Building Wireless Community Networks

Organization

Early chapters of this book introduce basic wireless concepts and essential network services, while later chapters focus on specific aspects of building your own wireless network. Experienced users may prefer to skip around rather than read this book from cover to cover, so here’s an overview of each chapter:

• Chapter 1, gives a brief history of the state of wireless connectivity and some ideas (and warnings) about how things might proceed.

• Chapter 2, is an overview of many important logistical considerations you will face in designing your own network; it describes some tools that may make your job easier.

• Chapter 3, provides a detailed description of critical network components that you will need to provide to your users. Network layout and security are also addressed.

• Chapter 4, details how to use wireless access point hardware effectively.

• Chapter 5, is a step-by-step guide to building your own access point using Linux, inexpensive PC hardware, and conventional wireless client cards.

• Chapter 6, is about extending your range. It looks at using topographic mapping software to evaluate long distance links, and it also examines the myriad antennas, cables, and connectors you are likely to encounter. It also provides a simple method for calculating the usable range of your gear.

• Chapter 7, investigates some really exotic (and useful!) applications of 802.11b. It includes practical pointers for setting up point-to-point links, some simple repeaters, assembling a 2.4GHz ...