case study: dublinwan by robert fitzsimons dublinwan chairperson [email protected] an introduction to...
TRANSCRIPT
Case Study: DublinWAN
By Robert Fitzsimons
DublinWAN Chairperson
An introduction to IrishWAN and DublinWAN
What is IrishWAN?
• IrishWAN is a grass-roots organization dedicated to the promotion and creation of Wide Area Network’s through Ireland
• With the ultimate goal of linking all these WAN’s together to form one large island wide area network infrastructure
What is IrishWAN? Continued
• This organization is made up of individuals who believe in the idea of building a community around an– Open access– Community owned– Community run network
The structure of IrishWAN.
• Loosely knit, decentralized organization• The Internet is used for coordination
– Website www.irishwan.org– Web forums, mailing lists, IRC
• Local county groups build the network– Antrim, Carlow, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin,
Galway, Kildare, Limerick, Meath, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow
What is the role of DublinWAN?
• Coordinate activities in County Dublin and the surrounding areas
• Promotes IrishWAN at national and now international events
• DublinWAN is the most formal group– Membership– Committee– Frequent meetings
The history of IrishWAN and DublinWAN.
• Over two years ago, IrishWAN formed around the idea of using wireless technology for distributing Internet access
• One year ago, DublinWAN votes in a constitution and committee
• Now, DublinWAN has applied to the Irish government to form a co-operative society
Why is IrishWAN required?
• Approximately 30% of the population live outside of cities and major towns
• Due to technical and infrastructure limitations broadband access is even limited within cities and major towns
• It is not always commercially viable for broadband providers to move into these areas
What about the alternatives?
• Dial-up and ISDN– Reasonable coverage, limited bandwidth, costly
• DSL and Cable– Limited coverage, bandwidth limits and caps,
expensive
• Fixed wireless– Extremely limited coverage, reasonably priced
Who uses the IrishWAN network?
• IT Professionals
• Students
• Home users
• Schools
• Community groups
How big is the IrishWAN network?
• Very little of the network is directly interconnected
• Due to the decentralized nature of the network the total number of users is unknown
• There is an estimated 150 network users across the country and about 900 registered members of the website
IrishWAN Map
DublinWAN Map
What is the network used for?
• Internet access
• Communication
• Gaming
• File sharing
• Local content
What technology is used?
• Open standard wireless networking technology– 802.11b, used in most of the existing network– 802.11g, is being used at some new sites– 802.11a, some experimentation is being done with
5 GHz technology
• Networking Operating Systems– Linux, FreeBSD, Windows
What equipment does a client require?
• Wireless client device, PCMCIA, PCI or USB
• Directional antenna
• Coax cable
• Pigtail
• Pole and mounting brackets
• Client costs 100 to 300 Euro
What equipment does a node require?
• Wireless access point device, AP or PCI
• Omni directional antenna
• Basic computer
• Extra requirements similar to client
• Node costs start at about 300 Euro
How is the network funded?
• Nodes are funded by individuals and small groups
• Donations are made by members to fund important sites
• Indirect access to grants, through community groups
• Free access to sites for nodes or repeaters• Discounts from hardware suppliers
The model.
• Group Data Scheme– Rural or remote community with limited
Internet access options– Bulk buy Internet bandwidth– Bandwidth is distributed to nodes using
wireless point-to-point links– End users get Internet access using
wireless point-to-multipoint links
The future of IrishWAN and DublinWAN.
• DublinWAN co-operative society
• Bulk buying Internet bandwidth
• Working with schools and community groups
• Working with local and national government
• Working with Irish content providers
