MeshMoron

@Penguin68 - Disaster recovery? Not a big motivater for me, but then I am the kind of person who would be absolutely screwed in the event of a disaster. As you mentioned, any such event would likely effect the underlying network infrastructure, but similar projects have allowed local communication to continue, and disaster relief services have gone as far as to hook up a satellite data links to provide external reach. This happened in Redhook, Brooklyn after "super storm Sandy"... apparently. Not saying it's particularly relevant to ED.

Hello, thanks for taking interest in this idea (I don't think it could be called an actual project yet). Just a few points to answer some of your queries. Realism first - I didn't expect this post to elicit a gushing rush of support, offers of bandwidth, equipment and expertise, then sit back and bask in the imminent blossoming. In fact, I thought it quite likely post it would get shot to pieces, so just the fact that there hasn't, yet, been open hostility and derision, is great (the wonderful comfort that low expectations can provide). Getting started - As mentioned by @ianr, it needs a "subset of enthusiasts" to provide the basis, as well as 2 or 3, local council/enthusiast/business/someone sponsored larger antenna in central locations. After that, other people could help by donating some roof space or a windowsill, and electricity (cost for electricity to power average BT router for a year = ?10 - ish. Found radomly via Google, so can't guarantee the accuracy.) Who pays for the bandwidth - (this section needs work, and actual substance) local council/Govt inititives or charities attempting to get people online/local business sponsors/community donations. I'm having a second line put in soon that will be connected to an enthusiast/business ISP, and I would donate a fair amount to the project to get it started. So... this is clearly a long way off being anything. However, if anyone finds this interesting/knows about computers or networks/runs a local business with cash surplus/or just has loads of money and are bored thinking of ways to spend it - please get in touch - and thank you to the people who have already PMd me!

Is anyone interested in setting up a DIY, modular mesh network in East Dulwich? While this would be a pretty amateur affair, mostly due to my involvement and general ineptitude, it could theoretically be quite a cool addition to our neighbourhood. Possible benefits: 1 - free/low cost wifi for ED residents 2 - run by the community for the benefit of the community 3 - training for local youth, could involve a local college/higher education course 4 - privacy, no commercial profiling/search logging etc with info being sold to marketeers 5 - private messaging/email, interesting if you follow the Snowden news 6 - world peace disclaimer: some or all of the above benefits may not be possible (apart from item 6, they have been achieved, but by proper people that know stuff). Here is an example of a system that is being used around the World today: http://commotionwireless.net/ and some interesting info here: http://www.wired.com/opinion/2014/01/its-time-to-take-mesh-networks-seriously-and-not-just-for-the-reasons-you-think/ The infrastructure can be run on relatively low cost/repurposed equipment. Local business' could be approched for sponsorship/advertising, local councillors might have some funding ideas, could have a paid premium service dramatically undercutting the ISP monopolies and helping fund the project etc. A local service, for local people, with lots of localness. Please post/PM me if interested.