[GRLUG] Implementing an actual wireless community network

[adderd@kkmfg.com]

What I wonder is could you instead use WRT54G Linksys routers w/ custom
firmware? There's no funny business w/ needing two routers or special
cables or anything. Some of the custom firmware's for the WRT54G support
the creation of wireless mesh networks. Would this be compatible with what
you are talking about?

> 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
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