Big Box - An Innovative Connectivity Solution for Challenging Environments
After Three generations of prototypes and extensive field-testing, Jangala is preparing to launch Big Box V1 in 2025
Big Box V1 is designed to bridge the digital divide in the most challenging contexts, delivering reliable, flexible, and accessible internet access wherever it’s needed most. From disaster response settings to rural schools, it addresses critical connectivity needs with a unique combination of adaptability, sustainability, and user-centric design.
Built from our field experiences and direct engagement with underserved communities, Big Box’s design is entirely open source, environmentally sustainable, and capable of adapting to various settings without specialist intervention.
These features make Big Box V1 an unprecedented solution for extending internet connectivity to some of the world's hardest-to-reach locations.
Features
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Adaptable for Multiple Environments - Big Box V1’s modular, open-source design allows it to adapt across diverse scenarios - from static installations at schools to mobile disaster response teams.
Economical to Deploy- Big Box’s ease of installation by non-specialists reduces the need for costly technical support, empowering local communities and organisations to set up and maintain their own networks.
Bandwidth Efficiency - Traffic shaping capabilities optimise data usage by tailoring per-user access, maximising available bandwidth and ensuring quality of service for critical needs, particularly in bandwidth-limited settings.
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Advanced Power Solution - Big Box V1 supports direct solar power and lead acid battery connection for consistent 24-hour operation off-grid, a critical feature for remote off-grid areas. Where mains electricity is unreliable, a lead-acid battery can be directly connected to Big Box V1 providing instant uninterruptible power. This adaptable power solution allows Big Box to operate sustainably in almost any setting.
Durable Design for Longevity - The rugged, fanless, and IP65-rated enclosure is dust- and water-resistant, with components designed to last over a decade. The unit is designed for rough conditions, from remote schools to mobile educational labs, and can withstand the wear of extreme environments.
Reusable and Recyclable - With over 55% of its components by value unsoldered and directly reusable, and 99% of the remainder by weight fully recyclable, Big Box is built with a commitment to sustainability.
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Powerful Connectivity - Equipped with twin 5G and 4G modems, Big Box V1 can utilise up to 32 backhaul sources - satellite, fixed line, SIM, eSIM, and fibre - combining connections for optimal, stable internet performance. This feature is vital for achieving connectivity where single solutions might be unreliable or insufficient.
Advanced Compute - A powerful quad-core compute module is able to route 1 Gbps of traffic with full per-user traffic shaping, manage the up to 32 sources of backhaul, serve 3,000+ downstream users, and provide powerful local and remote control.
High-Performance Wi-Fi - Big Box’s Wi-Fi 6 capabilities support up to 250 users directly, with ports for additional access points that can extend coverage to thousands more. This network flexibility allows it to connect entire schools, clinics, and community hubs.
Secure Open-Source Firmware - Big Box operates on entirely open-source firmware, supporting long-term security updates and transparency. This ensures that users retain control over their data while fostering trust in the device’s security measures. It also supports remote updates, reducing the need for physical interventions and making it adaptable over time.
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User-Friendly and Intuitive - Big Box is built with the non-expert in mind, allowing individuals with limited technical knowledge to set up and manage the device. The system features a simple, intuitive, multilingual web interface, with remote management options via our cloud platform to ensure smooth performance. We will ensure that our design is universal and allows people of any gender or background to feel included and make use of BBV1.
Community Feedback Loop - Big Box’s design has been informed by direct input from communities in need of connectivity. We engage continuously with our deployment partners and users, integrating their feedback to ensure Big Box is as user-centred and adaptable as possible.
Empowering Local Stakeholders - By enabling grassroots organisations to manage their own connectivity infrastructure, Big Box is a powerful tool for building local digital resilience and capacity.
Contact requests@janga.la for more information on Big Box
Big Box in Action
Mobile Education and Health Initiatives
Big Box’s flexibility makes it uniquely suited for mobile programmes, connecting to various data and power sources to establish secure Wi-Fi anywhere. For example:
In Jamshedpur, India, Big Box V0.9 supports ALIG’s mobile literacy and women’s digital inclusion projects, bringing connectivity to new communities through mobile vans and enabling digital access and education.
In Ghana, our partnership with female-led Soronko Academy equips mobile training teams with Big Box devices, delivering STEM education for girls and digital skills to underserved communities. The connectivity boost has allowed Soronko to expand its digital skills training and reach remote libraries, empowering young learners.
Evolving Situations and Rapid Response
In volatile or rapidly changing conditions, Big Box’s transportability and adaptability are key assets:
UNICEF is piloting 10 Big Boxes in Sudanese refugee camps, where ongoing crises challenge traditional infrastructure. Here, Big Box provides a digital lifeline to informal learning hubs for displaced children and young people, with the flexibility to shift focus to formal schooling if it resumes.
Similarly, during the Turkish earthquake disaster relief, Big Box facilitated rapidly-deployed, secure internet for response teams, underscoring its potential to support emergency response efforts in high-stakes situations.
Remote and Rural Communities
For isolated communities where connectivity is often entirely absent, Big Box offers a secure, scalable network solution:
In Cusco, Peru, our partnership with LAFF Peru enabled Big Box to connect Casa Mantay, a refuge for young mothers, with internet access in previously disconnected areas, enhancing their education and support facilities.
In South Africa’s Kwazulu Natal region, Big Box has provided Embo Healthcare Clinic with connectivity for over 1,000 devices, empowering staff and residents with essential health and safety information.
Community Resilience and Empowerment
Big Box also strengthens local resilience by connecting community empowerment initiatives:
Radio Amani FM in the DRC leverages Big Box to provide modern agricultural practices, supporting SDG4 goals. The internet connection enables them to share broadcasts and build connections between remote listeners, fostering a network of informed and resilient communities.
In each of these cases Big Box V1 will allow us to build on BBV0.9’s successes and expand to reach even more communities with even great inclusion.
Big Box Deployments around the world
Case Studies
