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'Darkwire' enables Bitcoin transactions via long-range radio, bypassing the need for internet or cellular networks.
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Created by pseudonymous developer ‘cyber’ as a hackathon entry.
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Uses a mesh network to relay transactions to an internet-connected node.
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Targets censorship-prone areas and disaster zones.
A New Path for Off-Grid Bitcoin Usage
A new hackathon project named Darkwire allows users to send Bitcoin transactions without internet access. Developed by a pseudonymous coder known as ‘cyber,’ the tool uses long-range radio (LoRa) to form a mesh network for off-grid Bitcoin transactions.
The project is geared toward environments where communication infrastructure is limited, such as politically sensitive regions or areas hit by disasters. It’s also aimed at privacy-conscious users who want to avoid surveillance.
How It Works
Users create a Bitcoin transaction on their computer using a wallet powered by bitcoinlib. The transaction is then passed to a microcontroller connected to a LoRa device. This device breaks the transaction into packets and transmits them wirelessly to other nodes.
The data hops from node to node until it reaches a designated internet-connected exit node. This final node broadcasts the transaction to the Bitcoin network for confirmation.
Privacy, Censorship Resistance, and Limitations
Cyber compares Darkwire to Tor, but specifically for Bitcoin transactions in restrictive environments. While promising, the project faces limitations such as low bandwidth, potential signal obstructions, and dependency on internet exit nodes.
Despite these hurdles, the developer hopes Darkwire will evolve into a fully open-source solution with broad adoption. Planned features include encryption, message storage, and integration with decentralized protocols like Nostr.
