The power failure has clearly indicated that we cannot depend on WhatsApp. These messaging applications even work without internet

Although we have already been able to return to normal, The power failure last Monday left us Mark. Unless we have a radio or a phone with an FM chip and cable headphones, it is complicated that we are aware of what was going on. Needless to say, communicate with our loved ones, because the lightning of telecommunications joined the light failure.

Without cover or internet (both at home and with regard to data), knowing how or where our loved ones were impossible. This is a test and an opinion that We cannot depend only on messaging applications like WhatsApp Or Telegram, who, although most of the time work, become unusable in a scene like last Monday.

This opinion and this imprint that the power failure has left us can serve us as a foot to have a survival kit or have our phone as the best prepared for another failure. The good news is that we can use our phone in several ways Communicate even without internetEither our main or an old smartphone that we have with us.

How do this type of applications work?

The applications we are used to, such as WhatsApp, Telegram or even social networks, depend a lot on the internet. This, as users, can leave us in the stake in a scene like the breakdown. Now we have several characteristics of mobile phones that we can take to communicate even without connection:

• Bluetooth: It allows us to communicate with other mobile phones on a radius that goes between 10 and 100 meters (depending on the version of this).
• Direct wifi: Thanks to this, we may have a direct connection without an access point.

It is without having to buy or modify any component of our mobile phone, Although there are alternatives. There are devices that we can connect to smartphones so that they have other connectivity systems such as radiofrequency, thanks to what communication would be possible for kilometers.

Thanks to this, it would be possible to create P2P connections, which are direct between one device or another. In addition, we can also generate a kind of network mesh or network network, a more common system in houses to transport wifi or connection to any corner, but also The scope of the connection would increase considerably When you use each device as a node.

The use of these applications is more than proven

Here in Europe, it is very likely that we did not know this type of applications because we did not really face a situation like the power failure before. In other countries, either because they are more likely to suffer from extreme climatic events, from this type delay, Yes they are better known. In fact, they were used in scenarios in the most varied world.

For example, in 2019, during Hong Kong demonstrations, an application called Bridgefy was used (we will talk about it later.). Thanks to the same thing, the demonstrators have reached Maintain fluid and constant communicationall to avoid monitoring of the authorities.

In addition, also when natural disasters have occurred. Another option to communicate without internet or coverage, Gotenna, was used during Hurricane María in Puerto Rico in 2017. Thanks to the same thing, the rescue teams were able to coordinate their operations When the internet coverage and connection collapsed.

Messaging applications that work without internet

There are several applications to be communicated without connection. Now we must highlight an important aspect: They are not interchangeable with each other. This means that in this aspect, they look like WhatsApp, because they only allow us to talk to users who have the same application.

Heather

One of the most used applications for this type of functions is to brew. In addition to offering encrypted end -to -end communications and a completely free service, this application also allows us to communicate Via Bluetoot WiFi Direct With users nearby.

Using it is very simple::

• We can download it from two places: FD-DOROT or Google Play Store.
• Once we have installed it, we have to register. We will only have to introduce a name and a password (no mobile or mail).
• To add contacts, simply scan a QR code that appears inside the application itself.

Benefits::

• It has extreme encryption, which gives it an additional safety layer.
• It is totally decentralized.
• He does not follow the user or does not ask that we enter personal data.

Disadvantage::

• It is only available for Android users
• Its scope is not too long, because it only authorizes P2P connections.

Bridgefy

Another internet communication alternative is Bridgefy, which works in a different way from the previous one. In this case, although it also allows you to send messages by Bluetooth, Create a network of mesh This allows messages to use users as a nodes to go further.

How to use it::

• The application is installed in this case of Google Play Store, although it is also available in the App Store.
• To register, we must use a Gmail account.
• We can send messages directly. If we are not within the reach of Bluetooth, we can use other users such as nodes to arrive.

Benefits::

• The installation and its interface are very simple.
• It is available for Android and iOS.

Disadvantage::

• He does not offer the same security as Briar, although he is in a scenario like the power failure, he may be less important.

Priest

With the previous ones, we have the open source Meshtastic project. It is a more complex proposal, since Mix mobile applications with Lora radiofrequency devices. Thanks to this, it allows you to send data and messages for several kilometers, all without depending on the internet or the network. Now, we are also forcing ourselves to have a radiofrequency device of this type.

How does it work::

• We have to install the application on our device. It is available on F-Droid or directly in the App Store.
• Then we have to connect the phone to the Lora device we have.
• Thanks to this, we can send messages to devices with a nearby mesh or transmit them until they reach their destination.
• Also configure a private network and send messages via the Lora network.

Benefits::

• Its scope is much greater than the other applications above.
• It is very customizable, which is very pro-user.
• Its developers constantly offer improvements.

Disadvantage::

• It is not for everyone because it requires technical knowledge.
• It is mandatory to acquire a Lora device to make it work.
• In addition, it requires batteries and maintenance.

Gotenna Mesh

The last of the alternatives is the most “exclusive”. Gotenna Mesh is a gadget that is marketed in the form of brand exclusive to the brand, creating an encrypted network that can work even in distant areas. This can already involve a reality: This is the most expensive option on this list.

How to use it::

• The first thing is to buy Gotanna Mesh devices.
• Install the OPP Gotanna on your mobile.
• As a precedent, you must match the mobile and the device.
• Create an identifier (GID) and configure your profile.
• Start sending messages and share locations even without mobile coverage.

Benefits::

• Its range is several kilometers
• Beyond the previous configuration, it is very easy to use.

Disadvantage::

• The main problem is its cost.
• Also the availability of devices.

Useful tips for these applications to work as well as possible

1. Do not wait for a power failure to try them: The ideal is to download these applications already, because trying to put them in a scenario like The Last Blackout can be very complicated.
2. Periodic test: In this way, you can make sure they work well. Both in your device and in your friends or family.
3. Not just you downloaded it: As we have already said, these applications are not interchangeable. If we seek to communicate in a scenario where there is neither the Internet nor the coverage, the other or other people must also have it on the mobile.
4. Always have external batteries or power banks: Without light, the battery of a phone is worth gold. The best thing we can do is have a lot to recharge it, although there are always ways to load a mobile during a power failure.
5. They cannot replace WhatsApp or Telegram: They work and serve does not mean that we must automatically get rid of the most common messaging applications.

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