This got to me via somebody and to them via consume.
-Paul
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
a friend asked me to post this to the list, and is interested in finding out
your reactions / feedback.... (warning, long message)
bw
miriam.
.............................................................................................................................................
17th June 2002 - WLAN Primer/FAQ prepared by leehughes@totalise.co.uk
A New Deal for IT in NG7 - NAAN Net - Wireless Community Network (Research and
Development)
Project Aims
What kind of community project is this?
Is it a training programme? Yes!
What are the benefits to community? Many IT and non IT related areas will
benefit!
Who can benefit? Every organisation and individual in the target area! (NG7)
Is it limited by colour, race or creed? No, it is a project for all!
Is the project sustainable when funding expires? Absolutely - if implemented
correctly!
NAAN Net aims to connect select groups of the community to a private wireless
LAN (wLAN) for the exchange of information and for both public and private
access. Our aim is to create a wireless network infrastructure that is easy
to set up for the end user, has little or no recurring monthly fees, and is
owned and operated by its users in the same way NDC as an entity is
controlled by NG7 residents. It is hoped that the project will not become a
money sink, and that after the initial infrastructure has been purchased, the
network can become self sufficient without extra cash injections from funding
bodies. Although the technology exists to flood NG7 with zero cost wireless
internet access, a number of both technical and legal issues need to be
researched and investigated fully before a community wide roll out can be
attempted.
This is the reasoning behind the NAAN Net Community Chest application, or any
other suitable funding framework.
What do we require the R&D grant for?
To test the technical viability of wireless network solutions through a
limited roll out to local Artists.
To research both legal and administrative structure of the network.
To develop network applications and services for the wider community.
To encourage the take-up and use of the network by Artists.
In the pilot scheme it hoped that Artists in the NG7 area are connected to
NAAN net on a trial basis, as many artists are equipped with moderate
computing resources, and broadband connection to the network at low/no cost
is attractive to this group.
What areas of the Community will benefit from the initial pilot study?
In the first instance, local artists with a computer will be able to access
the network and use its services and resources. The access will hopefully be
distributed to key groups of the NG7 community such as:
1) Artists.
2) NDC employees who actually live within the NDC target area.
3) Non profit and Community focused businesses working with NDC.
Second Phase
1) The Unemployed.
2) Special Community Groups.
3) Other NDC target groups and organisations.
How much will it cost?
By utilising new and inexpensive wireless technologies, the infrastructure can
be supplied at cost prices. A relationship with a NG7 networking company can
supply wireless networking and computer resources. The cost to the end users
will be virtually nil for basic services such as email and web browsing.
Enhanced services such as video conferencing will obviously require more
sophisticated technology at the end users premises, thus being more
expensive. Within the 4000 homes and businesses in the NDC target area, it is
hoped that a great number of these can be networked with value for money in
mind. During the test period a study will be conducted in to the costs of
scaling the network at a NG7-wide level. No doubt there will be many
technical, social and economic barriers to overcome.
Who is heading the Project?
Lee Hughes is the driving force behind the project with help from many members
of the NDC residential, business and NDC funded organisations. He has a
reputation as a successful IT related ex-businessman focusing on IT computer
networking by applying new low-cost networking technology to everyday
information and communication problems. Currently he is devoting his spare
time to bringing a community based wireless network to the NG7 area. Having
been born in a deprived area of Nottingham, he fully understands the social
and economic problems that NDC has been employed to solve. He has enlisted
many NDC residents in a technical IT capacity and has made strong links with
local artists who have expressed a strong interest for connection during the
experimental phase. By being both an IT networking professional and a long
term resident of the NG7 target area, he has found it easy to gain support
for such a beneficial community project. His lists of other achievements
include managing all technical areas of a busy Internet Service Provider
(ISP), design and installation of redundant mission critical network
infrastructure for one of the largest coal fired power stations in Europe,
network design and installation of a 2000 user Cisco-powered network at a
people?s college, and internet security auditing and implementation at Paul
Smith Clothing. In his spare (!) time he is a Drummer/Percussionist for a
number of Nottingham bands, and is currently registered as unemployed.
Is it legal?
