How offline messengers work: yes, they also exist

In the modern world, it is difficult to imagine a person who would not use the messenger – this is the main way of communication for billions of people from all over the world. Every second, millions of text messages, photos, videos and documents are sent on the network, but if you ask an average person about an offline messenger, then with a high degree of probability he will frown in bewilderment. How is it – a messenger without an Internet connection? Yes, I agree, it sounds rather strange, but in fact there are such messengers and they work more than perfectly. Let’s talk about them now.

How offline messengers work

The mechanism of operation of this software is extremely simple – instead of sending data to the Internet (via a cellular network or via Wi-Fi), smartphones connect to each other directly via the built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module. This format is called a mesh network or Mesh network – if in the case of a regular online messenger, a user from a smartphone sends data to the network so that they reach the recipient, then here the device sends information directly to the user on the smartphone. In this case, each smartphone acts as a network cell and at the same time a repeater. Accordingly, the more users who get Bluetooth to each other, the wider the overall network.

If desired, using this method, you can connect at least the entire quarter to one Mesh network | Workspace

In what scenarios is it useful

Offline messengers in everyday life, of course, lose to standard solutions, but there are scenarios when a direct connection to a smartphone provides important bonuses. For example, this is a great opportunity to stay in touch with a small group of people in an area where there are problems with communication or its complete absence. In any location where there is no infrastructure for a cellular network, offline messengers are a real salvation – you can send messages, videos, photos, or even call up by voice. At the same time, it should be understood that Mesh communication works only if two or more smartphones are within reach – usually up to a hundred meters (less with obstacles).

An indispensable thing in rescue operations, hiking, camping or in the woods, hiking in the mountains and more | The Guardian

Offline messengers for every taste

If you wish, you can find many different applications of varying degrees of quality on the network, but there are three fairly popular programs that do an excellent job with the task.

Bridgefy

The application is available both on iOS and Android (very rare), works via Bluetooth, and in the event of an Internet connection, it switches to a regular messenger mode. It is possible to send geolocation, communicate in a user-user connection, in a group of people in a chain or in a mailing mode. The latter mode allows you to send a message to all users with the same application within range even if they are not in the contact list – for example, a call for help.

bluetooth chat

The application is presented only on Android, works via Bluetooth and allows you to send more photos in addition to text messages. A great opportunity to communicate directly with the user if there is no cellular network or Wi-Fi, and you need to send a photo or message right now.

Briar

The program is available only on Android, but works both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi – it allows you to transfer messages, photos and files, providing the maximum level of security when communicating. If necessary, you can even connect to the Tor network to increase your privacy.

Amazing software that few people know about

In the world of high technologies, something new, interesting or, as in the case of offline messengers, extremely useful appears every day. For people who love to relax in nature, go hiking in locations where the cellular network does not catch and never caught, or connoisseurs of the endless heights of the rocky mountains, this is a real gift – you can always stay in touch, call for help or simply not get lost. Yes, and in everyday life, such applications can also come in handy – you can communicate with friends without spending Internet traffic, look for sending important documents directly to the recipient, or simply test something that you didn’t know about an hour ago.

Source: Trash Box

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