Building Internet Resilience: Preparing for Communication Disruptions

Building Internet Resilience: Preparing for Communication Disruptions

Geopolitical instability, climate change, and other factors point to an increasing risk of communication failures. While large-scale infrastructural improvements are slow to materialize, grassroots efforts can provide crucial support in restoring connectivity during crises.

The Internet Resiliency Club Concept

An Internet Resiliency Club comprises individuals with networking expertise who can communicate over short distances without relying on centralized infrastructure. Using inexpensive, low-power radios and open-source messaging software, these groups can establish independent communication channels.

Why This Matters

The Dutch government's cloud-based "emergency communications" system might not function during widespread outages. The concept is to implement the communications equivalent of a “black start” of the electrical grid.

Crisis Engineering and Personal Action

The principle of crisis engineering suggests that organizations often resist preparing for crises until they are actively unfolding. Individual action and preparedness are therefore essential.

Forming an Internet Resiliency Club

Creating a local Internet Resiliency Club involves:

1. Gathering a group of technically inclined individuals within a ~10 km radius.
2. Establishing a standard communication method for normal times (e.g., Signal, Matrix, email).
3. Equipping members with LoRa (Long Range) radios and power banks.
4. Installing Meshtastic firmware on the LoRa radios.
5. Selecting a shared LoRa channel.
6. Organizing meetups and practicing communication over the Meshtastic network.

LoRa Radios: A Practical Solution

LoRa radios offer advantages for emergency communication:

• Low power consumption (can be powered by a mobile phone power bank).
• Open-source Meshtastic firmware.
• Ability to send text messages over multiple hops (several kilometers).
• Connectivity via Bluetooth or WiFi to phones/computers.
• Potential integration with existing Meshtastic networks in urban areas.

While ham radio offers higher bandwidth and longer range, it requires more training, licensing, and power. Ideally, both technologies would be available.

LoRa utilizes a proprietary technique for low bit-rate radio messages, while Meshtastic is open-source firmware that enables mesh networking between LoRa nodes.

Hardware Recommendations

• Heltec V3: A budget-friendly option with WiFi/Bluetooth and an OLED display. Requires a separate power bank and phone/computer for sending messages.
• LILYGO T-Echo: A ready-to-use handheld device with a case, built-in battery, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Firmware and Configuration

Flashing (installing) the Meshtastic firmware on LoRa boards is relatively straightforward.

In Europe, LoRa operates on 868 MHz. It uses channels, which are streams of messages using the same encryption key and channel name. Devices share a default primary channel and can be configured with secondary channels for specific groups.

Collaboration is Key

The best preparation involves practicing communication and teamwork before a crisis occurs. Regular meetups and activities can foster cohesion and effectiveness within the group.

By proactively establishing Internet Resiliency Clubs, communities can enhance their ability to communicate and coordinate during challenging circumstances. Which measures are you implementing to prepare yourself for future events?

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