[WISPA] Can you believe this?
January 16, 2006 Sharing Broadband to Increase Speed By JOHN MARKOFF SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15 - Two West Coast start-up companies have built new wireless technologies that take to heart Benjamin Franklin's exhortation to hang together rather than hang separately. Both Mushroom Networks, which was started at the University of California, San Diego, and WiBoost Inc., based in Seattle, have built prototypes of simple wireless systems that make it possible for groups of neighbors to share their D.S.L. or cable Internet connections. Both companies said that sharing high-speed lines might enable users in small neighborhood clusters to download files and Web pages up to 10 times faster. The two companies, which developed their technologies separately, are taking slightly different approaches. But in both cases, neighbors would be able to connect relatively standard wireless routers that would permit their computers to receive data in parallel from multiple D.S.L. or cable network connections. The idea is similar to adding lanes to a freeway to improve traffic flow. WiBoost, which is also the name of the company's technology system, now requires an antenna mounted outside the home. The company is exploring ways to license its technology to manufacturers and hopes to make WiBoost devices available for $200 to $300. In flat areas with minimal obstructions, the system might be able to link homes separated by several miles, with do-it-yourself installation. Mushroom Networks is conducting trials using a device called an access point aggregator that is similar to a conventional home Wi-Fi router. It is intended to be used to connect homes or businesses that are closer together. In principle, these technologies could work for a large group of neighbors, even with just a few Internet access points. That capacity - which could reduce the cost of Internet access considerably for its users - could, however, create substantial opposition from Internet service providers. Many of them are vigilant about restricting the sharing of individual network access points. Both companies said they were going to great lengths to assure service providers that they did not plan to become bandwidth Napsters, a reference to the music file-sharing company that raised havoc with the audio recording industry. The idea of linking several Internet data channels for greater speed is not a new one, but exploring a consumer application for the technology is a fresh notion, said Rene L. Cruz, a University of California computer scientist and founder of Mushroom Networks. "We're pretty excited about the concept," he said. "We're looking for validation and we're looking for market demand." The technology has merits, said George Henny, the president of Whidbey Telecom, an independent telecommunications firm based on Whidbey Island, Wash. "There is an interesting potential for this technology," he said, "and it would be fun to put it in place." The concept is related to the concept of wireless mesh networking, a technique that is used to extend Wi-Fi and related wireless networking standards over large areas by relaying Internet data among wireless receivers. In this use, the two firms are exploiting the fact that most computer networks are used in an irregular or "bursty" fashion. Even though large numbers of users download e-mail, Web pages or music and video files, most of the time the networks sit idle, waiting for a computer user to strike a key or issue a command. The capacity utilization rates of modern data networks have long been known to be remarkably low. "Our studies show that, averaged across all users, the utilization is less than 1 percent of the total capacity," said James Baker, president of WiBoost. Telephone companies may oversubscribe the capacity of their D.S.L. lines by an average of 14 to 20 times, said Mr. Cruz, and some researchers estimate that rate to be as high as 200 to 1. But because the networks are so underutilized, they can be used efficiently despite substantial oversubscription. Neither Mr. Cruz nor Mr. Baker is certain of receiving the blessing of Internet service providers, which often go to great lengths to prohibit their customers from sharing service with others. "We don't want freeloaders," said Mr. Baker. "We don't want the perception that it might be something that the I.S.P. might not like." Both companies have approached Internet providers to discuss their ideas, and they said they had received some indications of interest. One selling point stressed by both companies is that the technology is a simple way for D.S.L. providers to match the higher bandwidth offered by cable companies. Moreover, the technology could be used as a "viral" marketing technique by Internet service providers if existing customers persuaded neighbors to sign up for service to take advantage of the wireless accelerator. -- WISPA
RE: [WISPA] Can you believe this?
