Wireless Networking in the Developing World

If you are new to wireless networking, you likely have a number of questions about what the technology can do and what it will cost. Here are some commonly asked questions, which will be available in future postings.

Power

• How can I supply power to my radio equipment, if there is no power available?

• Do I need to run a power cable all the way up the tower?

• How can I use solar panel to power my wireless node while keeping it online overnight?

• How long will my access point run on a battery?

Management

• How can I monitor and manage remote access points from my office?

• What do I do when the network breaks?

• What are the most common problems encountered on wireless networks, and how do I fix them?

Distance

• How good is the range of my access point?

• Is there any formula I can use to know how far I can go with a given access point?

• How can I know if a remote place can be connected to Internet using a wireless link?

• The manufacturer says my access point has a range of 300 meters. Is that true?

• How can I provide wireless connectivity to many remote clients, spread all around the city?

• Is it true that I can reach a much greater distance adding a tin can or aluminum foil to my AP’s antenna?

• Can I use wireless to connect to a remote site and share a single central Internet connection?

• My wireless link looks like it will be too long. Can I put a repeater in the middle to make it better?

• Should I use an amplifier instead?

Installation

• How can I install my indoor AP on the top of a mast on my roof?

• Is it really useful to add a lightning protector and proper grounding to my antenna mast, or can I go without them?

• Can I build an antenna mast by myself? How high can I go?

• Why does my antenna work much better when I mount it “sideways”?

• Which channel should I use?

• Will radio waves travel through buildings and trees? What about people?

• Will radio waves travel through a hill that is in the way?

• How do I build a mesh network?

• What kind of antenna is the best one for my network?

• Can I build an access point using a recycled PC?

• How can I install Linux on my AP? Why should I do so?

Money

• How can I know if a wireless link is achievable with a limited amount of money?

• Which is the best AP with the lowest price?

• How can I track and bill customers for using my wireless network?

Partners and Customers

• If I am supplying connectivity, do I still need service from an ISP? Why?

• How many customers do I need to cover my costs?

• How many customers will my wireless network support?

• How do I make my wireless network go faster?

• Is my Internet connection as fast as it can be?

Security

• How can I protect my wireless network from unauthorized access?

• Is it true that a wireless network is always insecure and open to attacks by hackers?

• Is it true that the use of open source software makes my network less secure?

• How can I see what is happening on my network?

Information and Licensing

• What other books should I read to improve my wireless networking skills?

• Where can I find more information online?

• Can I use parts of this book for my own teaching? Can I print and sell copies of this book? Yes. See About This Book for more details.