news.volyx.in

Start your own Internet Resiliency Club (bowshock.nl)

579 points by todsacerdoti · 409 days ago · 340 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the importance of preparing for internet disruptions due to war, geopolitics, and climate change, and proposes the formation of Internet Resiliency Clubs, which are groups of volunteers who can communicate with each other using LoRa radios and Meshtastic software. These clubs can help restore internet connectivity in the event of a crisis. The article provides a quick-start guide for forming such a club and recommends specific hardware and software for use. The goal is to create a network of volunteers who can provide initial leadership to bootstrap recovery in the event of a disaster.

Main themes

  • Internet Resiliency
  • Emergency Communication
  • LoRa and Meshtastic
  • APRS and Satellite Communication
  • Radio Licensing and Regulation
  • Meshcore and Alternative Technologies
  • Disaster Preparedness and Response

What commenters say

  • Some commenters argue that LoRa is not a reliable option for emergency communication due to its limited bandwidth and range.
  • Others propose using APRS over satellite connections as a more reliable alternative for sending text messages in emergency situations.
  • There is disagreement over whether a radio license is required to operate certain devices in emergency situations, with some arguing that it is not necessary and others stating that it is still required.
  • Some commenters suggest that having a walkie-talkie capable of talking with satellites and other stations is more useful than a LoRa device for emergency communication.
  • The use of Meshcore as an alternative to Meshtastic is also discussed, with some arguing that it is more reliable and others stating that it has limitations such as not having integrated positional data.
  • Practicing and having experience with radio equipment is considered important for effective use in emergency situations.
  • The limitations of LoRa and other technologies in terms of scalability and reliability are highlighted as potential issues in large-scale emergency situations.