[MLB-WIRELESS] Neighborhood share net

[Paul McGowan - Yawarra]

Hi All,

Since we seem to be talking about providing internet access without a 
carrier licence (again), I thought I'd throw this into the mix.

I apologise in advance if it's been done before, or there is an 
underlying technical impediment which I've missed, or indeed, if I 
have described something which is just, er "DUH!"

As I understand it, MW (and other community wireless networks) setup 
a number of private networks (of sorts)  that are (explicitly) not 
routed to the internet (for the reasons we've been through many times 
before).

But, what if the wireless network was used to provide redundancy and 
diversity to nodes which already have their *own* internet 
connections?

Basically, each node provides a connection to the internet, as well 
as shared access to anyone connected to the wireless link.

If I have cable (at 1500k), and my "neighbour" (three blocks over) 
has an ADSL connection (512k), then we can pool our bandwidth, while 
both payng for our own connection only.  We both got the benefit of a 
2M link, provided our wireless link is at least 1.5M (which seems 
likely over such a small distance).  What's more, if my cable, or his 
ADSL goes down temporarily, then we both have the benefit of 
redundant connections.  The system scales to 3, 4, 5 or more nodes 
(but is ultimately limited by the wireless link speed) and every node 
makes it better for all concerned.

Furthermore, to avoid arguments about bandwidth hogs, it should be 
possible to provide preferred access to the owner of any particular 
node for their own internet connection.  That is to say, if I want to 
use the internet, and my neighbor is currently using my connection, I 
get preference and he gets shunted.  I will therefore always get *at 
least* what I pay for (and mostly more).  The system degrades quite 
well to the worst case, which is what you have already.

Similarly, since most ISPs still think download limits are a good 
thing, each node contributes a download limit to the pool, and each 
node can use up to that limit only before shaping is imposed.  

Thus, there is a pool of MB/s and MB download available for all to 
use in proportion to what they contribute, but everyone involved 
receives the benefit of diversity (faster download, think Bit 
Torrent) and redundancy for the cost of a normal broadband connection 
and some wireless gear. (and a few weekends on the roof)

Most importantly however, no money changes hands, and no-one is worse 
off than they are without the system.  It is, in all respects, win-
win.  The ISPs don't even lose.  The question is, I guess, since no 
money changes hands, would such a scheme qualify as "non-commercial". 

Discuss... ;-)

Best regards,

Paul McGowan
-----------------------------
Yawarra Information Appliances Pty Ltd
http://www.yawarra.com.au/
Tel: 1300 859 799 / (03) 9800 2261
Fax: (03) 9800 2279
PO Box 606, Boronia VIC 3155