This volume offers a case for building wireless networks on a local level. They are inexpensive and can be implemented and managed by the community using them, whether it's a school, neighbourhood, or a small business. This guide provides all the necessary information for planning a network, getting the necessary components and understanding protocols that you need to design and implement your network. The wireless Internet infrastructure, also known as Wi-Fi, is based on the 802.11b standard. The book covers Rob's experience with the Sebastopol Community Network, a multi-tiered network. It also details his experiences in building his first community network. This volume starts off with basic wireless concepts and essential network services, while later chapters focus on specific aspects of building your own wireless networks.
Original portrait of the author by Claire Abila.Thanks, Claire! Born the son of a pig farmer in Bucharest, this young ne'er-do-well had few ambitions above mucking out the slop stall before dinner. But that was just at the dawn of the digital age. Who would have thought that five years later the same boy who thought cow tipping shouldn't go above 10 percent would go on to invent the Internet, and eventually become the first living human with an ADSL line surgically attached to his spinal column. Now, in these increasingly untethered times, he has eschewed his former 6Mbit neural I/O port for an 11Mbit, encrypted, wireless version. It certainly makes it easier to leave the house without the need for miles of extension cord. Rob is the author of three O'Reilly books, Building Wireless Community Networks, 2nd Edition, Linux Server Hacks, and Wireless Hacks. He recently served as sysadmin for the O'Reilly Network, and is currently working on promoting community wireless networking through efforts like FreeNetworks.org and NoCat.net.