Yes. The DTI is currently reclassifying parts of the radio communication
spectrum to help set up projects such as NAAN Net, therefore a telco
communications license is not needed in the first pilot scheme. A private
network such as this does not fall under telecommunications regulations,
although a number of small legal anomalies need more investigation. The
government has given the green light for such community projects - as it fits
nicely within the governments E-England concept - and for creating
cyber-estates, where network bandwidth is as cheap and as plentiful as
running water.
The Government realises that the internet and high speed networking is good
for Britain, so deployment of the network must be a priority.
Is it dangerous?
No. The microwave power levels involved in wireless LAN networking are
1/1000th of that of a mobile phone, and most of the time the antennae (the
main source of radiation) are mounted well away from humans. Most of the
network infrastructure will be based on light (experimental photonic
transmitters), rather than microwave radio, thus the environmental effects
are practically nil, certainly far less than the large mobile
telecommunication companies such as Orange, BT (O2) and other microwave radio
operators.
Are there similar community network projects elsewhere?
A number of initiatives have been implemented in Manchester with great
success. The Project Team have studied in depth the models used there, and
elsewhere in the UK. These projects have proved that, if implemented
correctly, they are of great benefit to the wider community, both through the
usual access to information such as email and web based information, but also
cutting edge (bleeding edge) methods of communication that have been
established, such as a 3D virtual bar where residents can meet, chat and even
buy virtual beer for each other, whist still remaining anonymous and
protecting their privacy. This not only makes the network fun to use, but
without the fear of high telephone bills users are more likely to exploit the
network for real regeneration use. It has been acknowledged that a community
network not only promotes the communication of those living in the network
area but actually encourages the take-up of computer ownership, especially
amongst the more senior members, and those more likely to have techno-fear.
There are many examples of wireless community LANs in use throughout the world
now. America is paving the way and has some of the largest community networks
in the world. These networks have a much larger coverage than the plan pilot
and connect many thousands of household and businesses, proving that it aids
in bringing like-minded members of the community together. In the case of
Artists, this can only be seen as a positive situation.
We hoped to work closely with these international wireless LAN groups to avoid
making costly mistakes in both technical and administrative deployment.
What makes the NG7 NAAN Net project different?
The NAAN project is very different from other IT community schemes implemented
by other NDC?s and Council?s. Rather than sourcing an expensive, or sometimes
overpriced solution from a large network vendor such as Cisco, Intel, or
Microsoft, there is currently the desired skill base in the directly NG7 area
(networking engineers, web programmers, administrators etc) to facilitate the
setup, running and maintenance of the network for the community. Although
these corporations can deliver networking facilities, they lack the 'ground
level? local knowledge needed to tailor the network to the need of the
community being serviced, creating a high tech, but sadly underutilised
network. The wireless LAN network is not designed as a replacement for a
fixed telephone network conneciton (NTL/BT) or a broadband ADSL/Cable
connection; although it is possible to carry this kind of traffic, a strictly
data only (IP) network will be designed.
Local People, Local Skills.
There exists within Radford the opportunity not only to develop a useful
resource for years to come, but an opportunity to involve other IT training
schemes in the in the design, running, and maintenance of Radford?s new
high-tech shared IP network infrastructure. The chance to develop desired IT
market place skills in the real world should not be overlooked. The nature of
its user-led attitude will promote uptake and use of network resources. An
important aim is that its users not only utilise the network, but that they
are involved in how such a network fits together, both at the physical nuts
and bolts level through to the high level network-related issues such that
are associated running a large scale Internet Protocol Network. After the
recent dot.com crash and the events of September 11, the number of available
network training places within the business community has fallen to a
ridiculously low level. Obviously an overlap with NDC-related IT training
projects and the NAAN can be quite clearly seen.
Survivability and Long Term Planning
The unique ideas within NAAN Net are key to creating a low running costs of
the network and reduced the burden on day to day support and maintainance, a
key factor for sustaining an organic growth of the infrastructure. However,
by encouraging a hands-on approach to support and exploiting community spirit
to demystify the network, it is hoped that the infrastructure can be kept in
a reliable and useful state at minimum cost. It is only after the pilot
scheme roll-out that the performance and reliabiity of the network be
ascertained.
But we already have a community website, why do we need NAAN Net?
