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Date: Fri, 21 Jun 2002 10:41:03 +0100
From: iriXx <iriXx@iriXx.org>
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(warning, long message)
this is a FAQ written by a friend of mine who is founding a
project called NAAN Net - the Neighbourhood Area Artists
Network (and yes, he does love curries!). he's interested
in feedback and comments so i thought i might post it to
the list.
bw
miriam.
17th June 2002 - WLAN Primer/FAQ prepared by
leehughes@totalise.co.uk
A New Deal for IT in NG7 - NAAN Net - Wireless Community
Network (Research and Development)
Project Aims
What kind of community project is this?
Is it a training programme? Yes!
What are the benefits to community? Many IT and non IT
related areas will benefit!
Who can benefit? Every organisation and individual in the
target area! (NG7)
Is it limited by colour, race or creed? No, it is a project
for all!
Is the project sustainable when funding expires? Absolutely
- if implemented correctly!
NAAN Net aims to connect select groups of the community to a
private wireless LAN (wLAN) for the exchange of information
and for both public and private access. Our aim is to create
a wireless network infrastructure that is easy to set up for
the end user, has little or no recurring monthly fees, and
is owned and operated by its users in the same way NDC as an
entity is controlled by NG7 residents. It is hoped that the
project will not become a money sink, and that after the
initial infrastructure has been purchased, the network can
become self sufficient without extra cash injections from
funding bodies. Although the technology exists to flood NG7
with zero cost wireless internet access, a number of both
technical and legal issues need to be researched and
investigated fully before a community wide roll out can be
attempted.
This is the reasoning behind the NAAN Net Community Chest
application, or any other suitable funding framework.
What do we require the R&D grant for?
To test the technical viability of wireless network
solutions through a limited roll out to local Artists.
To research both legal and administrative structure of the
network.
To develop network applications and services for the wider
community.
To encourage the take-up and use of the network by Artists.
In the pilot scheme it hoped that Artists in the NG7 area
are connected to NAAN net on a trial basis, as many artists
are equipped with moderate computing resources, and
broadband connection to the network at low/no cost is
attractive to this group.
What areas of the Community will benefit from the initial
pilot study?
In the first instance, local artists with a computer will be
able to access the network and use its services and
resources. The access will hopefully be distributed to key
groups of the NG7 community such as:
1) Artists.
2) NDC employees who actually live within the NDC target
area.
3) Non profit and Community focused businesses working with
NDC.
Second Phase
1) The Unemployed.
2) Special Community Groups.
3) Other NDC target groups and organisations.
How much will it cost?
By utilising new and inexpensive wireless technologies, the
infrastructure can be supplied at cost prices. A
relationship with a NG7 networking company can supply
wireless networking and computer resources. The cost to the
end users will be virtually nil for basic services such as
email and web browsing. Enhanced services such as video
conferencing will obviously require more sophisticated
technology at the end users premises, thus being more
expensive. Within the 4000 homes and businesses in the NDC
target area, it is hoped that a great number of these can be
networked with value for money in mind. During the test
period a study will be conducted in to the costs of scaling
the network at a NG7-wide level. No doubt there will be many
technical, social and economic barriers to overcome.
Who is heading the Project?
Lee Hughes is the driving force behind the project with help
from many members of the NDC residential, business and NDC
funded organisations. He has a reputation as a successful
IT related ex-businessman focusing on IT computer
networking by applying new low-cost networking technology
to everyday information and communication problems.
Currently he is devoting his spare time to bringing a
community based wireless network to the NG7 area. Having
been born in a deprived area of Nottingham, he fully
understands the social and economic problems that NDC has
been employed to solve. He has enlisted many NDC residents
in a technical IT capacity and has made strong links with
local artists who have expressed a strong interest for
connection during the experimental phase. By being both an
IT networking professional and a long term resident of the
NG7 target area, he has found it easy to gain support for
such a beneficial community project. His lists of other
achievements include managing all technical areas of a busy
Internet Service Provider (ISP), design and installation of
redundant mission critical network infrastructure for one
of the largest coal fired power stations in Europe, network
design and installation of a 2000 user Cisco-powered
network at a people?s college, and internet security
auditing and implementation at Paul Smith Clothing. In his
spare (!) time he is a Drummer/Percussionist for a number
of Nottingham bands, and is currently registered as
unemployed.
