Our OWL IoT mesh is a decentralized wireless network built with long-range, low-power radios. Each OWL device, or “Duck,” can send and forward packets of data. Unlike traditional networks that depend on cell towers or WiFi routers, Ducks create their own infrastructure — making communication possible in remote, disconnected, or emergency environments.In OWL’s mesh:MamaDucks act as data collectors and relays. They listen for messages from other Ducks (like sensors or captive portal users) and forward them across the mesh.PapaDucks are the gateways to the cloud. Once a message reaches a PapaDuck, it uploads the data into the OWL DMS (Device Management System), where it can be visualized, exported, or sent to APIs.A base mesh requires at least:1 MamaDuck1 PapaDuckFrom here, you can expand by adding more MamaDucks (to extend range) or SensorDucks (to collect data).
Log into your OWL DMS instance in a Chromium-based browser.
Navigate to Devices in the left-hand menu.
Add at least one MamaDuck (data collector/relay) and one PapaDuck (cloud gateway).
Give each device a clear Device Name so you can identify it later when flashing.
Step 2 Flash Your Ducks
Go to Flash Device in the DMS menu.
Connect your Duck to your computer via USB.
Under Firmware Flash Settings, select the device you just created in Step 1.
Choose the correct firmware template:
MamaDuck → e.g., MamaDuck GPS (or another Mama variant depending on sensors).
PapaDuck → PapaDuck WiFi, LTE, or SATCOM (depending on your backhaul).
Enter any required configuration details:
Device Name Select from the list of available devices
WiFi Credentials this is what your PapaDuck will use to connect to your internet to upload data
Click Flash Firmware and wait for the process to complete. The Duck will reboot automatically.
Step 3 Deploy Your Ducks
MamaDuck Setup
Once powered, the MamaDuck will create a local WiFi access point (AP).
Civilians or sensors can connect to this AP and submit short messages (e.g., “I need help” or sensor telemetry).
The MamaDuck then forwards these packets over LoRa into the mesh.
PapaDuck Setup
Place the PapaDuck within LoRa range (typically 500m–1km in urban settings, several km line-of-sight).
Ensure it has a stable backhaul (WiFi/LTE/SATCOM).
The PapaDuck will collect packets from MamaDucks and push them into the OWL DMS cloud platform
Why Mesh Topology Matters
Unlike a simple point-to-point link, an OWL mesh is self-healing and multi-path:
Messages don’t depend on a single connection between one MamaDuck and one PapaDuck.
If one path fails (due to range limits, interference, or a dead battery), the packet can reroute through other Ducks.
Every new MamaDuck you add strengthens the network, extending its coverage and reliability.
💡 In practice, this means that in a disaster, if one Duck in the middle of the chain goes offline, the network doesn’t collapse — it reroutes. That’s the power of mesh.
Step 4 Expand Your Mesh
Once your base mesh is working, you can scale it:
Add more MamaDucks to cover larger areas — each one relays packets further across the network.
Add SensorDucks to integrate hardware like GPS, temperature, air quality, or motion detectors.
Deploy PapaDucks with different backhauls (WiFi, LTE, Satcom) for redundancy.
Why This Matters
This base mesh is the foundation of OWL IoT. It enables:
Emergency communication when no internet is available.
Sensor monitoring across wide, disconnected areas.
Scalable infrastructure you can build on — from a two-Duck demo to city-scale resilience networks.
Become a builder
Build your first network today
Order a starter kit, flash your first Duck, and see your network come alive. Join the OWL community to share your build and get support.
