[MLB-WIRELESS] my linux.conf.au Community Wireless paper abstract

[Dan Flett]

Hi Guys,

I've just registered on the linux.conf.au site and it says that the call for
papers for the main conference is now closed.  I guess I'll submit this
paper for the Community Wireless mini-conf then!

Here is it's abstract.  It's a first draft, but I was told by Grant to get
this in quick:

This paper describes the ideas behind Community Wireless (CW) networks.
WiFi hardware is now so cheap that with minimal outlay and minimal coding
skills, individuals can construct wireless "nodes" on their property and
link these nodes together to create a free and open data network.  With the
same ideals of those who drive the Open-Source software movement, Community
Wireless Networkers use mostly consumer-grade equipment.  The hardware and
software design of CW nodes is in constant flux: each month brings more
capable consumer-grade wireless routers and other equipment. CW networkers
take little time to hack these and discover new ways to exploit their
capabilities.  Without open-source software - primarily Linux - these
developments would not happen nearly so quickly - if at all.

Also discussed are the different styles of CW networks - both technical and
organisational.  Up until fairly recently, most Australian CW networks
favoured a traditional "infrastructure" style of network.  This involved
mostly point-to-point links and the occasional omnidirectional access point
for public access.  These networks usually use traditional routing protocols
such as OSPF and BGP.  However, "mesh" wireless networks are becoming more
popular, as wireless routers become smaller and cheaper, and mesh routing
protocols such as OLSR improve.

A number of different organisational styles have appeared in different
Australian cities when locals band together to create a CW network governing
body.  They range from simple self-organised groups of friends and
like-minded people in Perth and Darwin, to incorporated associations such as
Melbourne Wireless.  Some community organisations are run more like
non-profit ISPs than democratic community groups.
 
Australian CW networks are also subject to legislation and regulations that
can limit their scope and capabilities.  Significantly, Australian CW
networks cannot redistribute Internet feeds unless their organising bodies
are licenced as telcos.  The conditions for obtaining and retaining a
Carrier Licence are mostly too onerous for these volunteer-run hobbyist
organisations.  So CW networks in Australia either have to try to exploit
legal grey areas or stay away from Internet feeds altogether.

The paper concludes in suggesting some of the reasons why Community Wireless
networks exist.  Are they just there for people to share Internet access?
What other sort of non-Internet content or services can a CW network
usefully provide?  Do they exist primarily as a domain for hackers and geeks
to exercise their skills?  Or can they have a wider appeal?  More and more
consumer products are being sold with WiFi-capability.  Practically every
laptop and many mobile phones are now wireless-capable.  It is only a matter
of time before the general public realises that WiFi has a greater social
potential than mere Internet access.

Cheers,

Dan Flett
President
Melbourne Wireless Inc.