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Australia's Great Linux-Based Satellite Network

Posted by timothy on from the that's-not-a-network-that's-a-network dept.

yBshy4 writes "This article may interest the Slashdot folk. LinuxWorld Australia is reporting on Australia's largest satellite network, covering some 800,000 square kilometres, or most of the state of New South Wales, has gone live. The network consists of 75 Linux-based satellite routers that provide Wi-Fi (802.11b) connectivity to country towns that are unable to get DSL. The routers are engineered by Ursys and run Debian providing gateway services such as DNS and mail. According to the article, Ursys chose Debian 'because of its packaging support, which facilitates the ability to push updates to the routers remotely.' Ursys tried to use Windows but it was 'too unstable.' Hopefully this is an important step to providing better Internet access to regional areas across Australia. Anyone know of similar Internet access projects around the world?"

11 of 170 comments (clear)

  1. Linux on the routers by frs_rbl · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wake me up when Linux is running on the satellites

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    This is not my opinion. Actually, it's not even an opinion. And I'm nowhere to be seen near it
    1. Re:Linux on the routers by pe1chl · · Score: 3, Funny

      You mean the Toshiba satellites?

  2. Damn by TechnologyX · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Ursys tried to use Windows but it was 'too unstable.'"
    Good thing, that would have been one big ass Clippy to deal with.

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    Slashdot sucks
    1. Re:Damn by ideatrack · · Score: 2, Funny

      I can imagine the issues they were having:

      "I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that".

      *Frantically hits the escape key*.

    2. Re:Damn by TechnologyX · · Score: 3, Funny

      "I see you are trying to link to a $20,000,000 satellite, would you like help with that?"
      *Yes I would*
      Windows has encountered a problem and needs to shutdown
      Any work not saved may be lost. We are sorry for any inconvenience

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      Slashdot sucks
  3. Re:Linuxworld's advertising by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    What I learned from linuxworld.com.au: Windows Server offers a saving of 11%-22% over Linux in 4 out of 5 workload scenarios.

    Yeah, you think they could choose their sponsors a bit more carefully.

  4. Has this been approved by SCO? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    If someone forgot to get the needed IP licences for Linux, the Australian data infrastructure will eventually be SCO's property.

  5. Re:$3500/GB? by goon+america · · Score: 2, Funny
    1 USD == 1.31639 AUD

    It's a veritable bargain at $2,658.79 US!

  6. Common sense? by Maljin+Jolt · · Score: 2, Funny
    Ursys tried to use Windows but it was 'too unstable.'

    Me too.

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    There you are, staring at me again.
  7. Review by moxruby · · Score: 5, Funny

    Slashdot post review:

    [*] mentions australia
    [*] bashes windows
    [*] praises linux
    [*] mentions debian
    [*] misleading headline (only the router runs linux)
    [*] mentions wireless internet
    [*] spell checked

    Nice work, Tim!

  8. Re:My wallet just shriveled. by rhuntley12 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Can I sleep on your couch? I'm clean and can cook ramen. I also have a special way to do laundry that saves time. I put it all in togather.