Ushahidi's rugged BRCK, 'the backup generator for the internet'
Author: Ian Steadman
Date of publication 13th May 2013
Reference: http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-05/13/brck

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE
"Ushahidi", which means "testimony" in Swahili, was a website that was initially developed to map reports of violence in Kenya after the post-election fallout at the beginning of 2008. Since then, the name "Ushahidi" has come to represent the people behind the;"Ushahidi Platform" (Ushahidi, 2013).Ushahidi’s motto is 'if it works in Africa, it will work anywhere'."
Ushahidi is a powerful platform for crowdsourcing data in less than ideal conditions, be they because of a natural disaster or simply because of a lack of infrastructure. It's been used effectively, for example, in the aftermath of the disputed 2007 Kenyan elections, the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, generating maps for the emergency services and documenting eyewitness testimonies.
The kind of rugged environments that Ushahidi was created for are also the kinds of places where web access can be decidedly unreliable at best. That's why Ushahidi has developed BRCK. (Steadman, 2013)
BRCK is a wireless, battery-powered modem that aims to help users connect to the web no matter where they are in the world.The Brck device works with unreliable power and unreliable Internet to provide connectivity to entire villages. (Scaturro, 2013)
Described as "the backup generator for the internet", BRCK can support up to 20 devices connected at once, has a tough exterior shell and an eight hour battery life so it can sit out any blackouts. Like a smartphone, it can connect to the web via ethernet, Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G, shifting between them dependent on service. (Steadman, 2013)
Each BRCK is connected to the BRCK Cloud, which lets users check on their BRCK from anywhere in the world even if they're not directly connected to it and, if needed, set up alerts and applications. More importantly, the cloud contains information about the mobile phone networks in each country, so BRCKs can be configured to the latest settings as and when needed. The package is designed so that, even without electricity, you've got the best chance possible of connecting to the web. (Steadman, 2013)
BRCK reached its Kickstarter funding target to put BRCK in production on 3rd June 2013 and is now hoping to provide secure and fail proof internet access to areas that are remote, have poor web infrastructures or suffer from extreme weather conditions that affect connectivity. However, the device may prove just as useful for city dwellers wanting a more reliable connection to the net. BRCK is available to pre-order from USD 200.
Features
* Portable and easy to set up, * It supports up to 20 devices, * Wi-Fi powerful enough to cover multiple rooms, * 8 Hour battery backup, * 16 GB hard drive, * 8 GPIO pins to connect sensors, * Software infused allows for apps, remote management, and data collection, * Documented API.

ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUE One may ask, what is the point of using BRCK yet any Android devise may serve as a “Mobile Hotspot. “There are however a number of advantages of using BRCK .These are:- * Reception, the built in antenna on the BRCK performs better than more phone antennas, and there’s always the option to plug in an even more powerful external antenna. * The battery life on a BRCK is much better than that of a phone while it’s tethering. With over 8 hours of battery life, one doesn’t have to keep it plugged to the laptop * BRCK provides a better network experience. The BRCKs Wi-Fi has a greater range than a phone or a MiFi device and it allows you to share the Wi-Fi with up to 20 devices. * In addition, the BRCK can utilize data from a SIM Card in the device, a Wi-Fi Connection and an Ethernet connection while switching between them seamlessly in case one fails. One can even attach a USB modem to the BRCK and have it use that connection as well. * BRCK has 16 gigs of onboard storage which provides the user with a network drive wherever you are. This is great for situations where several people on a team need to upload files to a single folder. It can therefore be the office network that you can take with you to the field. * The BRCK also has an Arduino programmable 8-bit, 32K Flash, AVR Expansion Controller and a 10 pin I/O expansion port. This means that it can intelligently connect to temperature sensors, cameras and other devices. You can, for instance, integrate the BRCK to a security system that supports door switches, window switches, motion detectors and send alerts to the BRCK cloud. * BRCK is bundled in a rugged, waterproof shell ideal for tough conditions.
The disadvantage of the BRCK hardware is that one has to have cellular signals at a bare minimum for it to work.

APPLICATION/RELEVANCE TO KENYAN MARKET
BRCK is meant to provide secure and fail proof internet access to areas that are remote, have poor web infrastructure or no power supply or suffer from extreme weather conditions that affect connectivity. However, the device may prove just as useful for city dwellers wanting a more reliable connection to the net.
The device is designed to be used in tough conditions and takes the form of a rugged metal brick. BRCK is essentially a modem that is able to connect up to 20 devices at a time and seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G and Ethernet connections automatically, depending on what signals are available. In moments of very low connectivity, BRCK uses the best available source to provide uninterrupted internet usage. Even if there’s a power blackout like the recent nationwide one on May 29 2013, the device comes with a battery that provides up to eight hours of use that is automatically activated when the AC is disconnected. BRCK also offers users an interface accessible from their devices, providing data about signal, usage and performance, as well as management of the network.
The cost of USD 200 is reasonable.
CONCLUSION
Ushahidi’s new Internet router is creating a buzz. That's because it is an affordable, reliable solution for people without consistent Internet access. It can run while plugged in or on battery power, jump between networks at will, and become a mobile hotspot for multiple devices. Ushahidi has provided to us what we have needed for a long time

REFERENCES

Scaturro, M. (2013, May 14). Retrieved from Voice of America: http://www.voanews.com/content/device-keeps-internet-on-when-power-goes-off/1661067.html
Steadman, I. (2013, May 13). Ushahidi's rugged BRCK, 'the backup generator for the internet'. Retrieved from wired.co.uk: http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-05/13/brck
Ushahidi. (2013, June 1). Ushahidi. Retrieved from Ushahidi: http://www.ushahidi.com/about-us