Is it legal?
Yes. The DTI is currently reclassifying parts of the radio
communication spectrum to help set up projects such as NAAN
Net, therefore a telco communications license is not needed
in the first pilot scheme. A private network such as this
does not fall under telecommunications regulations, although
a number of small legal anomalies need more investigation.
The government has given the green light for such community
projects - as it fits nicely within the governments
E-England concept - and for creating cyber-estates, where
network bandwidth is as cheap and as plentiful as running
water. The Government realises that the internet and high
speed networking is good for Britain, so deployment of the
network must be a priority.
Is it dangerous?
No. The microwave power levels involved in wireless LAN
networking are 1/1000th of that of a mobile phone, and most
of the time the antennae (the main source of radiation) are
mounted well away from humans. Most of the network
infrastructure will be based on light (experimental photonic
transmitters), rather than microwave radio, thus the
environmental effects are practically nil, certainly far
less than the large mobile telecommunication companies such
as Orange, BT (O2) and other microwave radio operators.
Are there similar community network projects elsewhere?
A number of initiatives have been implemented in Manchester
with great success. The Project Team have studied in depth
the models used there, and elsewhere in the UK. These
projects have proved that, if implemented correctly, they
are of great benefit to the wider community, both through
the usual access to information such as email and web based
information, but also cutting edge (bleeding edge) methods
of communication that have been established, such as a 3D
virtual bar where residents can meet, chat and even buy
virtual beer for each other, whist still remaining anonymous
and protecting their privacy. This not only makes the
network fun to use, but without the fear of high telephone
bills users are more likely to exploit the network for real
regeneration use. It has been acknowledged that a community
network not only promotes the communication of those living
in the network area but actually encourages the take-up of
computer ownership, especially amongst the more senior
members, and those more likely to have techno-fear. There
are many examples of wireless community LANs in use
throughout the world now. America is paving the way and has
some of the largest community networks in the world. These
networks have a much larger coverage than the plan pilot
and connect many thousands of household and businesses,
proving that it aids in bringing like-minded members of the
community together. In the case of Artists, this can only
be seen as a positive situation. We hoped to work closely
with these international wireless LAN groups to avoid
making costly mistakes in both technical and administrative
deployment.
What makes the NG7 NAAN Net project different?
The NAAN project is very different from other IT community
schemes implemented by other NDC?s and Council?s. Rather
than sourcing an expensive, or sometimes overpriced
solution from a large network vendor such as Cisco, Intel,
or Microsoft, there is currently the desired skill base in
the directly NG7 area (networking engineers, web
programmers, administrators etc) to facilitate the setup,
running and maintenance of the network for the community.
Although these corporations can deliver networking
facilities, they lack the 'ground level? local knowledge
needed to tailor the network to the need of the community
being serviced, creating a high tech, but sadly
underutilised network. The wireless LAN network is not
designed as a replacement for a fixed telephone network
conneciton (NTL/BT) or a broadband ADSL/Cable connection;
although it is possible to carry this kind of traffic, a
strictly data only (IP) network will be designed.
Local People, Local Skills.
There exists within Radford the opportunity not only to
develop a useful resource for years to come, but an
opportunity to involve other IT training schemes in the in
the design, running, and maintenance of Radford?s new
high-tech shared IP network infrastructure. The chance to
develop desired IT market place skills in the real world
should not be overlooked. The nature of its user-led
attitude will promote uptake and use of network resources.
An important aim is that its users not only utilise the
network, but that they are involved in how such a network
fits together, both at the physical nuts and bolts level
through to the high level network-related issues such that
are associated running a large scale Internet Protocol
Network. After the recent dot.com crash and the events of
September 11, the number of available network training
places within the business community has fallen to a
ridiculously low level. Obviously an overlap with
NDC-related IT training projects and the NAAN can be quite
clearly seen.
