The ClusterDuck Protocol

In 2017, Hurricane Maria, a category-5 storm, severely impacted Puerto Rico, demolishing homes and communication infrastructure. To address this issue, the ClusterDuck Protocol (CDP) was developed in 2018. It utilizes battery-powered Internet-of-Things devices to reestablish essential communication during emergencies, allowing civilians to request assistance, share their locations, and receive vital information from local governments and responders.
The ClusterDuck Protocol runs on a variety of IoT hardware, including many ESP32 Arduinos.
Here is a list of hardware we use, though there may be many others that work. We recommend the Heltec LoRa ESP32 and the TTGO T-Beam ESP32.
For a simple network you will want to make at least two Ducks. For bigger networks you will need more.
To start developing, you will need PlatformIO on your computer.
Download or git clone the CDP library from GitHub.
Follow the installation instructions here
Please Note: With the Release of the ClusterDuck Protocol Version 4 we have different instructions. If you are looking for older instructions please go here
Connect your board to platform IO
Follow the these updates instructions for loading up a Duck to get one running.
Use the pre-built examples or develop custom Ducks of your own.
DuckLinks, or “Ducks” are IoT devices powered by the ClusterDuck protocol. These devices form the network foundation for communications and integrated sensor networks from fugitive methane emissions for Oil & Gas fields, to pressure sensors in maple syrup farm tubes. Ducks are able to sync together in networked clusters, called ClusterDuck Networks, to share information. In some scenarios, this data is pushed to cloud databases and software systems over wifi, cellular, or satellite backhauls.
A step-by-step guide on how to build your own ClusterDuck Protocol network on our GitHub repository
Go and check out this playlist with all the installation vidoes of the clusterduck Protocol
QuackPacks are plug-and-play add-ons that give Ducks new features, like sensors, hardware, or networking tools.
OWL Built the CDP to help improve global resilience through connectivity.
In March 2020, The Linux Foundation and OWL formed a partnership to open-source the ClusterDuck Protocol. Learn more about TLF.
The IBM Call for Code is a technology competition empowering developers worldwide. Stay tuned for latest competitions and updates.
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