“Wireless community networks or wireless community projects are the largely hobbyist-led development of interlinked computer networks using wireless LAN technologies, taking advantage of the recent development of cheap, standardised 802.11b (Wi-Fi) devices to build growing clusters (group of the same or similar elements gathered) of linked, citywide networks, or in rural areas where conventional DSL services are unavailable.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_community_network

Yes, anyone is allowed to connect to DFWFreeNet at no cost. The wireless network name (SSID) is “dfwfreenet”. All you need is a computer with a wireless card (802.11b/g aka WiFi) and to be within range of a wireless repeater or gateway within the DFWFreeNet network. If you can see the “dfwfreenet” wireless signal, you can help expand the network by putting a small wireless repeater in your front window or on your rooftop.

The goal of DFWFreeNet is to create a wireless infrastructure that helps bridge the Digital Divide, providing Internet access to those where it’s not economically feasible and to provide on the go connectivity to residents and visitors of the community.

Indoor wireless repeaters are $49 each and wireless cards are typically $25-$50. A wireless repeater is required if want to share your Internet connection or expand the DFWFreeNet network. A wireless card is required for each computer you want to connect to DFWFreeNet. Outdoor wireless repeaters are $99 and provide wider wireless coverage and can connect to other wireless repeaters from greater distances than indoor units, although installation is more complicated. For costs related to setting up your own wifi spot at your business, contact us or sign up for a free consultation.

There is no more risk connecting to DFWFreenet than any other network, including the Internet. The security of your computer depends on how secure the operating system is (including how often you install patches/updates) and how current your anti-virus software is. DFWFreeNet access points use Network Address Translation (NAT). By using NAT, the IP address of your computer is not an IP address that can be directly connected to from the Internet, which greatly reduces any security risk. DFWFreeNet is not encrypted (WEP or WPA is not used), so any information sent over the network can potentially be read by a third party. This is no different than the Internet, which is also unencrypted, so the same security practices apply. When sending sensitive information such as passwords or financial information, make sure you are using a secure (SSL encrypted) site (address starts with https://), a VPN for connecting to a secure network, SSH for remotely connecting to servers or any other encrypted tunneling technique.

DFWFreeNet has a policy against monitoring traffic that passes through our network, with the exception of investigating complaints that threaten the operation of the network. Network operators will not monitor the sites you visit, your e-mail traffic, or any other network traffic from your computer unless required to do so by law enforcement or to research an abuse complaint. Abuse complaints include but are not limited to spamming, distribution of copyrighted material, excessive use of bandwidth, accessing networks you are not authorized to and violating any other local, state or federal laws.

The only thing to watch out for is the Terms of Service or Acceptable Use Policy your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has regarding sharing your Internet connection. Many ISPs do not allow sharing your Internet connection and may cancel your service if they find you doing so (although rare and we have yet to hear this has happening to anyone). Speakeasy.net, MegaPath.net and DSLExtreme.com are some ISPs that have been reported to specifically allow sharing of your connection. Comcast, Time Warner, Verizon and pretty much any large telecommunications companies are reported to not allow sharing. If you aren’t sure, ask your ISP.

DFWFreeNet would be more than happy to help you provide wireless Internet access for your property. Having DFWFreeNet volunteers design, build and maintain your wireless network can save you thousands of dollars in hardware and labor costs.

The hardware DFWFreeNet deploys is low cost and typically hundreds less than comparable equipment. Our labor is free, saving you planning, installation, monitoring and maintenance costs. In exchange we ask that you provide open wireless Internet access to the surrounding area and not charge for access. This typically includes an antenna on the roof, even if the equipment mounted indoors is able to service most tenants.

There is the initial investment for hardware and the ongoing cost of the Internet connectivity. Internet connections typically range from $50-$100 per month. Depending on the size of your property and number of users, you may need one or more Internet connections. For more information. contact us or sign up for a free consultation.

Equipment from Meraki Networks was selected for its low cost, zero end user configuration, back-end management system and most importantly, its wireless mesh capabilities. This allows for several advantages. First, bandwidth usage is controlled, so one user doesn’t saturate any one wireless router. Second, remote monitoring and management of the wireless routers is available, allowing us to get an idea of what’s going on inside the network and modify configuration remotely. Third, as opposed to traditional wireless networks, which require an Internet connection at every access point, Meraki access points can relay data as many times needed until it reaches an Internet connected access point, significantly reducing the cost of building the network.

Meraki access points use the commercial implementation of the SrcRR MIT Roofnet mesh routing protocol which focuses on finding high-throughput routes in the face of lossy links. Roofnet ran on standard x86 PCs (expensive) and later on the discontinued Netgear WGT634U. After the Roofnet project, several members of the original team created Meraki Networks, Inc. which developed the Meraki Mini, a low cost ($49), small, low-power, mesh routing platform. The protocol has also undergone significant development and improvement, along with the addition of a web based management/monitoring system.