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Is there a way to create/enable a local network between a Raspberry pi and mobile devices?

I am thinking of a project which will use the Raspberry pi to host data which can be accessed using multiple mobile devices like phones and pads. However, the project will be based in some territories where the access to the internet is limited.

My idea is to host data such a photos, videos, some text on the Raspi 4 so the people from these territories could access and also upload their files to the raspi so other people from their community could see it.

I intended to install the MAZI ZONE project (http://www.mazizone.eu/toolkit_guidelines/#what_you_need) but I've read that there's no code for the Raspberry pi 4 because of and underfunding problem.

Ari Ramirez
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4 Answers4

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I would look to use something like Pirate Box (Wiki note here) despite it closing down at the end of this year as the core base has been stable and runs well on the Pi.

Other packages are Freedom Box or Library Box

You may also like to offer Wikipedia using Kiwix (also shares web sites) and details on portable Wikipedia is here

Obviously be careful over copyright and local legislation as some areas in the world object to freedom of information.

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It is very simple to create a stand alone access point with a Raspberry Pi without internet connection. So all devices supporting WiFi can connect to it and share its data. You can use the RasPi to store data and/or run useful server like a web server or a NAS. You are free to install what you want to have available on the local network. For a simple setup a stand alone access point you can look at Setting up a Raspberry Pi as an access point - the easy way. Use section ♦ Setting up a stand alone access point.

Ingo
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The conventional solution is to set the Pi as an Access Point, which gives clients access to services on the Pi.
There are many ways of doing this. The Foundation tutorial Setting up a Raspberry Pi as a routed wireless access point has step by step instructions.
If you just want an Access Point without internet access stop before Set up the network router

Milliways
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Contrary to other questions I would say this requires special care and is by no means "very simple".

Set up the pi as Access Point to let other devices (smartphones, mostly) access it is something I already consider nontrivial but let's just assume you'll execute what suggested in the linked answers. What you get is a WiFi bubble working "in the same room".

There is no such thing as a "territory". The radio in the Pi is awesome for what the cost and footprint it takes but that's it. Don't expect to go across more than a few rooms. In Line of Sight, I guess you could get to the nearby building.

Talking about "territories with no internet" such as say some villages with 40 houses I think we're already hitting a wall.

You will need at the very least external antennas which the PI does not support. Once you buy an AP with an external antenna you can buy a decent AP to do the heavy lifting for you. Note the (few) examples on the site you mention show external antennas or possibly repurposed APs.

MaxDZ8
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