tollgate

TollGate

TollGate enables WiFi routers to accept Bitcoin payments for internet access. This allows users with a router and an internet connection to operate as internet service providers. One of the reasons mesh networks haven’t been widely adopted is that infrastructure operators didn’t have a simple permission-less way to transfer the operating cost of the infrastructure to its users. Thanks to Bitcoin + e-cash, TollGate operators can transfer the cost of their internet gateway to the users of their access point in a granular manner.

TollGate Protocol

You can find a draft of the TollGate protocol (split up in multiple TollGate Implementation Possibilities) here

TollGate network

The image above shows what a network built out of independently operated TollGates looks like. The is be somebody that connects a TollGate to their a ISP and then the TollGate starts reselling that connection. Other TollGates can buy access and extend the network without having to ask for permission or know who the initial operator is. This can continue as many levels deep as the market will find to be efficient. Anywhere in the network, consumers can do the same thing to purchase internet access on their personal devices. The only difference between the consumer app and another TollGate is that the consumer device most likely won’t resell the connection.

Components that make up TollGate

TollGate software is not just one app or component, but is made up out of several services that each handle their own specialized task. Together it forms the TollGate ecosystem. The communication between some of these components will be the TollGate protocol, but it’s still to early to solidify it.

📱TollGate App

The TollGate app is a cross-platform (Tauri) web-app. It’s a universal app for consumer-devices to auto-connect to TollGates and handle the payments all in the background. Effectively, the app performs the tasks of the Crowsnest and Merchant module, but just as a consumer-only setup.

The Repository can be found here. The current priority is to support Android and after that support desktop.

🛜On-device Modules

This is a list of the modules that run on the router

The project is currently undergoing significant architectural improvements thanks to new possibilities that nostr brings to the table. The new architecture of TollGate is introduced here. When you modify one of the above modules, the module is package by an SDK and pushed to blossom in a github action. You can later use the imagae builder to generate an OpenWRT image for the actions.

Benefits

Benefits for users:

Opportunity for TollGate operators:

Effect on legacy internet service providers:

Roadmap (December 2024)

FAQ

General

What is an ISP?

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. ISP’s are companies that provide your home with internet access and charge a monthly fee for it. For example: Comcast, Verizon and AT&T ar all ISP’s.

Can I share my internet plan with my neighbors?

Yes, if you operate a TollGate, your neighbour can connect to your TollGate instead of their own ISP’s access-point.

Risks

Is TollGate safe to use?

TollGate networks are public/open WiFi networks, like the ones you find in hotels and airports. These kind of networks have risks associated to it and we recommend always using a VPN when using public networks. Additionally, TollGate development is still in very early stages and the project still changes a lot. We cannot make any promises about security and privacy at this point in time.

Using TollGate

Is TollGate free?

The software we publish is free and open-source, meaning you will not be charged for the use of TollGate software. However, the independent TollGate operators (the people providing the access-points) will charge you as the user for their services. The price they set it not controlled by the TollGate open-source project.

Operating a TollGate

What is TollGateOS?

TollGateOS is a version of OpenWRT that has all software included that is needed to turn a router into a TollGate.

How can I operate a TollGate?

We provide TollGateOS images which you can install on our supported routers. Other routers may work but we do not currently test for those.

Which hardware is supported?

Currently TollGateOS is compatible with:

TollGate’s long-term aim is to support many OpenWRT compatible routers.

This depends a lot on the jurisdiction you are operating the TollGate in. In some countries/regions you might take liability for the traffic that runs through your TollGate, be sure to check your local rules and regulations. Additionally, check your ISP’s Terms & Conditions for any rules around reselling internet access.

It is your own responsibility to handle local rules and regulations, we cannot assist you with that.

Additional reading

Note: New articles will be added over time to reflect the latest developments in TollGate. The date indicates when each guide was last modified to ensure you’re reading the most current information.

Events

Feel free add events to the list via pull request if you plan to present TollGate somewhere.

Events TollGate contributors intend to visit

Unconfirmed events

Past events

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Feel free to reach out on nostr, on signal or in person.. Endorsements on nostr, the TollGate echo chamber :)

TollGate Repositories

The following repositories are currently part of TollGate:

Actions

Modules

Decomissioned

UNLICENSE

This is free and unencumbered software - see the UNLICENSE file for details.

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