Althea
Create decentralized, cryptocurrency powered networks.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Platforms
- Linux
- OpenWrt
Features
- Decentralized
- Mesh network
Tags
- firmware
Althea information
Featured in Lists
In-development apps that might someday change the way we use the internet. Sorted from most promise to least.
What is Althea?
Incentivized mesh networks.
More than a hotspot Althea isn’t just a new way to pay for wifi at coffee shops and airports. It’s a system of software that will let communities set up decentralized ISPs. Users purchase internet service and equipment owners are automatically compensated for their contributions to the network.
A cure for monopolies Each Althea node is constantly looking for the cheapest and best source of (cryptographically verified) bandwidth, and can switch connectivity providers in seconds. This creates a competitive, decentralized marketplace instead of a single provider.
Private and neutral by default VPN tunnels are a core part of Althea’s design. Operators of networking equipment in an Althea network can never see a user’s browsing history, or discriminate between types of content. How it works
- End users load up their device or wifi router with blockchain tokens to pay for internet access.
- A mesh of rooftop transmitters forward packets. They earn tokens and compete to provide service.
- Uplinks act as gateways to the internet, also earning tokens, competing with other uplinks in the area.