Applications and Implications

What will it do?

My final project is an Emergency modular wifi mesh network. The idea is to setup a node that can use the mesh network protocol, this results in a modular network that grows as more nodes are added. This node is capable of providing internet or intranet fo large areas (depends on the numbers of nodes), also can get real-time data from the territory, cause it publishes sensor data trough web platform. This platform can help to reveal the state of a catastrophe cause the users could alert authorities and others neighbors even if the power and internet are down, cause it is completely autonomous, it have its own web server, solar energy, and other sensors and actuators like lights alerts. When the nodes can`t connect to the internet it works as intranet, that means users can connect each other and share data on real time.

Who's done what beforehand?

The mesh routing protocol has been used to build a countless number of community networks, these can be seen in various places around the world, especially in hard to reach places, such as "El Tigre, Mar del Plata, Argentina". My use a firmware that makes common wifi routers in mesh network node by rewriting the original factory firmware. In particular, I Use a firmware called "Quick Mesh project" that implements a protocol called BMX6. There are various mesh routing protocols, I could know about them because every year there is a meeting called "Battle mesh network" where people from all over the world discuss and try different mesh protocols. CJDNS is another very interesting project, led by Caleb James DeLisle, and currently in use in Hyperboria, a mesh network with about 500 nodes. Mesh networks applied to emergencies are not so developed, there are some examples but are not for this purpose or no development in the area of ​​hardware.

What materials and components will be required?

The project is divided into three parts, structure, energy and electronics. The structure is composed of aluminum tubes, connecting pieces of wood and 3D printed parts. Steel cables are used to stay upright. Energy independence is achieved by a solar panel 50w one deep cycle battery and a PWM current regulator . The electronic part is the most complex and consists of a wireless router a raspberry as web server, an Arduino as input and control board lights that developed in my final project.

Where will they come from?

The energy part is provided by a university colleague of the department of mechanics. So I could conclude the parts are of Chinese origin. The structural part has parts that were manufactured in the FabLab with domestic wood and imported aluminum. The 3D plastic also comes from China. The electronic hardware purchased comes directly from China, the PCB manufactured for my final project and all its components have different origins, but I have the intuition that most are Chinese too.

How much will it cost?

What parts and systems will be made?

During the project implementation, I will build two parts, the structure and control wireless lights. The other parts will be bought, borrowed or are materials that had beforehand. The most important thing is the final project electronics from design to programming and testing. On the other hand, one of the difficult tasks was to understand and modify the router for the mesh protocol, long time trial and errors trying to change the firmware of the router and flash them to its original state in the event that will not work.

What processes will be used?

The processes used to carry out the final project were: 3D, milling wood printing and copper plates, laser cutting, 3D design, electronics design, interface design, programming GUI, programming microcontrollers, modification of electronics , welding, electronics and many manual operations such as cutting and sanding.

What tasks need to be completed?

During the development of the course investigated and implemented three nodes or routers with wireless mesh protocol, thanks to "Quick mesh project" which make available firmware images for many devices with preinstalled BMX6. Then I build the structure that will receive all components, and finally prototyping, design and manufacturing the end PCB that controls the lights of the antenna. The web server and the sensors were implemented during the execution of the course.

What questions need to be answered?

Is the mesh node truly autonomous ?
Can it run unattended?
Can it run for days, the hardware is reliable?
With this part of the spiral, it can be projected further integration of the components?
The electronics fabricated in FabLab are robust and durable?
Is it intuitive to use?
The mesh protocol used really work?
What range have the network with the first three nodes?
Can You increase the range?
How many customers may have each node?

What is the schedule?

Configure routers with the mesh protocol
Configure the server to connect to the router raspberry and to program them from a computer
Commissioning of sensors
Commissioning of the solar panel
Manufacture and assembly of the structure
Assemble and test solar energy
GUI program that brings together all the components for any user
Designing the wireless controller lights
Prototype controller lights and get the final schematic
PCB design, milling and welding all components
Program and test control lights with end voltages
Documenting all steps
Try it all work at the same time in one place

How will it be evaluated?

Measuring the connectivity while placing and removing network nodes
Proving all parts of the installed system at the same time using the GUI
Testing the ease of handling by a third
By measuring their energy consumption
By measuring the scope and speed of data transmission