Australia's Great Linux-Based Satellite Network

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?"

Comments

Linux on the routers

[frs_rbl]

Wake me up when Linux is running on the satellites

Re:Linux on the routers

[pe1chl]

You mean the Toshiba satellites?

Damn

[TechnologyX]

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

Re:Damn

[TechnologyX]

"I see you are trying to link to a $20,000,000 satellite, would you like help with that?"
*Yes I would*
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Review

[moxruby]

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!