Smart Cities - Low Carbon Computing Future

Student Project: Building a Low-Carbon, Low-Energy ICT Infrastructure for an Offline Future

This project challenges students to design and implement an ICT infrastructure that functions efficiently without internet access, using Linux, old laptops, and Raspberry Pi devices. The project emphasizes sustainability, resourcefulness, and essential services for a community.

Goals

Design a Sustainable ICT Infrastructure:

• Minimize energy consumption.
• Use repurposed or low-energy hardware.

Provide Basic ICT Services:

• Communication, knowledge access, and resource management.
• Prepare for Internet Loss:
• Preload essential software and content.
• Plan for long-term, local operations.

Project Steps

1. Understand the Community’s Needs

Key Questions:

• What essential ICT services are required (e.g., communication, education, record-keeping)?
• How can technology address basic needs like water, food, and energy management?

Potential Services:

• Local communication (text-based chat, email).
• Offline libraries (Wikipedia, medical guides).
• Environmental monitoring (water levels, air quality).
• Collaborative tools (file sharing, project management).
• Educational resources.

2. Choose and Prepare Hardware

Use Existing Equipment:

• Old laptops as servers and workstations.
• Raspberry Pis for lightweight tasks like networking or automation.

Hardware Considerations:

• Low power consumption.
• Compatibility with Linux.
• Potential for solar or battery-powered operation.

Pre-Setup Steps:

• Test hardware and replace failing components.
• Install lightweight Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu Server, Raspbian Lite, or Lubuntu).

3. Set Up Essential ICT Services

Local Network (No Internet):

• Use a Raspberry Pi as a DHCP and DNS server.
• Set up a Wi-Fi router for local communication.

Offline File Sharing:

• Install Nextcloud on a Raspberry Pi for local file hosting and collaboration.

Offline Libraries:

• Download and host offline versions of:
• Kiwix for Wikipedia and other content.
• OpenStreetMap for navigation.
• Localized educational materials (Khan Academy).

Messaging and Email:

• Set up a local email server (e.g., Postfix).
• Use lightweight chat systems (e.g., Matrix or Rocket.Chat) for local messaging.

Environmental Monitoring:

• Use Arduino or Raspberry Pi with sensors to monitor environmental data (e.g., temperature, water levels).

4. Implement Energy-Efficient Practices

Low Power Consumption:

• Use old laptops and Raspberry Pis in low-power mode.
• Disconnect unnecessary peripherals (e.g., monitors when not in use).

Renewable Power:

• Integrate solar panels or manual chargers for energy independence.

5. Create Local Automation Systems

Water Management:

• Use IoT devices to automate irrigation or monitor water tanks.

Community Bulletin Board:

• Set up a local website for news, announcements, and resource coordination.

Backup Systems:

• Implement regular data backups on external drives.

6. Prepare for Internet Loss

Preloaded Content:

• Download essential tools, software repositories, and manuals (e.g., Linux documentation, open-source software).

Skill Development:

• Train students in using Linux, basic programming, and networking.

Redundant Systems:

• Test systems to ensure reliability and redundancy in services.

Project Evaluation

Energy Efficiency:

• Measure power consumption and compare it to traditional setups.

Functionality:

• Demonstrate the ICT services provided (e.g., messaging, file sharing).

Resilience:

• Evaluate how well the system operates in a simulated internet-free scenario.

Sustainability:

• Assess the environmental impact (e.g., use of repurposed hardware, renewable energy).

Example Scenario

Hardware Setup:

• A Raspberry Pi acts as a local server hosting Nextcloud and Kiwix.
• Old laptops connect to the Pi via Wi-Fi for accessing services.

Services Provided:

• Students can access offline Wikipedia, download educational content, and communicate using a local chat system.

Energy Source:

• A small solar panel array powers the Raspberry Pi and a shared laptop.

Community Benefit: Students and community members can continue learning, sharing resources, and managing local projects without internet access.

