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When is the last time you've looked at this? The Nanostations, which are atheros based can run OpenWRT, DDWrt, etc. The big thing I see here is that with OSS HAL, maybe adhoc support on atheros will get better. Meraki, FON, and the ACCTON (openmesh.com) routers are all atheros too.

Due to the increasing trend to cut corners to maximize profits, it's no surprise that most (if not all) consumer-level routers are complete garbage (yay capitalism! ). The solution? Make a fun weekend project out of building your own. All it takes is an old functional computer, Linux (or BSD), a few NICs, and a good Linux (or BSD) router/firewall howto. Or, if you don't want to bother with configuring it yourself, check out projects like m0n0wall. If you really want something slick, check out using one of the many embedded systems on the market. It'll cost you a little more, but you'll have one slick little router. I personally like the Soekris systems for building a router out of. I've been running the Soekris net4521 with Pyramid Linux on it and have never had any issues with stability or lockups.

Couldn't you do a low heat/low power CPU that doesn't need active cooling, RAM, and a USB thumb-drive to boot off of?

If you're really serious about having a good router with excellent uptime, runs Linux, doesn't use much power, you can build yoursel, and has no moving partsf, I'd recommend the the following configuration (this is what I run at my house with zero problems:

• Soekris Net4521
• CM9 (Atheros) Wireless card (if wireless is desired)
• Pyramid Linux

Load a CF card with Pyramid Linux, pop it into the CF slot on the Soekris board, ssh into it, configure to your liking and away you go. I've been running one of these guys for years w/no problems (other than the ones I created thru experimentation ;) ). I have a firewall script setup utilizing QoS that gives all of my 'interactive' application-based traffic higher priority over my 'bulk-download' traffic. I can completely max out my upload/download with FTP/Bittorrent/usenet/etc and still have zero lag while I'm gaming/browsing/etc.

Couldn't you do a low heat/low power CPU that doesn't need active cooling, RAM, and a USB thumb-drive to boot off of?

If you're really serious about having a good router with excellent uptime, runs Linux, doesn't use much power, you can build yoursel, and has no moving partsf, I'd recommend the the following configuration (this is what I run at my house with zero problems:

• Soekris Net4521
• CM9 (Atheros) Wireless card (if wireless is desired)
• Pyramid Linux

Load a CF card with Pyramid Linux, pop it into the CF slot on the Soekris board, ssh into it, configure to your liking and away you go. I've been running one of these guys for years w/no problems (other than the ones I created thru experimentation ;) ). I have a firewall script setup utilizing QoS that gives all of my 'interactive' application-based traffic higher priority over my 'bulk-download' traffic. I can completely max out my upload/download with FTP/Bittorrent/usenet/etc and still have zero lag while I'm gaming/browsing/etc.

http://metrix.net/ubiquiti-powerstation-2-ps218v-p-109.html Get two, set them up, alignment LEDs are on the back. It doesn't get much easier.

This embedded system, this wifi card, this antenna, a >= 64 MB Compact Flash card, and Pyramid Linux should solve that problem for you.

This embedded system, this wifi card, this antenna, a >= 64 MB Compact Flash card, and Pyramid Linux should solve that problem for you.

This embedded system, this wifi card, this antenna, a >= 64 MB Compact Flash card, and Pyramid Linux should solve that problem for you.

I know the Powerstation 2 has already been mentioned, but there's also the Powerstation 5 if you want to avoid interference from nearby 2.4Ghz networks.

Both run linux and can do such a short distance really easily.

Additionally, the Nanostation 2 can do this distance easily, is much smaller and easier to mount on a pole, has LEDs for pointing, and is only $79. If you want to see what's inside of one, Metrix took one apart and put it on the blog.

I know the Powerstation 2 has already been mentioned, but there's also the Powerstation 5 if you want to avoid interference from nearby 2.4Ghz networks.

Both run linux and can do such a short distance really easily.

Additionally, the Nanostation 2 can do this distance easily, is much smaller and easier to mount on a pole, has LEDs for pointing, and is only $79. If you want to see what's inside of one, Metrix took one apart and put it on the blog.

I know the Powerstation 2 has already been mentioned, but there's also the Powerstation 5 if you want to avoid interference from nearby 2.4Ghz networks.

Both run linux and can do such a short distance really easily.

Additionally, the Nanostation 2 can do this distance easily, is much smaller and easier to mount on a pole, has LEDs for pointing, and is only $79. If you want to see what's inside of one, Metrix took one apart and put it on the blog.

I know the Powerstation 2 has already been mentioned, but there's also the Powerstation 5 if you want to avoid interference from nearby 2.4Ghz networks.

Both run linux and can do such a short distance really easily.

Additionally, the Nanostation 2 can do this distance easily, is much smaller and easier to mount on a pole, has LEDs for pointing, and is only $79. If you want to see what's inside of one, Metrix took one apart and put it on the blog.

So I have one, or better a client has one, which I had to crack open to see inside. Nothing special, just a Soekris.com net4521 with a different serial header (not rotated 90). Toss in a flash card and a pcmcia card and you can make your own with Metrix Pebble. The reason someone would buy a Junxion is not for style - it's plain "time to make it" vers "money to buy it" logic.

I have used ICS + a Belkin Travel router (in AP mode) to accomplish the same thing. King County Metro (bus service) has free wifi while on the bus, via a Junxion box and Sprint cell service.

I'm guessing that Pacific Bell already owns most of the wired infrastructure, and I'm not that sure it would be cost efficient to build and maintain a second wired infrastructure.

San Francisco's advantage is that it's such a small big city. A population of 776,773 and an area of 47 square miles yields a density of 16,526 persons per square mile. I have no idea how they plan to do this, but if they spent $20,000 per square mile for wireless equipment*, that's less than $1,000,000. Outdoor WAPs can be had for as little as $330 or inexpensive consumer routers can be adapted/ruggedized with tupperware.

So, your point is a good one. The City could build out a wireless infrastructure fairly cheaply, and leave the actual operation to a private contractor.

*The number of $20,000 was conveniently pulled out of my ass, and left no marks fortunately. I don't see how this could go higher than $100,000/sq. mi. if they use off the shelf equipment, though, so that's an infrastructure cost of $5 million. Peanuts! This is the sort of thing that attracts business and tourism, so I have no doubt it could pay for itself.

looking for a small-size rooftop ready kit?

Check out http://metrix.net/

Here are some kits based around the soekris net4526.

http://metrix.net/