After a disaster has occurred, interruptions to critical communications services are common, as Internet connections and electricity are disrupted. To help minimize these disruption, mesh networks offer an alternative. Consisting of multiple nodes, frequently operating via WiFi or Bluetooth, these networks offer both access and redundancy, as users can access them from a wide variety of locations.
While not necessarily suitable for a major organization looking to move large volumes of data, these networks can provide significant support for smaller groups, and can even be set up to be independent of the electrical grid, instead using solar power to charge and operate.
After Hurricane Sandy hit New York City, the neighborhood of Red Hook in Brooklyn set up such a mesh network, allowing locals without power to send texts indicating their locations and needs. The network continues to exist, with 35 distinct nodes, of which five are currently solar powered. “We aim to keep the network running and hosting various messages and updates during its log on splash page,” said Javier Lopez, chief strategy officer of the Red Hook Initiative. “Once logged on they will be [able to] go to school, work, play, connect to family (just like any normal connection).”
Source:
https://cointelegraph.com/news/when-disaster-strikes-decentralized-tech-a-safety-mesh-from-blackouts
