NextCloud can be a little tricky to host in a way that is performant/reponsive. You can find lots of discussion online, particularly in the Selfhosted subreddit, about various difficulties with NextCloud. It can be a fairly “heavy” service to host.

I definitely recommend against hosting NextCloud on a Raspberry Pi.

Tyler Gardner
KI7ODK

On Dec 12, 2024, at 2:31 PM, Chuck Gelm NC8Q <[email protected]> wrote:


Are there any MVMA network folks that would like to try this 'Nextcloud' service?

73, Chuck

On 12/12/24 12:48, AI7BQ John Simpson via groups.io wrote:

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Introduction to Nextcloud for Emergency Communications

Today, I’m going to talk about Nextcloud, a self-hosted collaboration platform, and how it can be a game-changer during emergency communications, especially when used with the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network, or AREDN.

This presentation will focus primarily on shared spreadsheets, explaining how they can enhance coordination and improve efficiency. I’ll also touch on how Nextcloud can be installed in an amateur radio-compliant way and why it’s a valuable tool for emergency responders.

What is Nextcloud?

Nextcloud is an open-source platform you can set up on your own server to share files, collaborate on documents, and manage tasks. Unlike public cloud services like Google Drive, Nextcloud runs entirely on servers you control. This makes it ideal for situations where internet access is limited or when privacy and self-reliance are priorities.

One of the standout features of Nextcloud is shared spreadsheets. These allow multiple people to view and edit the same document at the same time, making it an excellent tool for real-time collaboration in emergency scenarios.

Why Are Shared Spreadsheets Important for Emergency Communications?

Let’s think about how emergencies are handled. Teams need to keep track of shelters, supplies, volunteer assignments, and more. Often, this involves multiple people needing access to the same data.

With a shared spreadsheet, you can:

  • Assign and track tasks for responders.
  • Manage resources like food, water, and medical supplies.
  • Record shelter capacity and occupancy.
  • Log equipment deployment and maintenance.

Instead of relying on handwritten notes, emails, or separate documents, everyone works from the same source of truth. And when you pair Nextcloud with AREDN’s high-speed mesh network, you get real-time collaboration without needing the internet.

How to Install and Use Nextcloud

Nextcloud can be installed on a variety of servers. You can use a standard internet-facing server, or, for amateur radio purposes, you can host it on an AREDN-facing server. For compliance with FCC Part 97, HTTPS—must be disabled. This ensures the data transmitted over amateur frequencies is open and accessible, as required by law.

Here’s a quick outline of the setup process:

  1. Server Requirements: Use a Linux server with basic web hosting software like Apache or Nginx, plus PHP and a database server such as MariaDB.
  2. Installation: Download and configure Nextcloud using the official installation guide or a package manager.
  3. AREDN Integration: Configure the server to operate on the AREDN network, disabling HTTPS encryption in the web server settings.
  4. Optimization: Focus on essential tools, like file sharing and spreadsheets, to minimize bandwidth usage and improve performance.

Key Advantages of Nextcloud

To summarize, Nextcloud offers several benefits for amateur radio emergency operations:

  • Real-time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit spreadsheets or documents simultaneously.
  • Decentralization: No reliance on internet-based services; data stays within your network.
  • Flexibility: Adaptable for any type of emergency response—whether it's resource tracking, task assignments, or even messaging.
  • Compliance: Configured properly, Nextcloud operates in full alignment with amateur radio regulations.

Using Nextcloud in an Emergency Scenario

Let me walk you through an example. Imagine we’re coordinating disaster relief for a large area. We have several shelters, each with different capacities and resource needs.

  1. Create a Spreadsheet: A lead operator creates a shared document in Nextcloud titled "Shelter Logistics." This document includes columns for the shelter name, capacity, current occupants, and available supplies.
  2. Share the Document: The document is shared with team members on the AREDN mesh network.
  3. Real-time Updates: As shelters report updates—such as new arrivals or depleted supplies—operators at each location can edit the spreadsheet directly.
  4. Improved Efficiency: Everyone involved sees the same data immediately, reducing miscommunication and ensuring resources are allocated where they’re needed most.

Even if some operators are offline temporarily, Nextcloud lets them sync their updates once they reconnect to the mesh.

Why Use AREDN with Nextcloud?

AREDN provides a high-speed, low-latency network that works in areas where traditional internet may not be available. Nextcloud complements this by giving us a platform to collaborate effectively. Together, they enable amateur radio operators to function as a highly organized and capable team.

For compliance with Part 97, it’s crucial to disable encryption. While this might seem like a limitation, AREDN’s mesh network is inherently localized and less susceptible to unauthorized access, so disabling HTTPS doesn’t compromise much in this context.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, Nextcloud is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance emergency communication efforts. Its shared spreadsheets allow teams to stay organized and coordinated, while AREDN ensures that communication remains reliable, even when the internet fails.

Setting up Nextcloud may require some technical effort, but the benefits it provides—like real-time collaboration, improved efficiency, and compliance with amateur radio rules—make it well worth it. If you’re interested in trying it out, I’d be happy to help guide you through the setup or answer any questions.

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