WikiProjectMed:Internet-in-a-Box

Shortcut: WPM:IIAB

Arabic (العربية)

Internet-in-a-Box (IIAB) is an effort to provide MDWiki, Wikipedia, and other content via physical media. It is primarily for distribution in places where access to the Internet is limited or controlled. The device includes software which creates a Wi-Fi hotspot that offers closed platform access.

What we ship is a Raspberry Pi Zero W with a 128 Gb uSD card in a 3D printed case. Up to 32 users who are within about a hundred meters of the hotspot can connect to the device and access or download the content that exists on the device: Wikipedia slices, medical knowledge, videos and books. IIAB is not intended to further connect users to the Internet or to content, beyond what is presented in the Box itself.

2017 version of IIAB, next to an android phone and battery.
Device on a $20 Canadian bill
Design of the 2021 version (128 Gb)

⇒ What they look like (old versions)

⇒ How to buy one

⇒ How to build one

⇒ How to work it

Philosophy

Internet-in-a-Box is a collaborative and volunteer managed project. What we provide for free is the underlying software, content, and assembly of the devices. Those who wish a device are generally expected to cover the costs of the underlying hardware. We also encourage people to make the devices themselves, including encouraging people to make and sell the devices on to others. All the hardware is avaliable "off the shelf" and we have 3D files for printing the cases.