Building the internet for the apocalypse. Update your blog with a can on a string from the smoldering rubble.
I develop secure, performant, privacy-focused applications deployed at the edge under the Deadlight ecosystem. A cohesive collection of open-source tools for resilient web platforms, multi-protocol networking, and edge-native infrastructure. These systems are designed for the 80% of the planet that doesn't have datacenter-grade connectivity: mesh networks, satellite links, intermittent connectivity, resource-constrained devices.
Core design principle: user sovereignty over platform convenience.
A modular platform for maintaining online presence (blogging, email, communications) without requiring always-on servers or reliable connectivity. Built for real-world conditions: slow links, intermittent uptime, hostile networks, resource constraints.
The problem: Most web platforms assume fiber, cheap power, and stable connectivity. This excludes billions of users and makes the internet fragile.
The solution: Edge-native architecture that works over LoRa mesh, satellite with 2-second latency, 2G mobile, or text-only terminals. Posts are 3-8 KB. Zero JavaScript required. Deployable from a phone. (Achieved via a C-based multi-protocol bridge and serverless JS frontend optimized for minimal payload and caching.)
blog.deadlight ⭐ 12
Cloudflare Workers blog platform optimized for terrible connectivity. <10 KB pages, works in lynx, post via email.
JavaScript · Live Demo · Getting Started
proxy.deadlight
High-performance protocol bridge (SMTP/IMAP/SOCKS4/5) + VPN gateway. Connects stateless edge apps to stateful protocols.
C
meshtastic.deadlight ⭐ 3
Internet-over-LoRa gateway. Bridge between Meshtastic mesh networks and the public internet.
C · Project Site · Getting Started
lib.deadlight
Shared edge-native libraries: auth, database models, security utilities, UI components.
JavaScript + C
edge.deadlight
Umbrella platform integrating all components into a cohesive system.
JavaScript + C
deadlight-bootstrap ⭐ 14
Lightweight web framework starter for Cloudflare Workers + D1.
JavaScript · Live Demo
deadlight.boo - Main platform demo with proxy integration
thatch pad - Zero-JS instance with use case examples
mobile.deadlight - Android deployed instance via Termux
meshtastic.deadlight - LoRa gateway project blog
threat-level-midnight - Federation testing instance
v1.deadlight - Legacy bootstrap framework
These demonstrate: sub-10 KB page weights, text-only client compatibility, global edge distribution, secure authentication, real-world resilience.
Optimize for reality, not ideals:
- Most connectivity is intermittent, high-latency, or expensive
- Power is often scarce (solar, battery-only devices)
- Many users have text-only interfaces (mesh clients, terminal browsers)
- Resilience matters more than features
Design choices this drives:
- Edge-first architecture (Cloudflare Workers, D1)
- Minimal dependencies (~8 npm packages for blog.deadlight)
- No build steps where possible
- Zero external requests by default
- Works on ARM64 without emulation (deployable from phones)
- Text content prioritized over media
Why C + JavaScript:
- C for protocol bridging, VPN, performance-critical networking
- JavaScript for edge compute, serverless deployments
- Both: auditable, minimal dependencies, portable
Languages: JavaScript (Node.js, edge runtimes), C (GLib, POSIX)
Platforms: Cloudflare Workers, Pages, D1 · Tailscale
Infrastructure: Edge computing, serverless, mesh networking
Security: JWT, CSRF/XSS protection, TLS, rate limiting
Protocols: SMTP/IMAP, SOCKS4/5, HTTP/2, WebSocket, LoRa
Tools: Wrangler CLI, Markdown rendering (marked + DOMPurify)
Immediate (2026 Q1):
- Meshtastic integration testing (LoRa → blog publishing)
- Email-to-post workflow stabilization
- Comment system for blog.deadlight
- Federation between Deadlight instances
Near-term (2026 Q1-Q2):
- Full proxy dashboard integration
- Meshtastic-native client for posting
- Plugin architecture for blog.deadlight
- Documentation expansion
Long-term:
- ActivityPub federation
- HF radio transport layer
- Satellite-optimized protocols
- Offline-first mobile clients
The convenient internet is fragile. It assumes:
- Reliable power grids
- Low-latency fiber connections
- Always-on servers
- Modern browsers with JavaScript
- Cheap, unlimited data
Most of the world doesn't have this. And increasingly, even those who do face:
- Natural disasters disrupting infrastructure
- Intentional network shutdowns
- Privacy and surveillance concerns
- Rising costs and platform lock-in
Deadlight proves you can build differently:
- Deploy a blog from a PinePhone over 2G
- Post updates via LoRa mesh when conventional internet is down
- Run a personal site with zero ongoing server costs
- Maintain privacy without corporate platforms
- Use email protocols for federation instead of proprietary APIs
It's not about preparing for some hypothetical collapse. It's about building systems that work for how people actually live or that they can afford, or just sinply can use without being exploited.
All repositories are open-source under permissive licenses. Areas where help is especially valuable:
- Testing: Email workflows on various providers, LoRa gateway deployment scenarios
- Documentation: Setup guides, troubleshooting, translations
- Accessibility: Testing with screen readers, keyboard navigation
- Performance: Optimization for extremely constrained environments
- Use cases: Real-world deployment stories and feedback
File issues, open PRs, or reach out directly.
- Email: [email protected], [email protected]
- Discord: t.h.a.t.c.h
- Blog: deadlight.boo, thatch pad
- Support: ko-fi.com/gnarzilla
Open to collaboration on edge computing, resilient networking, or related projects.