I haven't read all the responses (looks as if folks have VERY strong opinions about how you should use your money!) but here'ssome experience: You can do it with one router and lots of cable. Probably $150-$200 plus plenty of time to crawl around ceilings and utility closets.
You probably can't use the elevator shaft (usually illegal due to safety and fire issues) but there are sure to be holes cut between floors for utility services (phone lines, for instance).
I couldn't figure out how many users you might have, but you probably ought to consider a T1 service so you don't max out the bandwidth.
You might factor in the cost of getting an attorney (or local legal services co-op or storefront) to help you make a contract that everyone could sign to share the ongoing costs (T1 or DSL service plus some maintenance). You'll also likely need to be willing to do troubleshooting for the neighbors.
There are contractors and ISPs out there that will do it all for you. While it would cost everyone a few bucks more per month, you would be free ofthe hassle of managing the network, billing folks, chasing down network outages, maintaining the router, etc.
It's nice to hear about someone who likes the sort of community that a project like this could create. In fact, folks could do this without a generous great aunt if they are willing to get to know the neighbors and do a smidgen of community organizing. Good luck!
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I haven't read all the responses (looks as if folks have VERY strong opinions about how you should use your money!) but here'ssome experience:
You can do it with one router and lots of cable. Probably $150-$200 plus plenty of time to crawl around ceilings and utility closets.
You probably can't use the elevator shaft (usually illegal due to safety and fire issues) but there are sure to be holes cut between floors for utility services (phone lines, for instance).
I couldn't figure out how many users you might have, but you probably ought to consider a T1 service so you don't max out the bandwidth.
You might factor in the cost of getting an attorney (or local legal services co-op or storefront) to help you make a contract that everyone could sign to share the ongoing costs (T1 or DSL service plus some maintenance). You'll also likely need to be willing to do troubleshooting for the neighbors.
There are contractors and ISPs out there that will do it all for you. While it would cost everyone a few bucks more per month, you would be free ofthe hassle of managing the network, billing folks, chasing down network outages, maintaining the router, etc.
It's nice to hear about someone who likes the sort of community that a project like this could create. In fact, folks could do this without a generous great aunt if they are willing to get to know the neighbors and do a smidgen of community organizing. Good luck!