The Serval Project vs CoovaChilli

Struggling to choose between The Serval Project and CoovaChilli? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

The Serval Project is a Social & Communications solution with tags like decentralized, mesh-networking, disaster-response.

It boasts features such as Decentralized messaging and voice calling, Uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect phones without cellular networks, Allows communication during natural disasters and internet outages, Open-source software, End-to-end encrypted messaging, Works offline and without internet access, Mesh networking capability and pros including Works without cellular networks or internet access, Useful during disasters or internet outages, Decentralized and secure communications, Free and open-source software, Mesh networking provides redundancy.

On the other hand, CoovaChilli is a Network & Admin product tagged with captive-portal, access-controller, authentication, bandwidth-control, accounting.

Its standout features include RADIUS authentication, Bandwidth control, Accounting and billing, Captive portal, WISPr support, and it shines with pros like Open source and free, Works with many hardware devices, Supports multiple authentication methods, Granular bandwidth control, Active development community.

Feature	The Serval Project	CoovaChilli
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Social & Communications	Network & Admin

Product Overview

The Serval Project

Description: The Serval Project is an open-source, decentralized messaging and voice calling app that uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect phones without cellular networks. It allows communication during natural disasters and internet outages.

CoovaChilli

Description: CoovaChilli is an open-source software access controller for captive portal and wireless LAN access points. It authenticates users and allows bandwidth control and accounting.

Key Features Comparison

The Serval Project Features

• Decentralized messaging and voice calling
• Uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect phones without cellular networks
• Allows communication during natural disasters and internet outages
• Open-source software
• End-to-end encrypted messaging
• Works offline and without internet access
• Mesh networking capability

CoovaChilli Features

• RADIUS authentication
• Bandwidth control
• Accounting and billing
• Captive portal
• WISPr support

Pros & Cons Analysis

The Serval Project

Pros

• Works without cellular networks or internet access
• Useful during disasters or internet outages
• Decentralized and secure communications
• Free and open-source software
• Mesh networking provides redundancy

Cons

• Requires phones in proximity for direct connections
• Limited adoption and user base
• Voice and video calling quality may be low
• Setup and configuration may be complex

CoovaChilli

Pros

• Open source and free
• Works with many hardware devices
• Supports multiple authentication methods
• Granular bandwidth control
• Active development community

Cons

• Limited documentation
• Steep learning curve
• Requires Linux server
• Lacks GUI/dashboard
• No commercial support

Pricing Comparison

The Serval Project

• Open Source

CoovaChilli

• Open Source