Lokole

Abstract

1. Introduction

All emails are stored in a local SQLite database. Once per day, the emails that were written during the past 24 hours get exported from the database, stored in a JSON file, compressed and uploaded to a location on Azure Blob Storage. The Lokole Server picks up these JSON files, manages the actual mailboxes for the users on the Lokole and sends new emails back to the Lokole by using the same compressed file exchange format.

The Lokole email application is intended to run on low-spec Raspberry Pi 3 hardware (or similar). Read the "Production setup" section below for further information on how to set up the client devices.

service can be spread over many people and higher savings from increased compression ratios can be achieved. For example, individually purchasing bandwidth for $1 to check emails is economically un-viable for most people in the DRC. However, the same $1 can buy enough bandwidth to provide email for hundreds of people via the Lokole. Spreading the cost in this way makes email access sustainable for local communities.

2. Objective

Source code for the Lokole project. Lokole enables communities in the Congo DRC to pool resources to access efficient communication via email at an affordable price.

This project demonstrates how Python, Kubernetes, Docker can be applied to a real-world Internet of Things (IoT) problem.

4. Technology Stack

5. System Requirements

General requirements for this technology stack — check the README for exact versions.

• Python 3.8 or later
• pip / virtualenv for dependencies
• VS Code, PyCharm or Jupyter Notebook
• Git (to clone the repository)

6. Installation & Setup

git clone https://github.com/ascoderu/lokole.git
cd lokole

Full setup instructions are in the project README.

7. Future Enhancements

Suggested extensions you can add to make this your own project.

• Add a mobile dashboard using Blynk or Firebase
• Store readings in a cloud database for history charts
• Add alerts via SMS / Telegram when thresholds are crossed

8. Viva / Review Questions

Common questions examiners ask for projects in this domain.

1. Which microcontroller / board and sensors are used and why?
2. How does the device send data (Wi-Fi, MQTT, HTTP, Bluetooth)?
3. Where is the sensor data stored and visualised?
4. How is power consumption managed?
5. How would you secure the device and its communication?

9. Source Code & License

This project is developed by ascoderu and published on GitHub under the Apache License 2.0. Please follow the license terms and credit the original author when you use or modify this code.