This network is not just about the internet, and it is even questionable that
internet access will be offered. Think of it as a private corner of the
internet, which is a concentration of local information, content and
resources all on one high speed local network. Once bandwidth is available at
low cost to members of the community, it is hoped that the network will grow
to provide more useful information to its users. The opportunity of giving
NG7 residents their own email address should not be missed. No more endless
searches via Google for information, as all information will be available
through the Radford communications portal - NAAN Net.
What about those members of the community without computers? Won?t this be a
waste of money for them and create an information underclass?
The Lazarus project, which is an offshoot of the original NAAN Net project,
wishes to recycle computer hardware which is either heading towards the
skip/tip, or cast off from local authorities / businesses / academics. Using
cutting edge open source operating systems, any old computer system - no
matter how obsolete - can easily be converted into a NAAN Net network
computer just by drawing on the power of the network itself. An ancient and
useless computer can be given a completely new lease of life for only a few
pounds. Project Lazarus works well in conjunction with the NAAN Net project.
Only by using the power of NAAN Net can this kind of ground breaking
recycling be offered. This will be covered under a separate application.
What About Security, Privacy and Accountability Issues?
These issues needs to be addressed, and part of the Research and Development
grant will be used to build a framework for issues such as network abuse.
Obviously extra help will be needed in project administration and legal
areas. It is hoped that the existing community relationships forged by the
project can be called on for help in these areas. As the network will mirror
the 'resident-led? feel of the NDC regeneration project, it is determined
that the network can fall under the same management and administrative rules.
IT security is a important issue and so developing a partnership with a local
IT security consultancy will be paramount. This will ensure a network that is
both safe to use and can be directed in accordance with UK laws.
What about Training? It's not good if the IT-illiterate cannot connect and use
network resources.
The Pilot scheme aims to connect the Artistic community, these users have a
high degree of IT skills, not only in the use of the technology itself, but
the ability to use IT as an effective communication tool. The network can be
utilised as a conduit for communication and for the distribution and
development of Radford?s world class artistic output.
What needs have Artists expressed for a Artist Community Network?
A number of real needs have been expressed by local artists in person to the
Project Leader.
1. Large File Transfer (Music and Sound Samples, Video and Multimedia) -
Currently impossible by using traditional methods (56k modem).
2. Email Access.
3. Security, Virus Checking and Fears about Internet security in general.
4. A Web based Showcase for local Artistic Content.
5. Chat and forums for building stronger links with other Artists; increasing
the chance of collaboration with others and developing work via online
exchanges.
6. Data Backup - many Artists do not archive their work due to financial
difficulties.
7. Technical Support for day-to-day IT problems.
8. The ability to be mobile in the area and still be able to carry out useful
work via a data connection.
9. The ability to stream/web cast artistic content to each other on the
network.
10. The ability for Artists to promote themselves and encourage support from
the local community.
Not all of these services can be supplied in the pilot phase, but a great many
of them can be tested on a limited basis and their success levels determined.
Will I really be able to access information, on any device (laptop, PDA) from
anywhere?
If you're using a PDA or a laptop, then yes, you should be able to pick up
your email from anywhere within the target area - even while relaxing at
Moog??? ;-).
How does the network equipment really work?
There is a separate technical document outlining the many technical challenges
the project faces.
And will it work?
Definately, but if you want a guarantee, buy a toaster. ;-)
So what do you think? Can you help us to take the first steps in acheiving our
goal?
email: leehughes@totalise.co.uk
NAAN Net - do you want chips with that?
- --
iriXx
www.iriXx.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
copyleft: creativity, technology and freedom?
info@copyleftmedia.org.uk
www.copyleftmedia.org.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
pgp key at http://www.iriXx.org/pub_key.asc
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.0.6 (GNU/Linux)
Comment: For info see http://www.gnupg.org
iD8DBQE9EuXiGlmEEIa9/8YRAqP/AJoD6XzqltaA+wkFbl+LRHCBGEoRlACdGJjY
pd3jpLHDexJfyFzL+r+FXKY=
=Ur+r
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
--------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.lug.org.uk http://www.linuxportal.co.uk
http://www.linuxjob.co.uk http://www.linuxshop.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.3 : Sat 22 Jun 2002 - 13:37:28 BST