[GRLUG] Implementing an actual wireless community network

[Tim Schmidt]

Hi everyone, I'm not entirely new to the list, but I haven't been
around for a while...

I've been working on a project for a little while now that I'd like to
share with some of you and possibly get a group effort going.  I have
5 Netgear WGT634U wireless routers which I've been hacking on with the
purpose of setting up a wireless mesh network loosely based on some
efforts at MIT and in western Australia.  I have, among the 5 routers
(and a couple more coming via eBay) a complete development environment
capable of un-bricking a hosed router.  Further, all of this is cheap
and easy to set up -- the routers can be had for $35 or less, the
development setup requires a computer, two routers, and a CD-ROM audio
cable.  Alternatively, you can build your own 3.3v <-> 5v
level-shifting serial adapter (thus requiring only one router) which
is relatively easy or relatively cheap, pick one.

I have a page detailing some of my work (I'll post more information
soon -- I promise!) with links to other major sources here:
http://narrow-band.net/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Mesh_Node

What I'm envisioning is an individually-owned wireless data
distribution system which anyone could use for any purpose.  The
primary purpose might be to provide cheap internet access -- all you'd
need is a fat internet connection, a node, and some way to
authenticate users (or not), as opposed to the cable and phone
companies that maintain expensive networks to deliver their services. 
I like the idea of owning your own part of 'the network' and paying
for bandwidth to the rest of the world like the comodity it is. 
Eventually, TV, audio, VoIP, whatever.

And so, in furtherance of this goal, I'd like to sponsor / host a
meet-and-greet type get together to talk over some of the details,
brainstorm, eat, etc.  And if that works out well, some hacking /
testing / playing with fun radio equipment sessions as well.

I'd like to hear back from anyone interested, and based on the
response I can decide on hosting at my place or trying to get access
to a school, library, etc.  Think sometime in the next two to three
weeks...

I'll be happy to answer questions, point you to where to get the
routers cheap, etc.

--tim