Community link, bridging the digital divide through DePIN

Intro

Community Link was born from a simple vision: to bring reliable internet access to communities that lack connectivity. By leveraging telecommunication and WiFi mesh networks along with cooperative models, we’re working to create sustainable solutions that empower rural communities to connect with the broader world.

community-link-simcard

The challenge: 4G or WiFi and the layers of complexity

Our journey began with an exploration of telecommunications infrastructure. Initially, we focused on 4G/5G connectivity using open-source tools like MagmaCore. However, we quickly encountered significant challenges:

  • Compatibility issues between devices
  • Varying radio frequency requirements
  • Complex SIM card management
  • High deployment costs

 

After 4 months of testing, we pivoted to WiFi mesh networks. This approach offered:

  • More affordable hardware
  • Simpler deployment requirements
  • Greater community ownership potential
  • Lower technical barriers

 

One crucial insight from research in the context of Uganda was something we hadn’t initially considered: reliable electricity. Without consistent power, even the most innovative connectivity solutions cannot function. This realization shaped our subsequent approach to ensure that our solutions address fundamental infrastructure needs.

Our purpose: What are we trying to break through?

What distinguishes Community Link from other decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) projects is our community-centered approach. We recognized early on that technology alone doesn’t bridge divides—people do.

 

Rather than imposing solutions from the top down, we partnered with established community organizations already working on digital inclusion. Through these collaborations, we gained valuable insights into the real challenges communities face, particularly around sustainability.

 

Our model enables community members to:

  • Contribute to network maintenance
  • Earn community tokens for their participation
  • Access the internet at reduced or no cost
  • Build local digital economies

 

With reliable internet access, students can pursue online education, farmers can connect directly with markets, and entrepreneurs can develop digital businesses—all contributing to community self-sufficiency.

 

The prototype

Once we decided on the Wi-Fi mesh approach, the team focused on identifying affordable access points and Wi-Fi routers that can be easily purchased locally in Africa, with Uganda as our initial target market.

We implemented the following technology stack:

  • OpenWISP for network management
  • Captive Portal (pfSense) for access control
  • RADIUS protocol (freeRadius) for authentication
  • Community Link Token Gated Portal (utilizing smart contracts from Unlock Protocol)

 

Here are some photos of prototype sites and setups. We would also like to send our appreciation for all these open source projects that aim to solve the same problems as we do.

 

Prototype site plan
Hardware flow

 

Unlocking the possibilities

As we developed the project, we discovered additional applications for our technology:

Campground Connectivity: Providing optional internet access in remote recreational areas, allowing people to disconnect from daily routines while maintaining communication when needed.

Privacy-Focused WiFi Cafés: Enabling business owners to offer internet services with enhanced privacy, using wallet addresses rather than device IPs for transactions.

 

Open for exploration and collaboration

Community Link has been our most challenging project of 2024. We spent three months researching user needs and testing feasibility, pivoted our approach in the fourth month, and completed a proof of concept by the end of August.

Our work has attracted interest from groups in Myanmar facing internet access challenges for essential communications. We remain open to further collaboration and development of these solutions.

If you’re interested in discussing potential applications or contributing to this initiative, we welcome your thoughts and ideas as we continue to explore ways to bridge the digital divide.

 

Resources

 

Contributors

  • Jeremie P. – Tech team lead
  • Javier – Wifi & Magma specialist
  • Marco – Connectivity & cryptography
  • Geeloko – Smart contract
  • Seb – Market & geography research
  • Chiali – Product direction
  • Community token, DePin, Economic

Daisy, a privacy-preserving platform for information transparency in journalism.