Documentation
How messaging works
How messages travel from your device to the recipient — via Bluetooth, hybrid, or internet relay.
Ndevar automatically selects the best available route for each message. You don't need to configure anything.
Three routes
Bluetooth only (offline)
When you have no internet access, messages route via Bluetooth through nearby devices. Each nearby device running Ndevar acts as a relay — passing messages along until they reach the recipient.
This works with zero infrastructure. No cell towers, no Wi-Fi, no internet. The only requirement is that there are devices between you and the recipient.
When it works well: Crowded outdoor events, outdoor areas with other Ndevar users, situations where infrastructure is down but people are present.
Hybrid (one person online)
If a nearby device has internet access, it automatically bridges your Bluetooth message onto the internet relay to reach someone far away. You don't need to do anything — Ndevar detects this automatically.
When it works well: You're in a low-signal area but not completely offline; someone nearby has better connectivity.
Internet relay (both online)
When both you and the recipient have internet access, messages route through the Ndevar relay server. Messages are end-to-end encrypted — the relay cannot read them — and are discarded after delivery.
When it works well: Normal connectivity, any distance.
Delivery
Ndevar attempts delivery on all available routes simultaneously. The first successful delivery wins.
If the recipient is offline, the message is:
- Held on nearby devices for Bluetooth delivery when they come within range
- Queued on the relay (if you have internet) until the recipient reconnects
Messages have a limited lifetime (TTL). After expiry, undelivered messages are discarded.
Privacy
Regardless of which route is used, the encryption properties are identical:
- Message content is always end-to-end encrypted
- Your identity (AddressID) is never exposed in transit
- Delivery tokens are one-time — not linked to your identity
- The relay never stores messages after delivery
See the security page for full cryptographic details.