Well, Kurt, here's a piece of the "Terms of Agreement" that a RoadRunner subscriber contractually agrees to: "Subscriber will not resell the Service, or any portion thereof, or otherwise charge others to use the Service, or any portion thereof. The Service is for personal use only, and Subscriber agrees not to use the Service for operation as an Internet Service Provider, to host web sites for other parties or for any other business enterprise or to connect the cable modem to any server or to any computer outside the Subscriber's premises." . . . j o n a t h a n -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Kurt FankhauserSent: Monday, January 16, 2006 6:28 PMTo: 'WISPA General List'Subject: RE: [WISPA] Can you believe this? That doesnt sound like a good idea, if they even do get it to work they will have a hard time tracking down someone one that is spamming, making viruses, etc. Wonder what those guys were smoking when they thought of that over there in mushroom laboratories? Kurt Fankhauser WAVELINC 114 S. Walnut St. Bucyrus, OH 44820 419-562-6405 www.wavelinc.com -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jonathan SchmidtSent: Monday, January 16, 2006 11:16 AMTo: WISPA General ListSubject: [WISPA] Can you believe this? January 16, 2006 Sharing Broadband to Increase Speed By JOHN MARKOFF SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15 - Two West Coast start-up companies have built new wireless technologies that take to heart Benjamin Franklin's exhortation to hang together rather than hang separately. Both Mushroom Networks, which was started at the University of California, San Diego, and WiBoost Inc., based in Seattle, have built prototypes of simple wireless systems that make it possible for groups of neighbors to share their D.S.L. or cable Internet connections. Both companies said that sharing high-speed lines might enable users in small neighborhood clusters to download files and Web pages up to 10 times faster. The two companies, which developed their technologies separately, are taking slightly different approaches. But in both cases, neighbors would be able to connect relatively standard wireless routers that would permit their computers to receive data in parallel from multiple D.S.L. or cable network connections. The idea is similar to adding lanes to a freeway to improve traffic flow. WiBoost, which is also the name of the company's technology system, now requires an antenna mounted outside the home. The company is exploring ways to license its technology to manufacturers and hopes to make WiBoost devices available for $200 to $300. In flat areas with minimal obstructions, the system might be able to link homes separated by several miles, with do-it-yourself installation. Mushroom Networks is conducting trials using a device called an access point aggregator that is similar to a conventional home Wi-Fi router. It is intended to be used to connect homes or businesses that are closer together. In principle, these technologies could work for a large group of neighbors, even with just a few Internet access points. That capacity - which could reduce the cost of Internet access considerably for its users - could, however, create substantial opposition from Internet service providers. Many of them are vigilant about restricting the sharing of individual network access points. Both companies said they were going to great lengths to assure service providers that they did not plan to become bandwidth Napsters, a reference to the music file-sharing company that raised havoc with the audio recording industry. The idea of linking several Internet data channels for greater speed is not a new one, but exploring a consumer application for the technology is a fresh notion, said Rene L. Cruz, a University of California computer scientist and founder of Mushroom Networks. "We're pretty excited about the concept," he said. "We're looking for validation and we're looking for market demand." The technology has merits, said George Henny, the president of Whidbey Telecom, an independent telecommunications firm based on Whidbey Island, Wash. "There is an interesting potential for this technology," he said, "and it would be fun to put it in place." The concept is related to the concept of wireless mesh networking, a technique that is used to extend Wi-Fi and related wireless networking standards over large areas by relaying Internet data among wireless receivers. In this use, the two firms are exploiting the fact that most computer ne
RE: [WISPA] Can you believe this?
