linux.conf.au: Look Tux, no wires

Sam Varghese
Monday, 14 January 2008 20:34

Opinion and Analysis

When it comes to connectivity, the main issue for him is freedom of choice. "ISPs in Australia are becoming fewer, as the smaller ones are swallowed by the larger, effectively reducing the diversity in the industry. As those large ISPs grow they need to reduce the variation in their services in order to get a better return on investment and economies of scale. Centralising management of the ISP's networks allows cost savings, but doesn't always meet the needs of the customer base.

"The recipe for a community wireless network is a few technical folks who want to do 'something' and then a non-technical person with a 'problem' that needs solving. That problem is often 'I would like to link my house to my families house or business'. Add some investment in WiFi equipment. Mix well. You end up with groups like Air-Stream and Melbourne Wireless. I am hoping to discover other groups from around Australia at the miniconf."

The reaction of ISPs to such ideas differs. "It varies; some ISPs have employees who are member of the groups. Some ISPs support their local groups by offering hosting or discounts on services. Also there are some ISPs that have disconnected their customers for breaching very restrictive AUPs," he says.

"But that goes with the territory, unfortunately it's a cut-throat industry. Some customers are obsessed with cheap == good, which drives ISPs to offer more restricted services; it's all a balance between finding an ISP that offers you the services you need under the terms you accept. The kind of community skill building and local value which community wireless networking provides is a different kind of proposition than a plug and pay as you go connection to the internet."

Hawtin says there is room for both kinds of networks. "HAM radio groups and community wireless groups are collaborating. The community wireless technologies are great for local area networks for events like festivals. There is also a growing interest in micro-broadcasting FM radio for small events. The 'Burning Man' in the US is a good example of a self provision community area network. The Roofnet and Tent-City projects at MIT are along the same lines. There is even a book written about how to create a network for communities in rural and remote areas - Wireless Networking in the Developing World."

The community wireless miniconf is scheduled to be held on January 28 at the Melbourne University, beginning at 9am.