Your gateway to Ariadne
A Node is a piece of hardware that allows you to connect to the Ariadne network. Every Node is assembled and cared for by a user and operates through similar technology that adhere to Ariadne standards. Every specification for a Node is listed in the Ariadne Library alongside tutorials and schematics.
The best part about the Node is that most of the components, if not all, can be attained through recycled materials found at your local e-waster center. By building your own Node, you can combat e-waste, learn about electronics, a connect to Ariadne in whatever way suits you best.
Setting Up
As part of Ariadne’s open-source ethos, there is a library of tutorials and schematics available to help you repurpose common electronics found at your local e-waste center.
A helping hand
If you need any help getting your Node together, the Ariadne online forum is filled with an enthusiastic community of users that are happy to get you started.
Dedicated Components
Although the overall hardware can be modified depending on a user's needs, all nodes require three major components, simply named:
the power, the panel, and the ping.
Power
A battery that makes sure your Node stays running. It's recommended that a Node is powered by a lightweight and reliable solid-state battery. Ariadne runs on Long Range Low Power (LRLP) network technology which means that a even the smallest battery can provide longlasting connection.
It's important to note that received signals produce a tiny bit of energy that can be stored in your Node. Since Ariadne consumes so little energy, it is possible to power your Node from incoming signals. Staying close to other nodes means more received signals and in turn, a Node powered by your community.
Panel
A simple interface allows you to interact with your Node. It relays important information like battery status and nearby Nodes. The aesthetics of this interface can be customised to suit each user's needs. You also have the choice to use one of the many user-submitted templates found in the Ariadne Forum.
Ping
A communication router handles all incoming and outgoing information, and processes it to ensure that it goes to the right place. If an incoming message is for you, it routes it to your connected WiFi-enabled device. If it’s not, then the message is sent to other nearby nodes to continue its journey to the right place.
Ariadne Nodes transmit and receive sub-GHz frequencies in the IEEE 802.11ah standard. This allows for the use of LRLP while avoiding interference with 802.11 short-range frequency-bands like conventional WiFi and Bluetooth (2.4GHz).