[ogWiFi] Wireless access for a whole community...How to do it

[Sampson, David]

> The key, in my opinion, is to realize that you want to grow 
> into being a mesh wireless network.  Do not try to this this 
> immediately, but think about this as a longer term goal.
> 

3-5 years is our outlook curently... I will have to research how we
could exploit mesh with "obsolete" hardware. Remember we use what people
cast away, but of course before it is true junk. And to my knowledge
MESH is upcoming technology that will require purchase. These
populations have limited funds


> 
> 1 DSL just won't serve for 230 residences anymore. 
> You'll want to sit down with RGB and others to learn about 
> the experiences at conscoop.ottawa.on.ca.
> 

Better than 3 computers sharing dial up. Anything is better than
nothing. And often these groups start with no computers and no internet.
Refer back to long term goal.

> You'll also want to talk to Bill St.Arnand about dark-fibre options.
> (I know that sounds expensive today, but keep it in mind)

Spoke with P2P Fibre here in Ottawa. It is an option for sure but we
need a mass of support and micro ISP's tend to not do well in north
America.

> 
> To do this really requires that you have the cooperation of 
> the building owner --- some of them have signed exclusivity 
> agreements with Bell or Rogers!  

True, a challenge of education.


> Don't. ogwifi already provides that functionality with wifidog.
> Alternatively, you may want to consider "fon.com".

I definitely want to work something with OGWIFI if the group is
interested. I figure the lack of funds to pay membership will keep that
in the long term future, but something we can start forging right away
IMHO.


So far it sounds like a cost and will thing, not a technology thing.

Good points.