Open Mesh Networking – The Lorain CYC Experience with Lakeview Plaza

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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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For More Information

http://connectcommunity.org

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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