Product Description
The BRCK is a software infused device. The BRCK includes a cloud-based system, called Moja that syncs your BRCK with current data from cellular providers in your country. This backend provides a dashboard of metrics to monitor your connectivity and devices over time, and a way to install new services like VPN, Dropbox or any other app that a user might create.
BRCK is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Target Users (Target Impact Group)
Household, Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Public Sector Agencies, NGOs
Distributors / Implementing Organizations
BRCK was the sole distributor.
Manufacturing/Building Method
The BRCK was manufactured in Kenya by BRCK Limited. The BRCK is no longer in production.
Intellectural Property Type
Select Type
User Provision Model
Users may purchase the Kio Kit or the next generation of BRCK: SupaBRCK.
Distributions to Date Status
As of August 2016, thousands of BRCKs have been distributed. interview with representative
Type of service
Wi-Fi
Telecommunication service required
Yes. Mobile data or fixed internet connection is required.
Fixed network connection required (Y/N)
Yes. However, the BRCK can connect via Mobile Internet services (SIM card) as well.
Additional device required
Yes. To use the BRCK Internet service you would need an internet enabled device (Smartphone, computer, tablet, etc)
Two way communication (Y/N)
Yes.
Battery life (hours)
8 hours
Network capacity
20 devices can connect to the BRCK at once.
Power requirements
Unknown. Input voltage can range from 4 – 18 volts from a 8,000 mAh LiPo Battery.
Average packet loss
Unknown
Application
Education.
Design Specifications
BRCKs internal enterprise-level 802.11 b/g/n router with a 10/100Mbps WAN/LAN Port can be shared with up to 20 devices. Overview: 8 Hour battery backup, 16 GB harddrive, 8 GPIO pins to connect sensors, Software infused allows for apps, remote management, and data collection, Documented API. Dimensions: 132mm (5.18 inches) by 72mm (2.82 inches) by 45mm (1.77 inches) Weight: 510g (1.125) Features: Ruggedized body handles drops, dust, and weather Extended battery life in 5 different low power states 4 GB of onboard storage (Factory Upgradable to 32GB) Power Efficient Atheros 400 MHz Processor Network: 802.11 b/g/n Wireless 10/100Mbps WAN/LAN Port Wifi Bridge and Client modes WPA/WPA2 PSK, WPA Enterprise, and WEP Encryption DHCP, NAT, DMZ, Port Forwarding, and Access Control OpenVPN Client/Server NFS/FTP Network Attached Storage Auto Network Failover For more details, visit BRCK's technical specifications page
Product Schematics
Technical Support
BRCK has a dedicated customer support team that can be reached and an online forum for collaboration.
Replacement Components
Unknown.
Lifecycle
Exact lifecycle was not shared by BRCK. The BRCK was designed to withstand harsh environments, which is advertised to extend the lifecycle of the product. The BRCK has a 90 day warranty.
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
Unknown
Vetted Performance Status
The BRCK has been through third party testing and vetting, but details were not shared.
Safety
Be sure to follow proper installation and control guidelines.
Complementary Technical Systems
Digital media viewing or web browsing technology is required, such as a computer, smartphone or tablet.
Academic Research and References
“Goal 16.” n.d. Sdgs.Un.Org. Accessed June 19, 2024. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal16
“BRCK | Front Page.” n.d. Brck.Com. Accessed June 19, 2024. https://brck.com/front-page/
“BRCK | Contact Us – Old.” n.d. Brck.Com. Accessed June 19, 2024. https://brck.com/contact-us/
“BRCK | Company.” n.d. Brck.Com. Accessed June 19, 2024. https://brck.com/company/
Compliance with regulations
BRCK has stated their compliance with Open Source Regulations.
Evaluation methods
Unknown.
Other Information
BRCK has shifted their efforts toward the SupaBRCK, Moja, PicoBRCK and the Kio Kit. The SupaBRCK is the next generation BRCK, Moja is a content delivery network built on BRCK, PicoBRCK connects physical sensors and devices to the internet and the Kio Kit is a digital education solution. Watch this BRCK TED talk
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BRCK seems to be very difficult to implement in undeserved out-of-coverture communities, because of the need to use Mobile Services like 3G-4G to adequately get the services. Even that, for the communities who have adequate mobile access, BRCK can be a good tool to fully exploit a shared mobile data connection.
Add specific performance parameters related to Quality of Service in the network for diferents applications (data-based, audio, video and multimedia): Average throughput | delay | jitter and packet loss. Also a parameter to know the “time to download” different kind of media.