Firechat IM app harnesses wireless mesh networks

I would love to know how this works at a technical level?

Does this require that users all have Wifi? How does the SSID connection work?

I presume that if users are in a public area they are already connected to a wifi hotspot (access point) so wouldn't automatically look to connect to other wifi users?

In order to be a mesh provider, a phone would simultaneously have to become an AP for one users, and a connection for another user. Or is there another peering protocol on Wifi at play?
 
entrepr said:
I would love to know how this works at a technical level?

Does this require that users all have Wifi? How does the SSID connection work?

I presume that if users are in a public area they are already connected to a wifi hotspot (access point) so wouldn't automatically look to connect to other wifi users?

In order to be a mesh provider, a phone would simultaneously have to become an AP for one users, and a connection for another user. Or is there another peering protocol on Wifi at play?
Click to expand...

https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/MultipeerConnectivity/Reference/MultipeerConnectivityFramework/Introduction/Introduction.html

And a less technical version

http://www.wired.com/2014/03/apple-multipeer-connectivity/
 
The technique might someday be used to tie together thousands of devices with built-in radios and make it possible to be online without having to pay for the access. It could also enable online communications in remote areas or disaster zones without Wi-Fi or cellular signals. Furthermore, the conversations in these so-called “off-the-grid” networks can’t be easily hacked into by spies and mischief makers or shut down by governments trying to stifle free speech.
Click to expand...

Nice. These type of apps will become the new "alternate" internet...
 
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