Survivability and Long Term Planning
The unique ideas within NAAN Net are key to creating a low
running costs of the network and reduced the burden on day
to day support and maintainance, a key factor for sustaining
an organic growth of the infrastructure. However, by
encouraging a hands-on approach to support and exploiting
community spirit to demystify the network, it is hoped that
the infrastructure can be kept in a reliable and useful
state at minimum cost. It is only after the pilot scheme
roll-out that the performance and reliabiity of the network
be ascertained.
But we already have a community website, why do we need NAAN
Net?
This network is not just about the internet, and it is even
questionable that internet access will be offered. Think of
it as a private corner of the internet, which is a
concentration of local information, content and resources
all on one high speed local network. Once bandwidth is
available at low cost to members of the community, it is
hoped that the network will grow to provide more useful
information to its users. The opportunity of giving NG7
residents their own email address should not be missed. No
more endless searches via Google for information, as all
information will be available through the Radford
communications portal - NAAN Net.
What about those members of the community without computers?
Won?t this be a waste of money for them and create an
information underclass?
The Lazarus project, which is an offshoot of the original
NAAN Net project, wishes to recycle computer hardware which
is either heading towards the skip/tip, or cast off from
local authorities / businesses / academics. Using cutting
edge open source operating systems, any old computer system
- no matter how obsolete - can easily be converted into a
NAAN Net network computer just by drawing on the power of
the network itself. An ancient and useless computer can be
given a completely new lease of life for only a few pounds.
Project Lazarus works well in conjunction with the NAAN Net
project. Only by using the power of NAAN Net can this kind
of ground breaking recycling be offered. This will be
covered under a separate application.
What About Security, Privacy and Accountability Issues?
These issues needs to be addressed, and part of the Research
and Development grant will be used to build a framework for
issues such as network abuse. Obviously extra help will be
needed in project administration and legal areas. It is
hoped that the existing community relationships forged by
the project can be called on for help in these areas. As the
network will mirror the 'resident-led? feel of the NDC
regeneration project, it is determined that the network can
fall under the same management and administrative rules. IT
security is a important issue and so developing a
partnership with a local IT security consultancy will be
paramount. This will ensure a network that is both safe to
use and can be directed in accordance with UK laws.
What about Training? It's not good if the IT-illiterate
cannot connect and use network resources.
The Pilot scheme aims to connect the Artistic community,
these users have a high degree of IT skills, not only in the
use of the technology itself, but the ability to use IT as
an effective communication tool. The network can be
utilised as a conduit for communication and for the
distribution and development of Radford?s world class
artistic output.
What needs have Artists expressed for a Artist Community
Network?
A number of real needs have been expressed by local artists
in person to the Project Leader.
1. Large File Transfer (Music and Sound Samples, Video and
Multimedia) - Currently impossible by using traditional
methods (56k modem).
2. Email Access.
3. Security, Virus Checking and Fears about Internet
security in general.
4. A Web based Showcase for local Artistic Content.
5. Chat and forums for building stronger links with other
Artists; increasing the chance of collaboration with others
and developing work via online exchanges.
6. Data Backup - many Artists do not archive their work due
to financial difficulties.
7. Technical Support for day-to-day IT problems.
8. The ability to be mobile in the area and still be able to
carry out useful work via a data connection.
9. The ability to stream/web cast artistic content to each
other on the network.
10. The ability for Artists to promote themselves and
encourage support from the local community.
Not all of these services can be supplied in the pilot
phase, but a great many of them can be tested on a limited
basis and their success levels determined.
Will I really be able to access information, on any device
(laptop, PDA) from anywhere?
If you're using a PDA or a laptop, then yes, you should be
able to pick up your email from anywhere within the target
area - even while relaxing at Moog??? ;-).
How does the network equipment really work?
There is a separate technical document outlining the many
technical challenges the project faces.
And will it work?
Definately, but if you want a guarantee, buy a toaster. ;-)
So what do you think? Can you help us to take the first
steps in acheiving our goal?
email: leehughes@totalise.co.uk
NAAN Net - do you want chips with that?
- - –
iriXx
www.iriXx.org
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copyleft: creativity, technology and freedom?
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iriXx
www.iriXx.org
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copyleft: creativity, technology and freedom?
info@copyleftmedia.org.uk
www.copyleftmedia.org.uk
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