Subnodes is an open source project that enables people to easily set up a mesh node and wireless access point for serving content. This project is an initiative focused on streamlining the process of setting up a Raspberry Pi as a wireless access point for distributing content, media, and shared digital experiences. The device behaves as a web server, creating its own local area network, and does not connect with the internet. This is key for the sake of offering a space where people can communicate anonymously and freely, as well as maximizing the portability of the network (no dependibility on an internet connection means the device can be taken and remain active anywhere).

The device will also be a BATMAN Advanced mesh node, enabling it to join with other nearby BATMAN nodes into a greater mesh network, extending range and making it possible to exchange information with each other. Support for Subnodes has been provided by Eyebeam. This code is published under the AGPLv3.

Assuming you are starting with a fresh Rasbian install on your SD card, these are the steps for installing subnodes on your Raspberry Pi. It is also assumed that you have two wireless USB adapters attached to your RPi. They both must be running the nl80211 driver.

• set up your Raspberry Pi with a basic configuration

    sudo raspi-config
  

• update apt-get

    sudo apt-get update
  

• make a directory for your web apps (optional, but suggested)

    mkdir www && cd www
  

• install git

    sudo apt-get install git-core
  

• clone the repository into your www folder

    git clone https://github.com/chootka/subnodes.git
  

• run the installation script

    cd subnodes/scripts
    sudo ./configure.sh
  

The installation process takes about 15 minutes. After it has completed, you will have a running BATMAN Advanced mesh node and will be broadcasting a wireless local area network named subnodes. Connecting to the network and navigating to a browser page will redirect you to http://www.hotprobs.com, where a node.js chat client will be running.

From here, fork, build, share your ideas, and have fun!

• subnodes website
• Raspberry Pi
• eyebeam