a low-cost, solar-powered users map out / organize...
TRANSCRIPT
A low-cost, solar-powered WiFi mesh platform to let users map out / organize / access resources in their neighborhood, for semi-casual use during disaster recovery … and normal life.
That is, a sunny day without the Cloud.
The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, Berlin 2013Wirelesssummit.org
An example deployment:
● 20 rooftop nodes scattered across 1 sq. km neighborhood.● 2 of the nodes include low-power webserver (primary and backup) to run Tidepools and / or similar, hyper-local social mapping tool.● Some nodes also have excess battery to support 5V USB charging ports at ground level.● 1 node has Internet backhaul, whether wired or relay to satellite / 4G / etc.
The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, Berlin 2013Wirelesssummit.org
A webserver? – Yes! Imagine a souped-up raspBerry PI running Debian!
A mesh would have 2 nodes with webservers, for primary and backup failover.
● CubieBoard: 1GHz CPU / 1GB RAM● Android MK808 mini-PC: 1.6GHz CPU / 1GB RAM● … and others candidates.
The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, Berlin 2013Wirelesssummit.org
A USB charging port?
To facilitate use during electricity outages, select nodes provisioned with 200% battery capacity, and a USB charging station at ground level.
Onboard raspBerry PI could enable charge ports only during electricity outage, enforce 20min charge time limits, etc.
The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, Berlin 2013Wirelesssummit.org
Tidepools and other Social Apps?
● OpenStreetMaps data to provide draggable, clickable map where people can locate resources.● Promote local events and activities to encourage community to populate map before disaster.● Messaging / Etherpad apps for sharing notes.● Promote use of QR codes to share URLs between handsets.
The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, Berlin 2013Wirelesssummit.org
Estimated Solar Power Budget?
● WiFi AP = 10W (all nodes)● Backhaul = 15W (some nodes)● CubieBoard = 15W (some nodes)
So, most nodes use only 10W; small subset of nodes use ~30-50W. USB charging, etc would use more. Size nodes' panel & battery appropriately.
The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, Berlin 2013Wirelesssummit.org
So what could a node look like?
● Single AP, e.g. Ubiquiti Nanostation.● Some nodes have 2nd AP for backhaul.● Fully pre-assembled rig that you hoist into place quickly, add ballast.● Sturdy metal construction with tripod and enclosure for webserver / charging gear.● Lots of concrete ballast to resist wind.● Solar panel mounted very low to base, pointed South (no panel steering).
The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, Berlin 2013Wirelesssummit.org
Any Questions?
More Info:http://gowasabi.net/content/sunflower-mesh
Danke!
The International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, Berlin 2013Wirelesssummit.org