FAQ: General FrogNet Architecture

We are a team of independent software developers headquartered in Burien, WA. Our company was built on the idea of creating open networks that don’t depend on the cloud, making it easy for anyone, regardless of their technical skills, to set up and manage their own off-grid networks.

A FrogNet is a network quite similar to the one you've got bringing "the Internet" to you already. However, there are significant differences between a FrogNet and a traditional network.

In the beginning, we developed a system using Windows that successfully ran the security system, a bunch of lights and sensors, and our home assistant in our founder's home for five years. About a year ago, we decided to shift the system to Linux, which opened up new possibilities for us.

Our first goal was to create a network similar to the one we had on Windows, and we accomplished that pretty quickly. However, as we continued to work, we saw a bigger opportunity. Instead of just a single network, we could build a network made up of several interconnected networks -- an Intranet. This turned out to be a more complicated task than we expected, but we rose to the challenge, and that’s how FrogNet came to be.

Now, a year later, we're deploying systems we couldn't have imagined at the start. We’ve tackled the challenges of network routing and have created tools that automatically share and update information about network connections across all linked networks.

In simpler terms, we can set up a private network anywhere, anytime, allowing people to connect without needing the Internet or traditional infrastructure. For those interested, all we needed to do was abandon the idea that top-level name servers were necessary. 

When it's connected to the Internet, you can do everything you do today, plus a lot more.  You can run everything from your security system to your smart lights to your media servers on an isolated network with no way to break into the network where you keep the laptop with the bank records and taxes.

FrogNet works without the Internet, so you can stream movies and music, support chat and calling, manage your important documents, keep track of your finances, and all the other services you're paying third parties for, but with FrogNet, it stays on your network, under your control, far away from prying eyes.

There are thousands of games you can play on the FrogNet, including Minecraft.  

Here is a partial list of games available:  

FrogNets were designed to join together.  To create a Network of FrogNets, just use the WiFi antenna on one to join the WiFi network projected by the other.

That's it.  Within 5 minutes, the two networks should be merged into a new FrogNet Network.

We don't know, and it's probably difficult to estimate, as it depends on the capabilities of the hardware involved.  While FrogNets will run on almost any computer and use practically any router, very large and complex networks will require more capable machines and stable routers.  This is an area of investigation for us.

The ability to create an offline network that connects to other offline networks represents a significant shift in how we think about building and managing networks today. This innovation can lead to exciting possibilities, like enabling a small town without reliable internet access to offer essential services online. These services could include telehealth, permits for construction, and library resources, making life easier for community members.

FrogNets use clever software tools to work across various types of devices and operating systems. This flexibility means FrogNet can run on a wide range of hardware, from small Raspberry Pi computers to powerful server machines. If a device can run Linux, chances are we can set it up as part of a FrogNet.

What’s truly revolutionary is that a single FrogNet—or even a group of them—can be portable. This means that wherever the central point of connection goes, the network can follow. It opens up incredible opportunities for researchers to set up mobile labs that can analyze data in real time from various sensors.

Imagine using an old laptop as a mini network hub or repurposing old routers sitting in drawers to create a FrogNet. This isn’t just another tech product; it’s a whole new approach to networking. It changes the game in how we connect and communicate.

This new way of networking is groundbreaking. Our aim is to empower everyone–yes, everyone- to set up a FrogNet wherever they like, allowing different FrogNets to connect with each other in various ways, all without needing an Internet connection.

To reach this goal, we have a limited number of ready-to-use systems, but you can also create your own FrogNet. We will provide instructions and a license for you to install the system on any spare equipment you have. For those who know how to install Linux on a computer and can get our files onto their devices, we've made the installation process straightforward, requiring just one step to set up everything you need.

The ability to create a local internet using old computers and routers is a game-changer. It allows isolated communities to connect and share resources, whether online or offline, or a mix of both.

What’s even more incredible is that FrogNets can be mobile. This means that a Command Post can move along with its leader, wherever they go. It also allows researchers to set up mobile labs that can analyze data from various sensors in real time.

This is not just another product; it’s a whole new way of thinking about networking. It could truly change the game.