So even if they did get it to work they cant use it without breaking their contract? Kurt Fankhauser WAVELINC 114 S. Walnut St. Bucyrus, OH 44820 419-562-6405 www.wavelinc.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jonathan Schmidt Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 2:02 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: RE: [WISPA] Can you believe this? Well, Kurt, here's a piece of the Terms of Agreement that a RoadRunner subscriber contractually agrees to: Subscriber will not resell the Service, or any portion thereof, or otherwise charge others to use the Service, or any portion thereof. The Service is for personal use only, and Subscriber agrees not to use the Service for operation as an Internet Service Provider, to host web sites for other parties or for any other business enterprise or to connect the cable modem to any server or to any computer outside the Subscriber's premises. . . . j o n a t h a n -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Kurt Fankhauser Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 6:28 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: RE: [WISPA] Can you believe this? That doesnt sound like a good idea, if they even do get it to work they will have a hard time tracking down someone one that is spamming, making viruses, etc. Wonder what those guys were smoking when they thought of that over there in mushroom laboratories? Kurt Fankhauser WAVELINC 114 S. Walnut St. Bucyrus, OH 44820 419-562-6405 www.wavelinc.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jonathan Schmidt Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 11:16 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: [WISPA] Can you believe this? January 16, 2006 Sharing Broadband to Increase Speed By JOHN MARKOFF SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15 - Two West Coast start-up companies have built new wireless technologies that take to heart Benjamin Franklin's exhortation to hang together rather than hang separately. Both Mushroom Networks, which was started at the University of California, San Diego, and WiBoost Inc., based in Seattle, have built prototypes of simple wireless systems that make it possible for groups of neighbors to share their D.S.L. or cable Internet connections. Both companies said that sharing high-speed lines might enable users in small neighborhood clusters to download files and Web pages up to 10 times faster. The two companies, which developed their technologies separately, are taking slightly different approaches. But in both cases, neighbors would be able to connect relatively standard wireless routers that would permit their computers to receive data in parallel from multiple D.S.L. or cable network connections. The idea is similar to adding lanes to a freeway to improve traffic flow. WiBoost, which is also the name of the company's technology system, now requires an antenna mounted outside the home. The company is exploring ways to license its technology to manufacturers and hopes to make WiBoost devices available for $200 to $300. In flat areas with minimal obstructions, the system might be able to link homes separated by several miles, with do-it-yourself installation. Mushroom Networks is conducting trials using a device called an access point aggregator that is similar to a conventional home Wi-Fi router. It is intended to be used to connect homes or businesses that are closer together. In principle, these technologies could work for a large group of neighbors, even with just a few Internet access points. That capacity - which could reduce the cost of Internet access considerably for its users - could, however, create substantial opposition from Internet service providers. Many of them are vigilant about restricting the sharing of individual network access points. Both companies said they were going to great lengths to assure service providers that they did not plan to become bandwidth Napsters, a reference to the music file-sharing company that raised havoc with the audio recording industry. The idea of linking several Internet data channels for greater speed is not a new one, but exploring a consumer application for the technology is a fresh notion, said Rene L. Cruz, a University of California computer scientist and founder of Mushroom Networks. We're pretty excited about the concept, he said. We're looking for validation and we're looking for market demand. The technology has merits, said George Henny, the president of Whidbey Telecom, an independent telecommunications firm based on Whidbey Island, Wash. There is an interesting potential for this technology, he said, and it would be fun to put it in place. The concept is related to the concept of wireless mesh networking, a technique that is used to extend Wi-Fi and related wireless networking standards over large areas
RE: [WISPA] Can you believe this?
Jonathan Schmidt wrote: But, yes, the Terms of Agreement for broadband contracts usually specify limiting access to the premises on the address of the contract. Otherwise, for $50 an apartment manager could get a router and hub and wire up the building and give free Internet access. It all depends on the ISP. One of my personal favorites is Speakeasy, who has a special program just for this. http://www.speakeasy.net/netshare/learnmore/ It's not quite the same, but close. Basically you set up an access point and secure it yourself, Speakeasy bills them, and give you 80% of whatever they're billed. The end-user/el-cheapo-WISP-op selects their own price, Speakeasy bills 'em and gives kickbacks. Basically what a lot of people are doing anyway, I'm sure, just with more paperwork and less TOS-violation. As an aside, Speakeasy's TOS say you can't resell their residential service plans, but there's no prohibition on this for business plans, which only average an extra twenty bucks or so per month. They also give out lots of static IPs on most of their plans, expressly permit end-users to run most servers, and generally do all sorts of wacky stuff. Despite working for a WISP, I can't get my company's service at my house. If it were available here, I'd be a Speakeasy customer in no time, because they're so friendly to the geek market. David Smith MVN.net -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] Can you believe this?
snip Despite working for a WISP, I can't get my company's service at my house. If it were available here, I'd be a Speakeasy customer in no time, because they're so friendly to the geek market. /snip Out of curiosity -- how does allowing connection sharing qualify as being friendly to the geek market? -Charles --- WiNOG Austin, TX March 13-15, 2006 http://www.winog.com -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Can you believe it?
