Frequently Asked Questions

......with answers

General

1. Who owns and funds this network?
Nobody and Everybody. This is a community effort, and members mostly pay for their equipment from their own pockets. We sometimes receive donations in the form of equipment, time or space (to put up a backbone node), but the only reason why this can be called a "network" is because a lot of like-minded individuals have pooled small bits of infrastructure together to form a coherent whole. The "whole" network functions on a scale that no individual could have accomplished alone, not without expending vast amounts of resources anyway.

2. So where's the catch? Who's making the money?
There is no catch. This network is not about money. (It's non-profit anyway.) Everybody contributes. Everybody gains. The sum of the whole, all the small bits put together, makes the individual gain more than the individual contribution. The PC shops selling the WiFi equipment can't be doing too badly, though.

3. Can I join your network and SELL xyz-service to your users?
Absolutely not. It's illegal. Period. (And we will catch you if you try it.)

Coverage

1. Why can't I see the network?
Probably because the signal strength in your area is too weak for the WiFi device you are using. There are two ways to solve this problem: One way is to bring (expand) the network into your area, and the other is to try more sensitive equipment. Have a look at what can be done when you're "Loaded for Bear". Admittedly, this won't be practical for everyday use, but still, it's an awesome feat.

Equipment

1. Will XYZ-brand equipment work?
Probably, if it supports the 802.11b or g standards. We have tested as client nodes:
D-Link DWL-G810 (Gaming Adaptor)
D-Link DWL-2100AP (Access Point)
D-Link DWL-650AG (Notebook Cardbus Adaptor)
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (Notebook Mini-PCI Adaptor)
Linksys WRT54G / GL / GS (Access Point)