28 Jun
2013
28 Jun
'13
6:06 p.m.
Eric
I like your thinking. I have looked into similar solutions such as Ubiquiti wireless
devices. They have wireless devices that can be configured out of the ISM band and into
the ham band with no mods. Plus they are in the sub $100 range making them a viable
option. I have also played with some converted Linksys devices running HSMM-MESH. All
great in theory, but in my case, I am an island. There are no hams in my region that would
see the benefit or interest in such endeavors. They are more than happy to get their DX
and go to bed.
Anyone in Northeast PA want to link up with some kind of RF/wireless and extend the
Amprnet?
Jesse
It would seem Linux and Ethernet whatever architecture
it's running on would seem to be the best solution available for routing Net44 at the
moment and it works well. a standardized plug and play package of hardware sold by your
local candy store would be nice but we're only partially there. Being that
44NET/Amprnet is supposed to be a RADIO BASED IP NETWORK (or at least interconnected
islands of RADIO BASED IP NETWORK) we seem to only have half of a standardized solution to
offer. It seems that we have forgotten the RADIO part. Given a live piece of cat5 with
bits on it that I wish to have show up elsewhere what can we offer to the average ham that
can go on the tower with Ethernet in one side and an antenna on the other, especially
something standard enough that a local group can set up a network with? The only thing I
can think of that even comes close is the professional grade 802.11 hardware that's
out there. (much of the consumer stuff lacks the configurablity we could really use such
as power control and timeouts). I might propose that we standardize the RF interface for
AMPRNET on an agreed physical layer (of 802.11 unless something else is proposed and made
quickly and cheaply available) and a relatively standard stack of hardware and software
be put forth as a package that could be turnkey deployed by interested parties. What
would others think of embarking upon such a project as a group? who might be interested?
and what might we offer? (PS. I know of at least one manufacture of gear that would be
quite happy to mod a standard product or products so as to have them better fit the
amateur radio band plan and channels on a couple of our microwave bands as well as make
provision for the ability to get significant QRO above the 25-30dbm out that seems
standard. This in production batches maybe as low as lots of 100 units)
Eric