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Wireless community networks or '''wireless community projects''' are the largely hobbyist-led development of interlinked Computer Network s using Wireless LAN technologies, taking advantage of the recent development of cheap, standardised 802.11b ( Wi-Fi ) devices to build growing '''clusters''' (group of the same or similar elements gathered) of linked, citywide networks, or in rural areas where conventional DSL services are unavailable. Some are being used to link to the wider Internet , particularly where individuals can obtain unmetered internet connections such as ADSL and/or Cable Modem at fixed costs and share them with friends. Where such access is unavailable or expensive, they can act as a low-cost partial alternative, as the only cost is the fixed cost of the equipment. HISTORY Such projects started to evolve in 1998 with the availability of 802.11 equipment, and are gradually spreading to cities and towns around the world. In mid-2002 most such networks have been still embryonic, with small groups of people experimenting and gradually interconnecting with each other and thus expanding the domain and utility of the networks. As of mid-2005, wireless community networks have become increasingly popular and exist throughout many cities. Such networks have a distributed rather than a tree-like topology and have the potential to replace the congested and vulnerable Backbones Of The Wired Internet in most places. These projects are in many senses an evolution of Amateur Radio , and more specifically Packet Radio , as well as an outgrowth of the Free Software community (which in itself substantially overlaps with amateur radio), and share their freewheeling, experimental, adaptable culture. The key to using standard wireless networking devices designed for short-range use for multi-kilometre Long Range Wi-Fi linkups is the use of high-gain Directional Antenna s. Commercially-available examples are relatively expensive and not readily available, so much experimentation has gone into homebuilt antenna construction. Examples include the Cantenna , which performs better than many commercial antenna designs and is typically constructed from a Pringles potato chip can, and RONJA , an optical link that can be made from a smoke Flue and LED s, with Circuitry and instructions released under the GFDL . FREE Most wireless community network projects are coordinated by citywide user groups who freely share information and help using the Internet. They often spring up as a Grassroots Movement offering free, anonymous Internet access to anyone with WiFi capability. Community networks differ from other Wireless Hotspots , which are usually put up for commercial purposes, often offering paid-for internet. They also differ from independent privately owned open Wireless Access Point s offering anyone within range free internet access. Many of these community networks are run on a voluntary basis and can be compared to other voluntary groups focussed around local issues. Like other voluntary groups they have sometimes found their greatest challenges are not technical (e.g. developing affordable internet access in a local area) but social; encouraging and sustaining volunteer input, a critical mass of users, and devising a sustainable organisational model. Some groups have splintered as individual participants follow their own goals, or found it difficult to maintain a user base when large corporate internet service suppliers have reduced the price of broadband connectivity and increased availability. An alternative to the voluntary model is to use a , UK. It may be that community networks represent an alternative model to corporate broadband provision in niche markets, or that they represent the early adaptor phase of a new technology moving into the marketplace. The biggest community network is CZFree.NET , which connects more than 20,000 computers in Prague and other cities. Government efforts in the U.S. to develop public-private partnerships or sole efforts in pursuit of the community wireless and wired network have not always succeeded. When initially voted in by the public they are sold as utopian endeavors. Once financed, they may fail to deliver due to poor implementation, competition and poor product offerings. {Link without Title} As with other Wireless Mesh Network s, three distinct Generations Of Mesh Networks are used in wireless community networks. SEE ALSO
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