The open-source Project OWL initiative today announced a major update to its ClusterDuck Protocol that can be used to establish an internet connection during emergencies when normal connectivity has been disrupted.

Project OWL, which stands for Organization, Whereabouts and Logistics, was the winner of IBM Corp.’s inaugural Call for Code Challenge in 2018. Its idea was for an emergency mesh network built using open-source devices called “DuckLinks” that help to establish internet connectivity in the event of an emergency that takes out normal communications.

One of the worst things about being in a disaster zone is that communication links tend to fall apart, and that can cause major headaches for both first responders and anyone who is in trouble and needs help.

DuckLinks are Wi-Fi-enabled devices that can be deployed rapidly in disaster areas to help re-establish connectivity and facilitate communications for emergency workers. The water-resistant devices, which can be either solar- or battery-powered, work by creating a local area network that powers up a Wi-Fi captive portal using low-frequency Long-range Radio, or LoRa. LoRa has a range of around 10 kilometers, which is greater than standard cellular networks.

Once connectivity has been established, the DuckLinks create an emergency mesh network that can be accessed by any Wi-Fi device within its range. So both emergency workers and people who need help will be able to use it.

Meanwhile, the ClusterDuck Protocol is firmware that can transform any wireless device into a DuckLink. It’s this firmware that’s the focus of most of Project OWL’s ongoing efforts.

With today’s update, announced on IBM’s developer blog, Project OWL is launching its new Duck Management System Lite Dashboard. Serving as an offline data collection platform for the ClusterDuck Protocol, it enables a mesh network to be viewed in a web browser, so network activity can be visualized.

ClusterDuck version 2 also adds in a refactored object-oriented database that supports additional hardware, meaning new types of devices can be transformed into DuckLinks. “Developers can extend and add their own hardware to fill the roles in the mesh network depending on what they have, or prefer to use,” Project OWL Chief Executive Bryan Knouse wrote.

There’s also a new Android app in the release that can be downloaded by local authorities, first responders and anyone else affected by an emergency situation. The app enables Bluetooth connectivity to a nearby Duck device instead of connecting to a local Wi-Fi point. That will provide stronger connectivity and use less power, giving emergency responders a more stable and long-lasting communication channel.

Finally, the ClusterDuck protocol has been updated to make it more efficient and reliable during adverse conditions. It also adds support for additional transport options such as satellite connectivity.

“Developers who are new to the project will have a more seamless experience thanks to the added capabilities,” Knouse said. “With faster and easier access to the open source technology, we hope more individuals around the world can get involved, build their own networks, and continue to build the protocol with us as we try to bring connectivity to the people and places that need it most.”

Photo: Project OWL