The Apocalypse

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Local ISP-like services ​

Local ISP-like services provide essential digital communication and information sharing capabilities within early digital settlements. This section covers the establishment and operation of static websites, file sharing systems, and email services in a post-collapse environment with limited or no internet connectivity.

In the context of early digital civilization recovery, establishing local ISP-like services is critical for maintaining communication, sharing knowledge, and supporting community coordination. Unlike traditional internet service providers that connect users globally, local ISP-like services operate within a confined geographic area—such as a settlement, cluster of villages, or a small region—providing digital infrastructure that mimics internet functions but on a local scale. This section explains how to build and maintain these services using available hardware and software, focusing on static websites, file sharing, and email systems.

Overview of Local ISP-like Services ​

Local ISP-like services aim to recreate the core functionalities of the internet in a limited environment. The primary goals are:

  • Information dissemination: Hosting static websites that provide news, guides, and community announcements.
  • Data sharing: Enabling users to exchange files and documents efficiently.
  • Communication: Facilitating email services for asynchronous messaging within the community.

These services rely on local area networks (LANs), intranets, or mesh networks to connect users without dependence on external internet infrastructure. The hardware typically includes repurposed computers, routers, switches, and wireless access points. Software choices emphasize open-source, lightweight, and easily maintainable solutions.

Setting Up the Physical Network Infrastructure ​

Before deploying services, a reliable local network must be established.

Network Hardware ​

  • Routers and Switches: Use commercial off-the-shelf routers and switches to create a wired or wireless LAN. Older enterprise-grade equipment can often be repurposed for better performance and reliability.
  • Wireless Access Points: For mobility and ease of access, deploy Wi-Fi access points covering the settlement area. Mesh Wi-Fi systems can extend coverage without extensive cabling.
  • Cabling: Ethernet cables (Cat5e or Cat6) provide stable connections for fixed nodes. Use shielded cables in electrically noisy environments.
  • Power Supply: Ensure stable power sources with backup options like batteries or solar panels to keep network devices operational.

Network Topology ​

  • Star topology: Centralized switch/router connects all nodes; simple to manage but single point of failure.
  • Mesh topology: Nodes connect to multiple others, increasing redundancy and coverage.
  • Hybrid: Combine wired backbone with wireless mesh extensions for flexibility.

A small community network setup showing routers, switches, and Ethernet cables neatly arranged on a wooden table, with a laptop connected for configuration.

Hosting Static Websites ​

Static websites are the simplest form of web presence, serving fixed content without server-side processing. They are ideal for early digital settlements due to low resource requirements and ease of maintenance.

Purpose of Static Sites ​

  • Share community news, schedules, and announcements.
  • Provide survival guides, manuals, and educational materials.
  • Host directories of local services and resources.

Hardware Requirements ​

  • A dedicated server or repurposed computer with minimal specs (e.g., Raspberry Pi, old desktop).
  • Reliable storage (SSD or HDD) for website files.
  • Network connectivity to serve pages to clients.

Software Options ​

  • Web servers: Lightweight servers like Nginx, Apache, or Caddy.
  • Static site generators: Tools like Jekyll, Hugo, or simple HTML files created manually.
  • Content management: For simplicity, static HTML files can be edited directly or generated offline and uploaded.

Deployment Steps ​

  1. Install web server software on the host machine.
  2. Prepare website files: HTML, CSS, images, and documents.
  3. Configure server: Set document root, enable directory listing if needed, and set access permissions.
  4. Assign a local IP address or hostname for easy access within the network.
  5. Test access from client devices.

Maintenance ​

  • Regularly update content to keep information current.
  • Backup website files to prevent data loss.
  • Monitor server uptime and network connectivity.

A simple web server setup showing a computer connected to a router, with a browser window displaying a static website homepage on a white background with black line art.

File Sharing Systems ​

File sharing is essential for distributing documents, images, videos, and software updates within the community.

Methods of File Sharing ​

  • Network Attached Storage (NAS): Dedicated storage devices accessible over the network.
  • File servers: Computers configured to share directories via protocols like SMB (Windows sharing), NFS (Unix/Linux), or FTP.
  • Peer-to-peer sharing: Direct file transfers between users using software like Syncthing or Resilio Sync.

Hardware and Software ​

  • NAS devices: Commercial NAS units or repurposed PCs with large storage arrays.
  • File server software: Samba for SMB, vsftpd or ProFTPD for FTP, NFS for Unix environments.
  • User authentication: Implement simple user accounts or guest access depending on security needs.

