Collapse-resistant Mesh Networking

Summary

I want to build a super simple mesh-network, for a theoretical post-collapse world. I mean collapse as in major infrastructure failing to provide support anymore, so what most people would call off-grid (i guess i have CollapseOS brianrot :3 ¹). Ideally this would support many forms of interaction, so it could work even if people lost acess to phones. Some previous work I am inspired by is:

• meshtastic
• disaster.radio
• LOW←TECH MAGAZINE’s solar website

Plan

1. Research actual networking solutions.
2. Get a serial-based version working.
3. Optimize power usage and online-offline transition
4. Build a web interface.
   • Probably using something like https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-web-server-arduino-ide/ and a small HTML framework I am currently working on
5. Test at a larger scale.
6. Deployment at my school!

Hardware usage summary:

• LILYGO® TTGO US(915MHz) x 3: These are ESP32s (IoT microprocessor) with included LoRa (Long Range) radios, with the right bands for FCC compliance
• TTL Serial USB Adapter, this is for the simple Serial-Based adapter for the network. TTL Serial is a common protocol, so almost every device supports it
• 5v 1.2w Solar Panel x 3: The LILYGOs have built-in charging circuits for 18650s, so I don’t need to worry about that. I do need a power source though, and given the target of easy off-grid use, solar seems like the best option
• 3.3-6v to 3.3v Buck Converter: This will jump the 5v power that the solar panels generate to the 3.3v power the TTGOs can handle
• 18650 Batteries x 3: These are just to add in to the TTGOs, so that they can power themselves without having a mains connection.

Budget