[MLB-WIRELESS] grumpy people - get a move on

[Simon Hall]

I think the real issue here is that people want to be able to connect to the
internet.  Not just a community network.  It does appear, for this to move
forward a few things need to be sorted.  It is clear that there is, in
general, a lot of interest.

It is pretty obvious that without internet access the idea of a wireless
network is not as appealing particularly if there is a substantial setup
cost.

To get things going I suggest the following.

1) Develop/design an AP/router package based on a fairly minimum spec 2nd
hand pc.  Ensure that there are levels of implementations i.e. Low level
where the DIY person can either purchase or collect the parts and setup
himself to a High level where the org can supply all the parts and even
install for a nominal fee.

2) Develop or get hold of some software that will allow internet bandwidth
throttling at each node and have some form of routing request that allows
packets to be moved around the wireless network to ensure a good spread of
the bandwidth to the internet from internet enabled nodes. This should be
used at each node.  There must be something around like this. I suppose a
form of distributed internet gateway.

3) Encourage Nodes to donate at least some of their internet bandwidth to a
pool that can be used on the wireless network.

4 )May also need to develop some form of tool that will allow monitoring of
the status of the network.

Having free internet access is really a bit of a pipe dream.  Bearing in
mind that the current infrastructure is owned by corporate giants and that
there is an ultimate cost due to installation and maintenance of it. In the
end someone has to pay..In Australia we just pay too much!

I believe we have to aim for a cheaper internet. Not a free one.
-----Original Message-----
From: Alex F [mailto:alexf at optushome.com.au]
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2002 1:50 PM
To: melbwireless at melbwireless.dyndns.org
Subject: RE: [MLB-WIRELESS] grumpy people - get a move on


At 12:44 PM 9/01/2002, you wrote:
>Aggreed..
>
>But my personal opinion is the wireless group will fail long term, for
>these reasons.
>
>Its a expensive cost to a individual who wants to create a node for the
>benefit of others.

I agree with this.
Has anyone else had a look at the statistics on the node database & map?
Total of 301 nodes registered.
There are about 18 nodes "operational", let's say 20 to count those who
haven't updated their status.
What's the point here?
A pretty sparse node map and not many operational nodes after many months
in Melb Wireless' existence?

I think there is some lack of motivation to get this thing up and running,
even as a community based network without leeches and internet
access.   There are many nodes which are interested, but won't commit to
buying anything unless their nearest node (or someone else in range)
becomes operational to give them someone to connect to.  We get into a
cycle just with this.  Some people probably wouldn't even fork out $50 for
an antenna or go to the effort of setting up, even if you gave them a
wireless network card for FREE, in the chance that there won't be anyone to
connect to.

Now let's say that every node becomes "operational", there are still plenty
of nodes on the fringes who would out of range to someone.  What's the
motivation for these people to get set up?

Have I missed anything?
We have to find a way of achieving critical mass and moving forward.

Alex F
BGI, operational



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