Preparations Before Internet Goes Down

• Pre-download essential resources and software.
• Train students in Linux, networking, and hardware maintenance.
• Test the system in a simulated offline environment.
• Document the setup process for future reference.

This project not only teaches technical skills but also fosters creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of sustainable practices in ICT. It prepares students to think critically about how technology can serve communities under resource-constrained conditions.

DHCP and DNS Server for Low Carbon Future

Setting up a Raspberry Pi as a DHCP and DNS server is a critical step in building a local network for a community, especially in a low-carbon future where internet access might be limited or unavailable. Here's how to set it up, its importance, use cases, coverage, and recommendations for deployment.

How to Set Up a Raspberry Pi as a DHCP and DNS Server

Step 1: Prepare Your Raspberry Pi

• Install a lightweight Linux distribution, such as Raspberry Pi OS Lite.
• Ensure the Pi has a static IP address for consistent identification in the network.

Step 2: Install the Required Software

Update the Pi:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install dnsmasq, which combines DHCP and DNS functionality:

sudo apt install dnsmasq

Step 3: Configure DHCP Services

Edit the dnsmasq configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/dnsmasq.conf

Add the following lines to define the DHCP range and DNS behaviour:

interface=wlan0      # Replace with your network interface
dhcp-range=192.168.1.50,192.168.1.150,24h
domain-needed
bogus-priv
expand-hosts

• dhcp-range: Specifies the range of IP addresses to assign dynamically.
• domain-needed: Ensures only valid domain names are queried.
• expand-hosts: Expands the local hostname with a domain.

Restart the dnsmasq service to apply changes:

sudo systemctl restart dnsmasq

Step 4: Enable Static IP on the Raspberry Pi

Edit the network configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf

Add:

interface wlan0
static ip_address=192.168.1.1/24
static routers=192.168.1.1
static domain_name_servers=192.168.1.1

Restart the Pi to apply changes:

sudo reboot

Why is a DHCP and DNS Server Needed in a Low-Carbon Future?

1. Localized Networks:

• A local DHCP server assigns IP addresses to devices in a local network, eliminating dependency on external ISPs.
• A DNS server resolves domain names locally, enabling offline access to hosted services (e.g., file sharing, offline Wikipedia).

2. Resource Efficiency:

• Reduces energy use by keeping data local and avoiding power-intensive internet infrastructure.
• Raspberry Pi is highly energy-efficient compared to traditional servers.

3. Resilience:

• Supports essential ICT services like communication, file sharing, and automation in scenarios where global connectivity is down.

How Do People Use It?

• Education: - Access offline educational content hosted locally, such as Wikipedia and Khan Academy materials.
• Communication: - Provide local messaging services using systems like Matrix or Rocket.Chat.
• Resource Management:- Monitor and automate local resources, such as water and energy systems.
• Collaboration: - Use tools like Nextcloud for file sharing and project management.
• Entertainment: - Serve media content locally (e.g., movies, books).

Coverage

• Typical Range: - The Raspberry Pi, combined with a Wi-Fi router, covers approximately 30-50 meters indoors and 100-200 meters outdoors, depending on obstacles and interference.
• Range can be extended using repeaters or mesh networks.
• Scalability: - For larger communities, multiple Raspberry Pis can be interconnected to create subnetworks.

Where Should It Be Based?

• Centralized Location: - Place the Raspberry Pi in a central location within the community to ensure even Wi-Fi signal coverage.
• Ensure it has access to a reliable power source (solar or battery backup).
• Near Users: - Ideally close to the main areas where users access services (e.g., schools, community centers).

Additional Considerations Security: - Secure the network with WPA2 encryption.

• Use firewalls (e.g., ufw) to prevent unauthorized access.
• Backups: - Regularly back up the Raspberry Pi's configuration to prevent data loss.
• Power Backup: - Pair with solar panels or power banks for uninterrupted service.

By setting up a Raspberry Pi as a DHCP and DNS server, communities can create robust, low-carbon networks that provide critical services locally. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also builds resilience and independence, ensuring ICT resources remain accessible in challenging scenarios.