Project OWL has announced the new release of the ClusterDuck Protocol (CDP), an open source firmware for wireless internet-of-things devices to build communications, sensor, and custom networks.

The CDP project provides a system to manage an ad-hoc mesh network of Internet of Things (IoT) devices (Ducks) based on LoRa (long range radio) that can be deployed quickly and cheaply. Project OWL invented the technology as part of the inaugural Call for Code Global Challenge in 2018.

With today’s update, Project OWL has announced four technology updates for users. ClusterDuck version 2 adds the DMS (Duck Management System) Lite Dashboard, an open source dashboard for viewing a mesh network in the browser.

“All the data sent over a ClusterDuck network can be collected by the DMS Lite to visualize network activity and data to provide analytics for remote and offline areas,” Project OWL Chief Executive Bryan Knouse wrote on IBM’s Developer Blog.

Moreover, the updated library supports many additional hardware platforms, so you can use various new types of devices.

The release also features a mobile app to provide Bluetooth connectivity to a nearby Duck device instead of connecting to its local WiFi point. It can be downloaded by local authorities, first responders, and affected individuals.

Project OWL has also released a new message format together with an updated protocol for connecting devices and relaying messages. The aim is to make the platform “more efficient, reliable, and performant in adverse conditions,” Knouse added.