Is this the next frontier for community FreeNets? Would it redefine/re-energize interest in community networking? What are the appropriate goals and implementation steps? Who would be likely targets for funding? Would LPL share its Internet connection with users who aren't physically in the building, assuming security concerns can be addressed? Are there enough laptop computers in use in downtown Lewiston for such a service to be useful? How do we find out? What other questions should we be asking?
It's sure starting to look like the next frontier especially considering the number of news articles i've seen on the subject lately. If we were able to pull it off well and promote it it should generate interest in community networking. Goals and implementation steps are something we'll need to figure out as a group. Funding can possibly be raised from local businesses / organizations that would like the idea of providing such access to there customers / members as a free perk / benefit / option. Assuming security concerns can be addressed i can't personally find a reason why not to share our connection especially considering it would bring a little more attention to LPL. Need to possibly conduct a small survey to figure out the laptop / pda / cell phone with e-mail question.
Does our connection via Maine Schools and Libraries Network have any limitations to access provision?
As far as i can tell from the manual and the web site no...only limited by the number of IP address we have. (i'll double check this with them to make sure though if we decide to try this out.)
Could we work with the city to focus our coverage on city parks, public grounds?
If we could find a way to put access there I personally thinks it's
highly possible.
The only "green spaces" that i think we could reach (with out running
much wire) from the library are the green space between the library
and the lawyers office, and maybe if we're lucky a corner of the
city park.
Will commercial ventures (e.g. Auburn Mall Wireless Network) come out of this idea if we don't grab the fore(high)ground?
Why not reach out to the owners of the malls before they reach for themselves. Definitely a way to get our name out there, and solve the "winter weather of maine" problem (which Rob pointed out) all at the same time. If we can provide a service to the malls customers if the mall owners supply the funding for just the parts. i really don't think the mall's will mind all that much if we give them the extra business it should draw.
Adelphia cable modem connections are strictly setup for one device. They don't support multiple devices, and in fact, the cable modem will only bind to one mac address. This is pretty simple to get around with the installation of a cable modem router. DSL through Virizon is the same as Adelphia.
Can't help but add my 2 cents worth on this one. There are quite the few work arounds on this issue. the one i use involves a second nic and a hub, and i get 3 computers on one adelphia line.
I hope this answers more questions about this subject than it raises.
Jim Allard
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