SVWUX meeting 4/9/2009

• Andy introduced a new meeting methodology, capturing objectives, questions, and action items
• Our overall objective is to be able to demonstrate results so we can pursue funding, partnering, etc.
• We have chosen to pursue sites with the easiest access to facilitate experimentation
• We have demonstrated a 2 mile link using the NanoStation 5s and 10 miles with Linksys routers with 18 & 24 db antennas (2.4 GHz).
• Craig pointed out that we have an existing networking bridging problem
• We need to get a 10-mile link, preferably on 5.8 GHz.
• Real problem is building a “backhaul” between our fixed sites – can be any technology. Then run wi-fi off of that “backhaul” to the “outside” world.
• Craig mentioned the idea of using 900 MHz radios; Bill mentioned he had bad experiences using 900 MHz in the bay area
• Craig would like to have a hack session to work on putting multiple VAPs onto a Linksys
• Andy provided a report back on bridging with Nanostations. Reported that, as long as client isolation is turned "off" then one can ping from one client to another through a nanostation - routing will go through the nanostation, never get to the router behind the nanostation
• Craig believes that one cannot put multiple clients behind a NS client (on a switch) and still ping from one client to another. Warren expressed concern about this scenario working consistently.

Notes

• 2.4 GHz is very cluttered and only has 3 distinct channels
• 5.8 GHz. Equipment may be more expensive
• 5.8 GHz not very cluttered with many more distinct channels
• 900 MHz. Or 3.5 GHz – problems with noise, beacons in bay area?

Open Questions

• 10 mile link at which frequency?
• Can 5 GHz. Go 10 miles?
• OpenWRT vs. AirOS?
• 900 MHz better?
• Use a canopy dish antenna with the nano – 32 dB for $142 from Streakwave
• Who can we ask about 5.8 GHz fixed links

Action items

• Try external dish antennas on modified NS5s
• Try passive reflector with NS5
• Talk to Luis (Atheros engineer) about 5.8 GHz
• Get either 5.8 GHz radios for existing antennas or 2.4 GHz radios and antennas
• Price out 900 MHz radios
• Buy a pair of 2.4 GHz radios & 1 dish antenna to try LAH to Level 42 & report back next month (Warren)
• Research/choose dish antenna (everyone)
• Get water company seed funding (Craig)
• Get more funding (Craig, Andy)

Attendees

Craig Anderson, Warren Turkal, Rachel Turkal, Andy Brown, Bill Moffitt, Rafael Skodlar, Heather Stern, Joe Castellano, Bill Rainey

-- Main.randomandy - 01 May 2009