Post on 27-Mar-2015
Open Mesh Networking – The Lorain CYC Experience with Lakeview Plaza
9-12-11
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What is Open Mesh Network?
With just one (or more) wired connection(s) to the Internet, the Internet connection can be spread with each additional node acting as a host and a router.
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Open Mesh at Lakeview Plaza
• Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority is a CYC Partner but low cost broadband is not available in most of Lorain and thus restricts LMHA residents from participation in CYC.
• Lorain CYC proposed the open mesh solution to Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority.
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The LMHA & Lorain CYC Partnership
• Lorain CYC set up the equipment at Lakeview Plaza.
• Lorain CYC is currently maintaining the open mesh network (1 to 2 staff hours per week).
• CYC paid for first year of Internet cost.• At the end of 2012, LHMA assumes cost
of Internet and maintenance of open mesh network.
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Equipment Terminology
• Gateway – connects via ethernet to Internet.
• Node – connects wirelessly via Gateways to Internet.
• The products chosen for Lakeview Plaza are from Open-Mesh. The industry is also referred to as open mesh networking.
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The Equipment
• OM1P 802.11g Mid Power Mini Router
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Lakeview Plaza Gateways & Nodes
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Planning
• Assess building/area. Install router and test signal.
• Test multiple sections checking for interference.
• Create blueprint of where gateway and node locations to be installed.
• Consider electricity availability and location of devices.
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Functionality
• A mesh network is unique in that the demands placed upon the network are spread among the nodes.
• Speed will generally remain consistent at the maximum number of users you determine to be reasonable on the network, using the network for general use (i.e. not downloading video continually).
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Cost at Lakeview Plaza
• Each OM1P is $59. Number at Lakeview is 20 for total cost of $1180.
• Internet connection at Lakeview Plaza Apartments is $900 for one year for a Century Link business class account.
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Legality of Sharing an Internet Connection
• Apartment buildings often use business class Internet accounts for open mesh networking.
• Few Internet providers will allow use of an Internet account off premises (for example, from one home to another).
• Confirm your Internet provider allows sharing before setting up your open mesh network.
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Management via CloudTrax Dashboard
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CloudTrax Dashboard
• Indicates when an access point (aka Node) is down.
• Can be configured to send you alerts.• Can configure the SSIDs, splash page,
passwords & user bandwidth for your network.
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User Data
• Dashboard indicates which users are active and amount of bandwidth per user.
• Dashboard does not relay online activities of users.
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Node Map
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Skills Required
• Negotiation – to work out the partnership details with host location.
• Patience – to configure best locations for Gateways and Nodes.
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Creative Commons License
• This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0