book

Building Wireless Community Networks, Second Edition

by Rob Flickenger

June 2003

Intermediate to advanced

184 pages

5h 8m

English

O'Reilly Media, Inc.

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New in This Edition
Why Now?The Problem

The Standards
Draw a Picture
Layer 1 (Physical) ConnectivityLayer “1.5” ConnectivityLayer 2 and Up
Access Point HardwareBSS Client HardwarePeer-to-Peer (IBSS) Networking
DHCPDNSNAT
WEP802.1xRouting and FirewallsEncrypted TunnelsVPNOther Potential Threats
Access Point Caveats
Anatomy of a Wireless GatewayHardwareLinux DistributionKernel ConfigurationLinux 2.2.23Linux 2.4.20PCMCIA-CSSoftwareConfigurationHost APWireless ToolsMasqueradingDHCP ServicesSecurityPutting It All Together
Topo Maps 102: Geographical DiversitySoftwareUsing a GPS to Log Prospective LAT / LONG / ALTPlotting the Points on a 3-D Map
AntennasOmniSector (or sectoral)YagiParabolic dishWaveguides and “cantennas”CablingConnectorsCalculating RangePower Amps and the Law
Software
The Pringles CanParts list:Required toolsFront collector constructionPreparing the canElement constructionStew and Cookie Cans
Two Cards in One PCTwo APs Back-to-BackAdvanced Host AP Modes
Establish the ConnectionConfigure Your Mail Software
Running Your Own Top-Level Domain in DNSTunnels, Tunnels Everywhere
Seattle WirelessBay Area Wireless Users Group (BAWUG)PersonalTelcoNYCwirelessHouston Wireless
BC WirelessConsumeMelbourne WirelessRedLibreWireless Leiden
OSCON 2000
Disclaimer
The Civilian Spectrum RegulationsEnforcement
FCC 15.247 and 80211.bPoint-to-multipoint communicationPoint-to-point communicationFCC 15.407 and 802.11aPoint-to-multipoint communicationPoint-to-point communication
CertificationTemporary Options to CertificationExperimental licenses: Part 5Special Temporary Authorities (STAs): Parts 15.7 and 5.61
DescriptionDevices that Fall into Part 15 of the ISM Band (2400 to 2483 MHz)Devices That Fall into the U-NII BandIndustrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Devices: Part 18Satellite Communications: Part 25Broadcast Auxiliary: Part 74Stations in the Maritime Services: Part 80Aviation Services: Part 87Land Mobile Radio Services: Part 90Amateur Radio: Part 97Fixed Microwave Services: Part 101Federal Usage: NTIA/IRAC
CableDigital Subscriber Line (DSL)
FCC Preemption of Local LawHeight LimitationsLocal ordinancesFAA and FCC tower registration
Good News: New Standards to Help802.11h802.15: WPAN (Bluetooth)802.16.2The Bad NewsRadio frequency (RF) lightingWill other folks try to shut down 802.11,or will they accept it?

Content preview from Building Wireless Community Networks, Second Edition

Conclusions

Building a business on Part 15 spectrum has risks; you have no priority over anyone else.
Coordination with other users (i.e., Parts 15, 74, 90, and 101) can extend the life of a network.
A properly engineered and designed network will live longer than one that isn’t properly designed. However, a well-built network may still have a limited lifetime if there is an increase in noise or interference from other users.
Other users may try to stifle 802.11 communication by suggesting changes to the FCC Rules and Regulations. A well-coordinated effort that tracks and responds to proposed rules detrimental to Part 15 users is needed. WISP organizations or the loosely coordinated networks of FreeNetworks.org might be able to provide some assistance in this area.