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Raspberry Pi Powers Geodesic Sphere, Visualizes Network Activity 

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a geodesic sphere of fiber optic cables that illuminates in real-time as data packets flow through local networks.

Developer Alex Chang has turned network activity monitoring into an artistic display, creating a geodesic sphere of fiber optic cables that illuminates in real-time as data packets flow through local networks. 

The system created by Alex Change contains a real-time network activity visualization system, it illuminates as packets travel through the local network.  

LED Geodesic Sphere Responding to Network Traffic 

This Raspberry Pi project features a geodesic sphere made from fiber optic cables, each linked to an LED that flashes with local network traffic. The LEDs light up in patterns when packets are detected, creating a dynamic light show that offers a real-time visual representation of network activity. 

The project is powered by a Raspberry Pi controlling LEDs, supported by custom Python code that analyzes data via an ESP32 module. Wi-fi packets are tracked using the open-source tool ESP-EOS/ESP32-WiFi-Sniffer tool on GitHub. With up to 40 LEDs flashing in response to network activity, the setup creates an enlightening and entertaining display. 

To get around this limitation in GPIOs on the Raspberry Pi 3B+, Chang also designed his own PCB. This custom board enables the SMD5730 LEDs and TLC5916 driver modules, ensuring the system can support the large quantity of LEDs needed on the sphere. 

To fabricate the geodesic sphere, Alex Chang has used 3D printed pentagonal and hexagonal joints. The pieces serve to attach 60 wooden dowel rods to make the sphere, through which fiber optic cables have been threaded.  

The Raspberry Pi project is open source, so the Python script custom for Raspberry Pi and ESP32 code are publicly available on GitHub, making it easy for other makers and developers to continue developing the project.  

Chang also posted a demo on YouTube and a detailed guide on Hackster.io for more insight into the project. 

At the end of the day, this is a great project especially for those interested in creating interactive network displays, as it visualizes network activity in the form of light displays.  

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