[FADCA] Keeping Focused - Florida Layered Packet Network

Tue, 15 Oct 2002 08:55:43 -0400

Bud, All

 I have been out of town for two weeks...nice vacation.  I am looking into
learning Linux and will be putting it on one of my machines for testing. So
far it looks like a good fit that will ultimately provide us with a low
cost, reliable platform that will run on some of the older computers. Once I
get it running here I will try to play around with the new Linux FPAC.

I also will try and commit some time and effort on a 2.4 GHz broad band
system. I am interested in helping set this up and can contribute some time
and effort toward this.

Now to try and clear out the 500 unanswered emails!

Rick KN6KB

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
Behalf Of bud Thompson
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2002 6:52 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [FADCA] Keeping Focused - Florida Layered Packet Network

Deltona
Monday Oct 14 0600EST

We have come a long way in the 14 months since the Orlando switch had to be
re-built due to lightning.  It should not go without notice that the day
Charlie and I removed the smoking gear was the day the World Trade Center
was smoked.

There have been more folks show up at FADCA Digital forums at Hamcation and
Melbourne than ever before.  The WCF Digital Conference early this month has
stirred the pot considerably, and Dave, N4ZKF's possibly acquiring some
choice sites offers much for network expansion.

We have an interactive network map on the FADCA web site that is impressive
and will be of great assistance to newbees getting on packet.  As soon as
the new Melbourne switch is stable we'll have good connectivity throughout
the East Coast of Florida.  We have heard that LINUX FPAC has much to offer
in better routing and stability, as well as the promise of eliminating both
TNCs and comports from the mix through the use of sound cards.  Much
discussion has been forthcoming on the use of 2.4Ghz high speed applications
that would bring webpage-level detail to/through our system at breakneck
wireless speeds.  Not only is all this exciting technically, but also for
the promise of increased bandwidth we can supply served agencies during
emergencies.

We must not, however, lose focus on the here and now - the next week, month,
year - the next hurricane season or other disaster needing our help.
Nothing we do now to increase point-to-point network connectivity will be
wasted as this requires sites we do not now have.  Sites will be required
for what ever improvements in speed/services we make in the future, so
selectively adding sites to the existing network to get from here to there
where we can't now is not wasted effort.  Upgrading backbone links from 1200
baud to something higher, even 9.6kb will not be a wasted effort. (However,
I do have some reservation regarding purchasing 9.6kb TNCs if LINUX/sound
card capability is only six months away!)

We must also increase our promotional efforts - talk it up at club meetings,
especially with ARES/RACES groups.  The possibility of using sound cards in
laptops for general and tactical packet use should catch the attention of
those hams who have been reluctant to purchase TNCs and mess with all the
wiring.  We need to educate county and city emergency planners and served
agencies toward including digital capability in their emergency plans and
EOCs, etc.  Several of us have programs on these topics that can be given at
club meetings, a good way to get a foot in the door.

The WCF Task Force made a commitment to have a full inventory of switches
and needs in the Tampa Bay area by early next year, perhaps by the December
12th meeting in Tampa.  We should have connectivity 24/7 from Jacksonville
to Hollywood before that, and certainly know if N4ZKF will be able to get on
some sites.  We should have an internet link level between Tampa and Orlando
before then, and perhaps know where radio sites will be placed for that
level to cross the state.

Here in District 5 we have a LINUX expert who is close to providing us with
our first look at LINUX FPAC.  I'm hopeful that we can have a LINUX switch
on bench test for my education before Thanksgiving and perhaps convert both
Orlando and DeLand to LINUX early next year.  With several months of field
testing, we should be able to provide a near plug'n'play LINUX FPAC install
package. (It will not be necessary to become LINUX experts to
install/maintain a LINUX switch.)

Perhaps we need an individual (or a team of two) to study the high speed
2.4GHz applications for the future while the rest of us keep firmly focused
on site selection, preparation, point-to-point connectivity and network
expansion.  Any (qualified) volunteers?

It is an exciting time to be in Ham Radio.

73,

bud Thompson N0IA

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