The mesh is a high speed wireless TCP/IP network spanning Scarborough, Kommetjie and Red Hill.
Unlike traditional wireless networks which have a central node, all mesh nodes relay signals from neighbour to neighbour to transmit data over long distances. This allows the mesh to operate at very low signal strength, choosing the most efficient path for each transmission. Unlike traditional wireless networks, the mesh becomes more effective with the addition of more nodes.
The mesh simply provides a high speed network on which you may run any traffic. You can use it for voice & video communication with others on the mesh, fire & crime surveillance, off-site data backup, network gaming, private business networks as well as Internet access.
Everyone who has a node (and keeps it switched on). David Carman and Antoine van Gelder founded the Scarborough Wireless Users Group (SWUG) and the village youth configure and support SWUG members.
Any node on the mesh is capable of providing Internet access. An uncapped DSL line provides Internet access to all users, in addition to prioritized bandwidth for paying contributors. If you would like to contribute to the gateway costs and receive prioritized bandwidth, please join the mesh and then read the instructions here.
No. Although the Internet gateway is firewalled as well as screened for viruses and spam, the mesh is completely open and it is the responsibility of every user to ensure that their computer is safeguarded. This involves installation of a firewall/anti-virus program. A free version of AVG can be found here. You may also wish to install the free anti-spyware program at the same site. All file shares on your computer should be password-controlled or firewalled.
Yes, as with the rest of the Internet. Any confidential information should be encrypted. SSL(https) is used by many Internet servers, including banks and online email, to encrypt data. We also encrypt all outgoing email traffic on the mesh. Free cryptography for other traffic is available here.
Yes. SWUG is an honorary member of the Wireless Access Provider's Association and adhere to the WAPA Code of Conduct. SWUG uses ICASA-approved equipment with small antennae, transmitting in the allocated "citizen band" frequency at a fifth of the maximum permissible signal strength. This is sensible technology being put to effective use for a wide range of applications and has been touted as an effective communication solution for underdeveloped areas of the world.
Many new devices that use mesh technology will be appearing in the near future. One Laptop Per Child Project is developing a $100 meshed laptop. A mesh videophone is also available.
SWUG encourages everyone to take responsibility for their own telecommunications and are providing mesh technology as a means to do so.
Commercial Internet providers require a "value-added network service" (VANS) license. However WAPA legal advice is that SWUG is a non-profit (and non-salary) organisation that is exempt from such license requirements, and will still be so with the introduction of the new Electronic Communications Act to be implemented in March 2008.
SWUG promotes the basic right contained in the ANC Freedom Charter : The doors of learning and culture shall be opened. The Internet is the most significant development in education since the invention of paper. It informs everyone of everything on every level. Therefore SWUG promotes free Internet access.
SWUG routers emit 0.1 mW/cm2 signals at 2.462 GHz. This is 1/30 of the signal strength of a cell phone and 1/50 of a microwave oven. A BBC News article explains further. Mesh technology uses the lowest signal strength of all devices, including radio & TV, because it only has to cover the distance between neighbours.
1. Buy a Linksys WRT54GL router (note the last L - WRT54G won't work). They cost about R650 and are available from Miro Distribution in Centurion Park (tel.555 3207). They are also available online at PC Mall but take a week to deliver from Johannesburg. Then configure the router.
2. Install OLSR software on your laptop or wireless-enabled PC or Mac.
3. Subscribe to the Mesh User Mailing List to keep abreast of mesh activities, functions, upgrades, etc.
Here is a troubleshooting guide.
You can subscribe to the mesh user's mailing list. This is strongly recommended for all mesh users.
Once you have joined the mesh, you may contribute to the running of the gateway here.