Mobile Ad Hoc Mesh Network
Serval Mesh, and it is free software that allows smart-phones to communicate, even in the face of catastrophic failure of cellular networks. Serval Mesh allows people to make voice calls, send text messages and share files with other Serval Mesh users, without requiring infrastructure like satellites, cell phone towers, Wi-Fi hot spots, or radio repeaters. The primary motivation is to provide resilient communications during crisis and disaster situations, when vulnerable infrastructure like phone cell towers and mains electricity are cut off. Serval Mesh is also useful for remote communities who lack conventional telephone services, small organisations who need an internal telephone system, and dissidents in oppressive countries that deny or monitor their citizens’ telecommunications.
Serval Mesh can use the Wi-Fi capabilities built into Android to connect with other devices within range. This requires a near by Access Point, or turning on the portable HotSpot feature of one device. On some device’s Serval Mesh can use Ad Hoc mode to communicate directly with other devices within range, allowing communications to be easily relayed over multiple hops. To do so requires root permission on the Android device.
Simply put, Serval is a telecommunications system comprised of at least two mobile phones that are able to work outside of regular mobile phone tower range due thanks to the Serval App and Serval Mesh. Some of the most exciting benefits of this are:
Communicate anytime
Mobile phones stop working when cellular infrastructure fails. The Serval Mesh changes this, allowing mobile phones to form impromptu networks consisting only of phones. This allows people nearby to keep communicating when needed most.
Communicate anywhere
Cellular networks are not available everywhere. In Australia for example, around 75% of the land area lacks mobile coverage. Letting mobile phones form stand-alone networks provides a cost-effective solution for communities in these remote areas to enjoy mobile communications.
Communicate privately
In this modern world private conversation with friends, families and service providers is vital, whether discussing medical issues or other private subjects. The Serval Mesh is built on a foundation engineered to support security. Voice calls and text messages are always end-to-end encrypted using strong 256-bit ECC cryptography. Encrypted calls work even on low-cost Android phones.
Communicate with people
The Serval Mesh is about enabling people to communicate with one another, regardless of what circumstances may befall them, or where they live in the world. Because at the end of the day, relationship with one another is what life is all about.
Supported devices
The Supported Devices page lists all the Android devices that have been tried with Serval Mesh.
How to install
There are several ways to install on an Android device. You may EITHER:
Install the latest release from Google Play, OR
Download the latest release as an APK file, then install it on your device, OR
Download a release candidate or old release as an APK file, then install it on your device, OR
Build from the latest (unreleased) development source code
Once installed, refer to Serval Mesh installation notes for guidance through the installation process.
Software:
Is completely open and open-source; free for all
Can be carried and activated in seconds by those who need it when it is needed
Is carrier independent
Can be installed during an emergency from only one phone
Is distributed in nature making the network resilient
Can use your existing phone number
Encrypts mesh phone calls and mesh text messages by default
Can distribute pictures, videos and any other files
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