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content:servalmesh:main_page [10/03/2014 17:44]
Andrew Bettison [How to install] simplify, remove link to old web site "software" page |
content:servalmesh:main_page [06/01/2015 08:04]
Andrew Bettison Release 0.92 |
| ====== Serval Mesh ====== | ====== Serval Mesh ====== |
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| {{ :content:technologies:screenshot-serval-mesh-0.90-main-screen.png?200|Screenshot of Serval Mesh 0.90 “Shiny” main screen}} [[:content:tech:serval_mesh|Serval Mesh]] is the Serval Project's flagship product. It is a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_open-source_software|free and open-source]] app for [[http://developer.android.com/about/versions/android-2.2-highlights.html|Android 2.2 “Froyo”]] and later, under continuous [[development|development]]. The latest official release of the Serval Mesh app is freely available from [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.servalproject&hl=en|Google Play]]. | {{ :content:technologies:screenshot-serval-mesh-0.92-main-screen.png?200|Screenshot of Serval Mesh pre-release 0.90 “Shiny” main screen}}[[:content:tech:serval_mesh|Serval Mesh]] is the Serval Project's flagship product. It is a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_open-source_software|free and open-source]] app for [[http://developer.android.com/about/versions/android-2.2-highlights.html|Android 2.2 “Froyo”]] and later, under continuous [[development|development]]. The latest official release of the Serval Mesh app is freely available from [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.servalproject&hl=en|Google Play]]. |
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| Serval Mesh allows people to make [[:content:tech:VoMP|voice calls]], send [[:content:tech:MeshMS|text messages]] and [[:content:tech:Rhizome|share files]] with other Serval Mesh users, without requiring infrastructure like satellites, cell phone towers, Wi-Fi hot spots, or radio repeaters. The primary motivation is to provide resilient communications during crisis and disaster situations, when vulnerable infrastructure like phone cell towers and mains electricity are cut off. Serval Mesh is also useful for remote communities who lack conventional telephone services, small organisations who need an internal telephone system, and dissidents in oppressive countries that deny or monitor their citizens' telecommunications. | Serval Mesh allows people to make [[:content:tech:VoMP|voice calls]], send [[:content:tech:MeshMS|text messages]] and [[:content:tech:Rhizome|share files]] with other Serval Mesh users, without requiring infrastructure like satellites, cell phone towers, Wi-Fi hot spots, or radio repeaters. The primary motivation is to provide resilient communications during crisis and disaster situations, when vulnerable infrastructure like phone cell towers and mains electricity are cut off. Serval Mesh is also useful for remote communities who lack conventional telephone services, small organisations who need an internal telephone system, and dissidents in oppressive countries that deny or monitor their citizens' telecommunications. |
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| Serval Mesh uses an Android device's [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi|Wi-Fi]] in [[http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wirelessfaqs/f/adhocwireless.htm|Ad Hoc]] mode to communicate directly with other devices within range. To do so requires [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_rooting|root permission]] on the Android device. On devices where root permission is not available, Serval Mesh can communicate using Wi-Fi in the normal //Client// mode, which requires an [[http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless/g/bldef_ap.htm|Access Point]] within range. Serval Mesh can use standard Internet connections such as [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3G|3G]] mobile data, home/office Wi-Fi router-modems, and wired networks (USB or Ethernet) to communicate with other devices. | Serval Mesh can use the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi|Wi-Fi]] capabilities built into Android to connect with other devices within range. This requires a near by [[http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless/g/bldef_ap.htm|Access Point]], or turning on the portable HotSpot feature of one device. On some device's Serval Mesh can use [[http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wirelessfaqs/f/adhocwireless.htm|Ad Hoc]] mode to communicate directly with other devices within range, allowing communications to be easily relayed over multiple hops. To do so requires [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_rooting|root permission]] on the Android device. |
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| ==== Supported devices ==== | ==== Supported devices ==== |
| ==== How to install ==== | ==== How to install ==== |
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| - [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.servalproject|Install the latest release from Google Play]] | There are several ways to install on an Android device. You may EITHER: |
| - [[http://developer.servalproject.org/files/serval.apk|Download the latest release]] as an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APK_(file_format)|APK file]], then [[:content:android:tips:install_apk|install it on your device]] | * [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.servalproject|Install the latest release from Google Play]], OR |
| - [[http://developer.servalproject.org/files/|Download a release candidate or old release]] as an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APK_(file_format)|APK file]], then [[:content:android:tips:install_apk|install it on your device]] | * [[http://developer.servalproject.org/files/serval.apk|Download the latest release]] as an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APK_(file_format)|APK file]], then [[:content:android:tips:install_apk|install it on your device]], OR |
| - [[development|Build from the latest (unreleased) development source code]] | * [[http://developer.servalproject.org/files/|Download a release candidate or old release]] as an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APK_(file_format)|APK file]], then [[:content:android:tips:install_apk|install it on your device]], OR |
| | * [[development|Build from the latest (unreleased) development source code]] |
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| Once installed, refer to [[installation|Serval Mesh installation notes]] for guidance through the installation process. | Once installed, refer to [[installation|Serval Mesh installation notes]] for guidance through the installation process. |
| ==== Current release ==== | ==== Current release ==== |
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| * [[.:releases:version_0_91|Version 0.91]] was released in July 2013 | * [[.:releases:version_0_92|Version 0.92]] was released in October 2014 |
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| ==== Next release ==== | ==== Next release ==== |
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| * [[.:releases:version_0_92|Version 0.92]] is currently in Beta testing | * [[.:releases:version_0_93|Version 0.93]] is currently under development |
| * if you [[Google Play Testing|register with Google Play as a Beta tester]], you can install and update the latest Beta version directly from [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.servalproject|Google Play]] | * if you [[Google Play Testing|register with Google Play as a Beta tester]], you can install and update the latest Beta version directly from [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.servalproject|Google Play]] |
| * http://developer.servalproject.org/files/unstable/ contains the latest Beta builds for those who don't agree to Google Play's terms of service | * http://developer.servalproject.org/files/beta/ contains the latest Beta builds for those who don't agree to Google Play's terms of service, or wish to side-load onto multiple devices |
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| ==== Forthcoming releases ==== | ==== Forthcoming releases ==== |
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| * Hotfix releases 0.92.1, 0.92.2, etc. might be made to correct any serious issues with [[.:releases:version_0_92|Version 0.92]] | * Hotfix releases 0.92.1, 0.92.2, etc. might be made to correct any serious issues with [[.:releases:version_0_92|Version 0.92]] |
| * Versions 0.93, 0.94 etc. interim releases might be made during the second half of 2014 | * Versions 0.93, 0.94 etc. interim releases might be made during 2015 |
| * [[.:releases:version_1_0|Version 1.0 “Showtime”]] is planned for eventual release | * [[.:releases:version_1_0|Version 1.0 “Showtime”]] is planned for eventual release |
| * [[:content:tech:]] lists features under consideration for 1.x and 2.x releases | * [[:content:tech:]] lists features under consideration for 1.x and 2.x releases |
| ==== Previous releases ==== | ==== Previous releases ==== |
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| | * [[.:releases:version_0_92|Version 0.92]] was released in October 2014 |
| * [[.:releases:version_0_91|Version 0.91]] was released in July 2013 | * [[.:releases:version_0_91|Version 0.91]] was released in July 2013 |
| * [[.:releases:version_0_90_1|Version 0.90.1]] was released in February 2013 to correct some serious issues in 0.90 “Shiny” | * [[.:releases:version_0_90_1|Version 0.90.1]] was released in February 2013 to correct some serious issues in 0.90 “Shiny” |
