28 Jul
2021
28 Jul
'21
1:13 p.m.
On 28 Jul 2021, at 18:44, David McGough via 44Net
<44net(a)mailman.ampr.org> wrote:
Speaking from direct, personal experience, helping thousands of ham
operators get VoIP gear (Raspberry Pi 2/3/4 hardware) on-line, I know for
a fact that trying to accommodate the myriad of ISP supplied, cantankerous
routers could drive a person mad! I wouldn't dream of trying to go beyond
the most basic NAT rules on home-grade routers---certainly not adding
static routes nor VPNS, etc. This being said, some hams can and do pull
this off, but it's way beyond the attainable scope for most.
Building a large VoIP network definitely requires some patience or else it can drive you
mad ;)
I've also found that small expenses (say under
$100) really aren't a
significant entry barrier at all, nor is having hams flash SD cards,
configure basic networking, etc. The key is simple, complete
documentation and well tested installation procedures. Making it EASY is
the key. That doesn't mean no cost.
We do not object to people using this equipment, and I really believe that they could get
a good service if they do, but I also understand the people that really can’t pay $100 or
want to add more cables and make a mess in their living room. I have friends in the hobby
where even a purchase of $25 can require months of savings and making sure that what you
buy is the right thing. And this is typically underrepresented groups, or young people.
The same groups we want to bring onboard, and we complain are absent and “not
interested”.
There are adults today that never had a computer in their life. They only had tablets and
most commonly phones. We should definitely allow them to use our network.
Antonis