Grey-Box: Extending Wireless Connectivity with Project Mesh Grey-Box is a social innovation startup dedicated to addressing global challenges through technology. [More about the company here: https://www.grey-box.ca/] Project Mesh is our latest initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity in low-connectivity areas. Project Mesh is an application that enables Android devices to connect to each other and send files and messages over long distances without requiring internet connectivity. Project Mesh integrates and enhances networking capabilities in low connectivity areas, presenting developers and NGOs with new opportunities for features such as text communication between wireless clients, document sharing, or sharing an internet connection. The project aims to extend the wireless reach of low-cost, non-mobile Android devices by configuring them to network cooperatively. This will allow wirelessly-enabled devices to autonomously discover and connect with similarly configured devices within range. The developed capabilities will be integrated with Grey-box’s UNI Android app. Project Mesh will also set the stage for developing software features that will utilize the mesh for new functionality. This will increase the amount of content available to users and provide a framework for offering new functionalities. The Challenge: Connectivity issues in low-connectivity areas can significantly hinder communication and access to information. Project Mesh addresses this by developing a mesh networking solution that allows wirelessly-enabled Android devices to autonomously discover and connect with similarly configured devices within range. This enhances the availability of content and provides a framework for offering new functionalities.

Students will be responsible for delivering the following artifacts by the end of the two-semester sequence: -Improved UX of the Android Application: Enhance the user interface to make it more user-friendly for field workers. -Improved Mesh Network Management: Develop better network management capabilities to ensure reliable connections. -Integration of Security Measures: Implement security features to protect data and ensure secure communication. -Local Cache Integration: Develop a local cache system for sending messages and files when the container is offline. -Technical Dashboard for Mesh Network: Create a dashboard to monitor and manage the mesh network effectively. -Documentation: Comprehensive documentation of the application, including installation and usage guidelines. -Research Findings: A report detailing the research findings, model evaluations, and future recommendations.