[Novalug] Project Byzantium ( and wireless )

Walt Smith waltechmail@yahoo.com
Thu May 5 11:57:16 EDT 2011



I don't know how related this is,
but I've been interested in the recent allocation of Whitespace
frequencies, meaning unlicensed.    An aspect of the appeal is you don't 

require a tie-in with verizon or comcast etc. -- at least not at each household/business.


Some frequencies can be lower than wifi, hence can be much longer range,
but in many cases may also be lower bandwidth ( lower transmission speeds)
down to perhaps 6mbps.


The idea is that rather than wifi (2.4ghz) coverage to
bring free internet to urban areas, that the lower frequencies and longer range
would allow easier coverage to more rural areas.  The generalized topology would 

still be a "matrix" or "linked string" of "stations".This may  perhaps really
complement places where wifi matrixes were tried but didn't achieve desired
results.  For example, in Baltimore County, Towson University installed a wifi
that reached the Towson community:  off-campus to the surrounding community for 

students who livedoff campus.  But B.C. didn't take it further than that.  I felt 

that Baltimore County,  with it's large number of public buildings and fairly dense 

population but distributed  could have providedcounty-wide  Internet for very 

little cost.  But then there's the politics
of Verizon and Comcast:  Balto County libraries didn't offer "free" video rentals
in order to not take away Block Busters business ( in my opinion).

(And there is the "other" super hi-speed internet that educational and govt 
offices are connected to).


There is prototype equipment available.  But expensive.. along the lines
of software defined radio (SDR), which can be purchased from a University.
Perhaps the upcoming speaker is aware.

I'm thinking somewhere in the hodgepodge of radio and links there is some
opportunity for volunteer ( rather, I'd prefer to say Community) setups of cheap 

Internet  and of course someplace for linux.  


Description of basic idea:  

Like wifi, you have an addon card for PC's.

But you need something like a WAP.  A rooftop with a transmitter with some
power to it, approx 4 watts max. unlicensed.   As part of the workings however,
the transmitter setup would need to access a database presently at google or
some other FCC agreed provider so that the transmitter (transceiver) frequency can be set
so as to not interfere with another licensed service. (Is it beginning to sound
complicated yet ?).  



Walt.........


 
Celebrating over 12,000 emails in my Yahoo Inbox !


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