Localized Solar-Powered Resilient Communication System Using Wi-Fi Routers and Access Points with Integrated Smartphone Application through Raspberry Pi Chat Server

Wireless communications become unavailable due to power losses and natural disasters that disrupt power distribution. The study aims to create a localized resilient communication system that can maintain adequate service in the midst of disasters and power outages. An appropriate solar-powered mechanism was designed to maintain system operation, having an average switching time of 0.849 seconds. To establish communication among users, an Android smartphone application was integrated into the network, consisting of a TP-LINK WR840N wireless router and TP-LINK CPE220 access points, through a Raspberry Pi acting as a chat server. Testing shows that the system can route messages with a 100% accuracy with 16 maximum users simultaneously connected within a 140-m radius. While simulating power losses, the system exhibited a 0% chance of going down. The developed system is resilient enough to withstand power outages as well as maintain its normal operation under standard and disaster conditions. The study would be beneficial in disaster and risk mitigation as well as providing wireless communications to areas with little-to-no coverage.