[K3PZN-List] Ham Radio WiFi

[Curt Milton via K3PZN-List]

I remember reading years ago about some hams setting up a 802.11 link (aka WiFi) between 2 mountain peaks.  The path of this link was over 3 college campuses without any interference.  Something to do with our microwave frequency allocations.  


A honest criticism of our current capabilities (HF/VHF) is 'dreadfully' narrow bandwidth.  Hams are beginning to deploy 'Mesh Networks' -- see this reference for some details.  



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_multimedia_radio


Its highly possible that Carroll County won't experience a major internet outage for more than a few minutes in our life times.  And of course there are 4G networks.  But I wonder if the club developed and maintained a few of these links that they could be effectively used.  Perhaps a center hub somewhere containing an omni and a second directional link.  And some mobile units (that could be installed in place when not used mobile ...) could prove its use in exercises and real communication events.  


I am suggesting we explore.  Need some geeks to design/build the links and some comm dudes to determine how we will use the things.  No real hurry until our 'next' natural disaster (we think and hope .....).  


There are enough non-technical issues we don't want to put this on a fast track.  This article raises some of those.  

FYI.  just planting a seed maybe.  ok if all need time to digest this stuff more.  We still need all our narrow band capabilities also (and some maybe that we don't quite have like winlink?).  


73 Curt