Setting Up a File Server ​

  1. Choose hardware with sufficient storage and network speed.
  2. Install and configure file sharing software.
  3. Create shared folders with appropriate permissions.
  4. Set up user accounts if needed.
  5. Map network drives on client devices for easy access.

Security Considerations ​

  • Limit write permissions to trusted users to prevent accidental or malicious deletion.
  • Use strong passwords for user accounts.
  • Regularly back up shared data.

Use Cases ​

  • Sharing survival manuals, medical guides, and educational content.
  • Distributing software updates or patches for local applications.
  • Archiving community records and media.

A network-attached storage device with multiple hard drives visible, connected to a router, with a laptop showing a file explorer window accessing shared folders.

Email Services ​

Email remains a fundamental communication tool, even in isolated networks. Local email servers enable asynchronous messaging among community members.

Why Local Email? ​

  • Provides reliable communication without internet dependency.
  • Supports group coordination, announcements, and personal messages.
  • Can be integrated with other local services like calendars and contact lists.

Components of an Email System ​

  • Mail Transfer Agent (MTA): Software that routes and delivers email (e.g., Postfix, Exim).
  • Mail Delivery Agent (MDA): Handles local delivery to user mailboxes (e.g., Dovecot).
  • User access: Via webmail interfaces (Roundcube, SquirrelMail) or email clients (Thunderbird, Outlook).
  • Domain and addressing: Use a local domain name (e.g., @settlement.local) for addressing.

Setting Up a Local Email Server ​

  1. Install MTA and MDA software on a dedicated server.
  2. Configure domain and user mailboxes.
  3. Set up authentication mechanisms to secure access.
  4. Deploy webmail software for browser-based access.
  5. Configure email clients on user devices with server details.

Email Protocols ​

  • SMTP: For sending emails.
  • IMAP/POP3: For retrieving emails from the server.

Maintenance and Security ​

  • Monitor mail queues and logs to ensure smooth operation.
  • Implement spam filtering and virus scanning if possible.
  • Regularly update software to patch vulnerabilities.

Limitations ​

  • Without internet, email is confined to the local network.
  • External communication requires gateways or internet access.

An email server setup showing a server rack connected to a network switch, with icons representing email envelopes flowing between computers on a white background with black line art.

Integrating Services for a Cohesive Local ISP ​

Combining static websites, file sharing, and email into a unified local ISP-like service enhances community resilience and digital literacy.

Centralized Server vs. Distributed Services ​

  • Centralized: One or few servers host all services; easier management but single points of failure.
  • Distributed: Services spread across multiple machines; improves redundancy but requires more coordination.

User Access and Authentication ​

  • Implement a simple directory service (e.g., LDAP) to manage user credentials across services.
  • Use consistent usernames and passwords to simplify user experience.

Network Naming and Discovery ​

  • Use local DNS servers or mDNS (Multicast DNS) to resolve hostnames within the network.
  • Provide users with easy-to-remember URLs and addresses.

Training and Documentation ​

  • Educate community members on accessing and using services.
  • Maintain printed and digital manuals for troubleshooting and usage.

Challenges and Solutions ​

Hardware Scarcity ​

  • Repurpose old computers and networking gear.
  • Use low-power devices like Raspberry Pi for servers.

Power Reliability ​

  • Employ uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and renewable energy sources.
  • Schedule maintenance during power availability.

Technical Expertise ​

  • Train local technicians in network administration and server maintenance.
  • Use open-source software with active communities for support.

Security Risks ​

  • Limit network access physically and via authentication.
  • Regularly update software and monitor logs.

Future Expansion Possibilities ​

As the local ISP matures, additional services can be introduced:

  • Local social networks: Forums or chat systems for real-time communication.
  • VoIP telephony: Voice communication over the local network.
  • Local app hosting: Hosting applications for education, health, or commerce.
  • Bridging to external internet: If connectivity is restored, gateways can connect local services to the wider internet.

Summary ​

Establishing local ISP-like services is a foundational step in rebuilding digital communication and knowledge sharing in early digital civilization. By deploying static websites, file sharing systems, and email servers on a local network, communities can maintain vital information flow and coordination without relying on external infrastructure. Success depends on careful planning of network hardware, software selection, security practices, and user training. These services form the backbone for more advanced digital recovery efforts described in other sections of this book.

For deeper understanding of network basics and hardware setup, see Networked computers. For wireless communication methods that can extend local ISP reach, refer to Cross-settlement wireless communication.

A community center with several people using laptops connected to a local network, with visible routers and cables, illustrating active local digital communication.