Might want to check out Frontier Broadband. We're offering fixed wireless access in Richmond utilizing FHSS gear as DSSS gear is too prone to interference for densely populated areas. We've been considering placing public access points around town but are open to working with ya, if you'd like.
Maybe I'm missing something here but, how can one sue someone else over something that's free (i.e. open source) in the first place?
I'm not up to speed on the story, but that's the first thought that popped into my head.
I've recently started a fixed wireless ISP and was torn between running Yellow Dog Linux and OS X. The reason why I planned on running YDL is because of the two 8600/300's I'm turning into mail and web servers along with a 7500/180 I'm planning on using for billing and a bit of DNS services. This was before I heard about Ryan Rempel's Unsupported UtilityX.
Now, I'm running BIND, Apache and am getting ready to configure CommuniGate Pro on the 8600's. I can SSH into the boxes and do everything I need to do, remotely, via the command line. It's possible to run VNC on Mac OS X via an X-Windows interface.
I honestly think OS X provides an excellent GUI front-end for those who aren't familiar or comfortable with a command-line interface while providing the power of command-line for those are prefer it.
That's definitely an issue to be concerned about. When 802.11a comes out later this year, it'll run in the 5GHz spectrum too. That could wreak havoc on these P2P links.
I'm thinking about snagging a brand-new 1221 with a dual PIII-866, 512Mb of RAM and an 18.2Gb SCSI drive for about $1,300 from their website. I think the same unit was going for close to $2k a few months ago.
Actually, it's being done with fixed wireless around the U.S. (and even in the UK with Consume.net) Bunch of people are getting together and sharing their broadband-based connections (in areas where they can get them) to those who can't via fixed wireless protocols including 802.11.
I've included links to a few (including Seattle Wireless, BAWUG and more) here.
You're right; WMUX is certainly not 802.11b. They operate in the 5.8GHz spectrum. But if someone wanted to do a wireless point-to-point link up to 50-60 miles (with high enough towers at each end), they can make that happen.
"Maybe if the technology could be improved to be a fraction of that of land lines, we wouldn't need ISPs in the first place and connections would be maintained by users themselves for their own personal benefit, but also contribute to the overall system - ala distributed aggregate like Napster. Completely free, diffuse, and powerful. Wireless is the natural medium because it doesn't require any land licensing or other utility fees."
Ummm...if you wouldn't need ISP's how would you be able to share your connection via a wireless infrastructure in the first place? Curious...
...especially for Windows users. 802.11b will support up to 54Mbps in the unlicensed 5.8GHz spectrum. Equipment will start rolling out by the end of this summer. For once, I think Microsoft might have made a good choice here.
How's Terabeam's test working out? Do you live in Seattle? I understand it's laser-based technology (good for up to 622Mbps - pretty darn quick!), but that it is has issues with adverse weather conditions (i.e. rain, fog, etc.)
We're planning to deploy Breeze's unlicensed BAII and have been hearing of their 802.11a offering which will offer up to 54Mbps in the 5.8GHz frequency by the end of this summer.
FHSS gear also plays well in densely populated areas over DSSS gear since there are about 79 channels to hop through vs. DSSS' three channels.
It's inexpensive because it doesn't require a license; just a ruling from the FCC stating that all sharing the spectrum must "play nice."
If anyone is interested in realistic input concerning Sprint Broadband, please feel free to head to dslreports'SBBD forum.
Not too many happy campers there. The biggest problem is the oversubscription. The fixed wireless technology is certainly viable, but not when you have 1,000 subscribers on a fractional 3-6Mbps DS3.
Ahh...thx much for clarifying, akb. I follow you know.
I agree with you, but I think it all boils down to money. If the FCC can make more money by licensing spectrum to wealthy companies such as Sprint and WorldCom, it's probably more apt to lean their way.
The recent spectrum auctions are an example of that. It's virtually impossible for small WISP's to purchase licensed spectrum because they're constantly outbidden by large, corporate conglomerates.
I too think the FCC should establish part of this spectrum for two-way broadband access for the non-profit and educational sectors. But, if I held my breath, waiting for it, I'd think I'd die.:-)
The problem with MMDS, however, is that the majority of it is owned by Sprint and Worldcom at 61%. MMDS is a licensed frequency. Sprint is having some success deploying fixed wireless over its MMDS licenses with Sprint Broadband Direct. But, they're also having major problems with oversubscription, hence the discussion at DSLReports's SBBD forum.
