[GRLUG] Mesh networking, localnet and Internet infrastructure

[Bob Kline]

I wonder whether this is another reason
Comcast got a yen for implementing
monthly byte quotes.  A router ( I'm
assuming this is a router? ) with that kind
of range could provide free Internet access
to a big piece of a neighborhood if no
encryption is used.

So how does Comcast decide whether that
kind of range is legitimate, or has this ever
come up?  Can using boosters be considered
redistributing a service?  But then, boosting
only affects the outgoing signal.  From how
far can a typical laptop send info upstream?

Well, one could still provide a neighborhood
radio streaming service.....

   -- Bob


On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 12:13 PM, Michael Mol <mikemol at gmail.com> wrote:

> I've recently been thinking about mesh networking and Internet access.
>
> 802.11 can have some incredible range; My ASUS WL-330ge can be
> associated with 300 yds from my house, and that's stock hardware--I
> applied no signal boosting or special antennas.  What if someone were
> to take a number of these (or similar) devices and set them up with
> mesh network software?  Have the mesh routing operate entirely within
> IPv6 addressing, and have occasional point access to a local Internet.
> (Such gateways could be for-pay or for-free, depending on the operator
> of the node.)  One could build a mesh infrastructure that way, and
> could even avoid congestion if one limits the number of hops allowed
> along the mesh before reaching an external destination.
>
> My thought is that if one could take existing high-range access point,
> attach a small computer to it (Pico-ITX or smaller), and use that
> computer as the platform for the mesh routing logic.  Once the
> software is developed (which I do believe this is the tricky part),
> the mesh routing nodes could be assembled and sold at a profit;
> Initial customers would be managers of--or communities in--apartment
> complexes, parks and other large-area recreational areas.  It's also
> worth considering the millions of handheld game units out there that
> use 802.11 as a means of connecting to each other for network play; A
> kid in Grandvile suddenly becomes able to go head-to-head with a kid
> in Wyoming or Allendale, without his parents having to pony up for a
> subscription from Nintendo's or Sony's central service.
>
> Initially, it would be useful as a means of setting up point-to-point
> connections such as between related businesses or as between friends'
> homes (with a hop or two between).  As lines of mesh hops between
> related parties connect, the mesh starts growing horizontally as the
> smaller meshes see each other and exchange routing information.
>
> Ultimately, there are two pieces to the puzzle: Choke-resistant mesh
> networking software, and assembly and sale of the mesh nodes.
>
> The mesh nodes themselves can be sold as part of a branded network; A
> not-necessarily-global alternative to AT&T, Comcast, Charter, etc.  It
> can also act as a localnet for businesses and other local
> organizations; Throw a webserver up and use mDNS or similar to
> broadcast its availability.  Or keep its IPv6 address relatively
> private, and only give access to the people you want to use it.
>
> --
> :wq
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