Hello, Can anyone get these people to acknowledge what WISP's have done? Or are we really the ugly stepchild?? Barry This is from The Jeff Pulver Blog at: http://pulverblog.pulver.com/archives/002817.html September 09, 2005 VoIP: Proving to be Effective in Katrina Emergency Special thanks to Jim Kohlenberger of the VON Coalition for maintaining the following list of stories. According to Jim, This is a summary of some of the ways the IP Communications industry is responding to Katrina (largely based on news stories and company releases). It turns out that the ability to set up VoIP services on the fly, from any network, has proved to be critical in an emergency. The industry has stepped forward to help FEMA, the Red Cross, and the Army communicate, to help connect the refugees in the astrodome, to help field calls for telethons, to help first responders communicate, to help connect hospitals who are disconnected, and to help utility workers working to restore services communicate with each other. It is quite an amazing story, and I know it is just the beginning. If there are other stories you are aware of and would like to see included in this growing summary, please send me a paragraph, a news release, or any other background and I will share it with Jim. Also, please feel free to include stories from bloggers where IP Communications has been used to help. VoIP: Proving to be Effective in Katrina Emergency IP based voice communications are playing a critical role in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The unique mobility and decentralized aspects of VoIP are being utilized by FEMA, hospitals, emergency responders, for telethon call centers, and utility workers who are restoring service. VoIP Delivers Free Calling for FEMA, 1,000 VoIP Lines in the AstroDome, and Phone Service For Refugees. ATT is establishing IP-based calling centers where directed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give evacuees and emergency workers access to free calling. The first of these centers is expected to be operational within a week. In Houston, ATT is working with Avaya, Cisco Systems and SBC to establish a communications network for refugees moved to the Astrodome. The coalition of VoIP companies will deliver local, long distance and Internet service to refugees. More than 1,000 phone lines, as well as a data infra-structure, will be available near the Astrodome. ATTs IP infrastructure will make Houston the hub for a VoIP network to support refugee camps throughout the region. (INFOWORLD, September 02, 2005) VoIP Being Deployed By Mobile Command Center For Fire, Rescue and Law Enforcement Agencies. In an area of vast devastation in Mississippi with no traditional phone lines, cell phone or public safety radio services, F4W has established a VoIP network to provide critical communications for relief agencies and a lifeline from the disaster area to the outside world. The Tactical Wireless Emergency Broadband (TWEB) network set up by F4W will provide secure wireless Internet and VoIP service over several miles to Mobile Command Centers and vehicles from fire, rescue, and law enforcement agencies. The network utilizes Motorola, Tachyon, and Panasonic equipment as well as F4W control software and network devices. (Source: VoIP Magazine, Thursday, 01 September 2005) Internet Telephony Keeps Baton Rouge Hospital In Touch. Baton Rouge General Hospital, who still had a broadband connection after the hurricane but no long distance, called up Vonage and asked for help. Vonage helped them get set up with VoIP so the hospital can dial out of Baton Rouge. The hospital ultimately used nine voice-over IP converters and wireless-enabled laptops with VoIP software installed for long distance communications and to set up a public branch exchange for communications within the hospital and sharing patient data. (Government Technology, Aug 31, 2005, By Corey McKenna, http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php/96493) Satellite Based VoIP Helping Put Utility Repair Crews In Touch To Restore Service. Siemens Enterprise Networks is working with a power utility in Mississippi that has been sending repair crews into the field with voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones to make wireless calls via a satellite network. The VoIP system has been the main means of voice communications for utility crew supervisors in the field. In this case, Siemens acted as integrator to arrange for satellite network bandwidth, allowing the users to connect to a Siemens IP-based voice switch in Atlanta. With the Siemens VoIP phones, the workers can make five-digit calls over a familiar device to co-workers without needing special codes for the satellite links.(Source: ComputerWorld, Telecoms face 'one big mess' in US Gulf Coast region, Matt Hamblen, Sept, 2 2005) Rapid VoIP Deployments Help Get Emergency Phone Services Up and Running. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
