Diff: WGBackbone

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 ### Index ### 

 

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-! Goal 

-Participants in the Melbourne Wireless network are coming to the realisation that peer-to-peer wireless networking at the suburban backyard level is probably not sufficient to create a Melbourne-wide network.  Likewise, relying on one single high-visibility site such as (/nodes/view?id=gho Node GHO) to connect network clustes across all of Melbourne is fraught with technical difficulties. 

+! We need YOU! 

+As of late 2008, Melbourne Wireless needs people to help design the next phase of our city-wide network.  Enthusiastic individuals with backgrounds in networking, computer administration and those with general technical skills should add their name to the Members section of this page.  Be a part of the Free Network Movement today! 

+ 

+---- 

+! Current Goal 

+'''To specify the method for connecting nodes that have no line-of-sight to other nodes on the network.''' 

+ 

+'''Planned release date:''' December 1st 2008 

+ 

+'''Current status:''' Gathering recruits 

+ 

+There are lots of nodes that are not linked to the rest of the network.  Newcomers browsing the maps likely see the majority of nodes close to them are disconnected and feel there is little chance they can connect either, unless of course they are lucky enough to have good line-of-sight to a well connected node. 

+ 

+'''A large number of people turn away at this critical stage because they perceive it is difficult to connect to the network.''' 

+ 

+We can turn this situation around by giving anyone with an Internet connection the ability to participate and be a part of the network. 

+ 

+This goal will most likely be achieved using IP tunneling such as described in RFC2003, though there are many exciting technologies which may be more appropriate.  Technologies that can run on low-end linux routing hardware such as OpenWRT with only 4MB of RAM should be favoured, though there is room for multiple complimentary technologies (eg: platform specific solutions) if they can cooperate together to provide an enhanced service. 

+ 

+---- 

+! General Goals 

+Participants in the Melbourne Wireless network are coming to the realisation that peer-to-peer wireless networking at the suburban backyard level is probably not sufficient to create a Melbourne-wide network.  Likewise, relying on one single high-visibility site such as (/nodes/view?id=gho Node GHO) to connect network clusters across all of Melbourne is fraught with technical difficulties. 

 

 Rather than relying on a single network hub, a cellular model for the network is needed, similar to the way GSM mobile phone networks are structured.  To achieve this, nodes need to be installed in as many high-visibility sites as possible across Melbourne.  Sites such as tall buildings, hilltops, towers, etc.