But, if someone has about $250k to several million to spend on an available MMDS license, go for it!;-)
Slashdot Mirror
Feel free to check out a recent article that Richmond.com did on us. Hope you'll find it helpful! :-)
HTH! :-)
Drop me an email at the address above sometime.
Later! :-)
Hi, Cary. You might want to check out NoVA Wireless. Perhaps they can assist ya! :-D
Maybe I'm missing something here but, how can one sue someone else over something that's free (i.e. open source) in the first place? I'm not up to speed on the story, but that's the first thought that popped into my head.
Now, I'm running BIND, Apache and am getting ready to configure CommuniGate Pro on the 8600's. I can SSH into the boxes and do everything I need to do, remotely, via the command line. It's possible to run VNC on Mac OS X via an X-Windows interface.
I honestly think OS X provides an excellent GUI front-end for those who aren't familiar or comfortable with a command-line interface while providing the power of command-line for those are prefer it.
Just my two cents. ;-)
That's definitely an issue to be concerned about. When 802.11a comes out later this year, it'll run in the 5GHz spectrum too. That could wreak havoc on these P2P links.
You want a 1Gbps wireless bridge that can run up to 50 miles, LOS? Check this out: http://www.wmux.com/tsunami_gig.html
I'm thinking about snagging a brand-new 1221 with a dual PIII-866, 512Mb of RAM and an 18.2Gb SCSI drive for about $1,300 from their website. I think the same unit was going for close to $2k a few months ago.
So does Viator Networks' Egress solution, but this (and etherSPLIT) is for inside the premises. You still have to get the data to the premises. ;-)
Just found a rather extensive list of public fixed wireless links at: http://www.toaster.net/wireless/community.html Later! :-)
Actually, it's being done with fixed wireless around the U.S. (and even in the UK with Consume.net) Bunch of people are getting together and sharing their broadband-based connections (in areas where they can get them) to those who can't via fixed wireless protocols including 802.11. I've included links to a few (including Seattle Wireless, BAWUG and more) here.
You're right; WMUX is certainly not 802.11b. They operate in the 5.8GHz spectrum. But if someone wanted to do a wireless point-to-point link up to 50-60 miles (with high enough towers at each end), they can make that happen.
"Maybe if the technology could be improved to be a fraction of that of land lines, we wouldn't need ISPs in the first place and connections would be maintained by users themselves for their own personal benefit, but also contribute to the overall system - ala distributed aggregate like Napster. Completely free, diffuse, and powerful. Wireless is the natural medium because it doesn't require any land licensing or other utility fees."
Ummm...if you wouldn't need ISP's how would you be able to share your connection via a wireless infrastructure in the first place? Curious...
Take a look at Western Multiplex gear sometime. Works with both the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz spectrums up to 50-60 miles at speeds up to 1Gbps.
http://www.netnimble.com/products/index.html
http://www.ydi.com
http://www.netnimble.com/products/index.html
http://www.superpass.com/
HTH! :-)
...especially for Windows users. 802.11b will support up to 54Mbps in the unlicensed 5.8GHz spectrum. Equipment will start rolling out by the end of this summer. For once, I think Microsoft might have made a good choice here.
Curious.
We're planning to deploy Breeze's unlicensed BAII and have been hearing of their 802.11a offering which will offer up to 54Mbps in the 5.8GHz frequency by the end of this summer.
FHSS gear also plays well in densely populated areas over DSSS gear since there are about 79 channels to hop through vs. DSSS' three channels.
It's inexpensive because it doesn't require a license; just a ruling from the FCC stating that all sharing the spectrum must "play nice."
Thx much for the input! :-)
Not too many happy campers there. The biggest problem is the oversubscription. The fixed wireless technology is certainly viable, but not when you have 1,000 subscribers on a fractional 3-6Mbps DS3.
I agree with you, but I think it all boils down to money. If the FCC can make more money by licensing spectrum to wealthy companies such as Sprint and WorldCom, it's probably more apt to lean their way.
The recent spectrum auctions are an example of that. It's virtually impossible for small WISP's to purchase licensed spectrum because they're constantly outbidden by large, corporate conglomerates.
I too think the FCC should establish part of this spectrum for two-way broadband access for the non-profit and educational sectors. But, if I held my breath, waiting for it, I'd think I'd die. :-)
Thx much for your thoughts again!
http://www.shmoo.com/cgi-bin/gawd/gawd.cgi?new=1
But, if someone has about $250k to several million to spend on an available MMDS license, go for it! ;-)
I've been real impressed with what BAWUG has done. I especially like the mapping application. I notice they're using PHP. Pretty cool stuff. :-)