What is qaul?

qaul is a set of tools, that allows devices like laptops and smartphones to create a wireless mesh network over Bluetooth and direct WiFi connections, rather than relying on internet access via a mobile network. This decentralised and open network extends across any qaul-enabled device, so that if two people aren’t close enough to each other for their devices to connect directly, data can be sent via other devices in the middle, without those devices being able to read or change the messages passing through it.

It supports instant messaging, voice calls, social media, radio broadcast, and file sharing — all in a single app. Additionally it is a suite of free software libraries, meaning that anyone can study and modify it, and use it to create their own apps that can operate on a qaul network, independent of the internet.

What is a mesh network?

In traditional network infrastructure there is a centralised point between you and the Internet: your Internet service provider (ISP). Whether you’re using a mobile network tower or a broadband connection, your access to the Internet is controlled by a central authority. This means that a entity can monitor or censor your internet traffic.

In a mesh network there is no network owner. Instead, every user’s devices link together directly to create a new network where data can flow without regulation or control.

To create these connections, devices can use a variety of methods, such as WiFi and Bluetooth, or plain network cables to create links with other qaul users around them.

The network that is created by qaul can serve two purposes: to connect you with people around you to run applications specifically made for qaul, or to act as a tunnel to the traditional Internet.