Baculus is a template in how to build portable network provider that allows neighbors to communicate without any other infrastructure. It is a backpack with both local and long-range wifi, a solar/DC/AC chargeable battery, and a raspberry pi running an offline-first web application that syncs locally.

A simple build can run independent of power for up to 72 hours.

No node is special, and when any node goes down, a map alerts those nearby to ask them to move to a point where nodes can reconnect.

self contained - a literally transparent, waterproof backpack with room for people to modify to meet their own needs. All tools work fully on their own, with or without a larger network.

resiliant - the network asks humans for help repairing if a link goes down, by finding and directing where they should be placed.

friendly - the software design is minimal, allowing for communities to use in whatever way is most natural for themselves.

a buoy? - meant to be moveable by a single person when needed to fill gaps in network connectivity

communities define their own needs, with a simple message board based on scuttlebutt

repair infrastructure during disaster, since disconnected nodes discover connected nodes and direct people where it should be setup

answer who is where when disaster strikes

provide power and connectivity to help coordinate when needed

We is Jonathan Dahan and Ariel Cotton, with help from Corey Benninger, Brian Hall, Paul Pham, and many others.

Jonathan Dahan http://jonathan.is | http://jedahan.com | @jedahan

Ariel Cotton http://argoncobalt.com