### Index ###

! Register with Melbourne Wireless

The first thing to do is to become a registered user of Melbourne Wireless, this is free.  Don't worry, your email account will not be spammed.

(http://www.melbournewireless.org.au/users/register/ Register Here)

! Setting up your Node

A node is a device that is connected as part of a computer network. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Node_(networking)/ What is a Node)

A Melbourne Wireless node is created at the place where you are interested in joining to the network, usually your home. The status of the node can be set to 'possibly interested' if you are just testing the waters.

(http://www.melbournewireless.org.au/maps/create/ Create your Node)

Node names are automatically generated as three letters and referred to as NodeAAA.  Once your node is created you will be able to see other nodes that are close to you.

! Who to connect to

Now that you have a node all setup, who do you connect to?  There are two ways to find this out.

Areas are split up into regional groups and they usually have their own email groups that you can ask this question in.  This can often be the best place to get started.  Use this (http://www.melbournewireless.org.au/nodes/img/area_boundaries.png/ map) to determine what area you fall under

||'''Group ID'''||'''Group web page'''||
||1||[RGCentral]||
||2||[RGWesternPlains]||
||3||[RGMaribyrnong] encompassing [RGNorthWest]||
||4||[RGInnerNorth] encompassing  [RGMerri]||
||5||[RGDarebin] and [RGNorthernHills]||
||6||[RGNorthEast]  aka  [RGYarraNorth]||
||7||[RGYarraValley]||
||8||[RGInnerEast]  ||
||9||[RGOuterEasternAndFoothills] ||
||10||[RGSouthern]||
||11||[RGPeninsula]||

If you can see a node that you would like to connect to from the map, you can email the person directly.  Click on the node in question, then click the 'Contacts name' to email the owner of the node directly.  Don't be shocked if you do not get a reply, some people are fearful about providing their real email address.

! Hardware

The best way to find out what hardware is need is to ask the person that you want to connect to.  Changes are they will have some experience and good idea what is needed.

In most cases it is as simple as fitting a WiFi antenna to the top of you TV mast, then running coaxial cable to an Access Point hidden under the roof. The trick is to ensure you have [LineOfSight] to the node you are connecting to.  WiFi is directional, meaning it does not travel thought houses or shopping centres very well.

!! Antenna

There are many different types of antenna for WiFi, you will only be interested in directional at this stage.  

[ParabolicAntenna Parabolic grid], [HelicalAntenna Helical],  [YagiAntenna Yagi], [PanelAntenna Panel],[Cantenna Cantennas] or (http://wirelessanarchy.com/#Antenna others)

The least visual impact would be the [YagiAntenna Yagi], or [PanelAntenna Panel] types. Retailers can be found on the [HardwareSuppliers] page.

!! Cabling

No you can not use TV coaxial cabling.  Special low loss 2.4Ghz cabling is needed to run from you antenna to the access point.  If you use just any old [CoaxialCable coax cable], you'll lose too much signal before it even gets to your antenna. 

[LMR-400] is the standard we recommend. 

!! Connectors

There are many different connectors that are used, it is important to order the correct ones. The industry standard connector used on Wifi antennas is the [NConnector].  Most access points have special connectors just to make life difficult. 

It is best to determine the length of cable you will need and order it with the connectors already fitted. You will need to know which access point you intend to use as there is no standard for access point connectors.

!! Access Point

There are many different access points or wireless cards that are up to the job, many are listed here [HardwareCatalog]

Many people have had good reports with the linksys WRT54G, upgraded with the dd-wrt firmware

!! Connecting to you PC

So, you have a directional antenna on you roof, [LMR-400] coaxial cabling running to you access point hiding under the roof.  The next step is to run Cat5 from the access point to your PC.

! What is available on the network?

Remember that Melbourne Wireless is not an ISP and it does not give out free internet. To find out what services are in your area best get involved in the local email group for your area.


! Need more information

More lite reading [GettingStartedHowto]
Most detailed information is available on [TheEvolvingFAQ]
The [mailing lists] is the best place to ask any questions you may have.

Remember google is you friend, there is a heap if Wifi information out there.