as a node, sharing location data with nearby devices to facilitate the search for missing individuals. The application employs protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi Direct, making it particularly suitable for densely populated areas. Furthermore, the system incorporates additional data such as contact history, user profiles, and social connections, to expedite the search process. In this paper, we thus present a theoretical approach for finding missing people using opportunistic networks, we then evaluate it through extensive simulations, and finally we present a proof-of-concept mobile application that can readily be used in such scenarios.