Can the Internet Function Without the Internet? - Building Decentralized Offline-Capable Web Applications

Explore how decentralized technologies can maintain connectivity and functionality when traditional internet infrastructure fails in this 14-minute lightning talk from the Linux Foundation's Open Source Summit. Discover mesh networks that enable direct device-to-device communication without ISPs, offline-first web applications designed for intermittent connectivity, decentralized storage solutions like IPFS that eliminate dependence on centralized servers, and local-first CRDT databases that enable real-time collaboration in isolated environments. Learn practical approaches to building resilient digital infrastructure that can withstand government restrictions, natural disasters, and network failures through a live demonstration of a web application that operates offline and synchronizes data between nearby devices without requiring traditional internet access.