Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is a list of questions received from people interested in Air-Stream Wireless asked most frequently and are accompanied by a corresponding set of answers. If after reading the following FAQs your still not clear, please contact us and we will try to answer them.

What is a Community Wireless Network (CWN)?

CWN's are a true phenomena of the 21st century and is now found in thousands of countries around the world. Although there are differences, between countries and groups most have common characteristics:

1) They are non-commercial entities established and maintained by groups of individuals.

2) They use wireless LAN to form a network that:

Spans across property boundaries and/or public spaces
Allow TCP/IP network devices and computers to communicate and share/stream data

3) They grow by:

Interconnecting smaller networks together to form larger networks and so overcome topographical boundaries.
Developing a group identity designed to focus efforts and facilitates cooperation between people of different backgrounds, skills and interests.

4) Their popularity has grown due to:

The relative low cost of wireless LAN equipment.
The ability of individuals to connect a network across property boundaries without need of a commercial carrier or special licence.
Public familiarity with wireless and networking/internet applications.

5) They use one or more combinations of network models:

WLAN – Wireless local area network
Mesh - Self organising adhoc wireless network
WAN – Wide Area Networks using wireless for user connections and backhaul
Hybrid – Any combination of the above including wire or fibre, in networks there are really no boundaries.

Line Of Sight (LOS), a motivator for shared networks
One of the major hurdles faced by many people setting up a wireless network over distance is the problem of establishing good LOS between two sites. Without LOS it is highly unlikely or impossible to establish a reliable network over a few hundred metres. This is because of the high frequency and low power used by most standard wireless LAN devices 802.11(a/b/g) has difficulty passing through a solid object without a significant reduction and dissipation of the signal.

With good LOS however, it is not uncommon to see links over 10kms sustained at relatively high data rates using low cost off-the-shelf equipment. But in the real world good LOS between different locations is often rare for an individual working on their own and this is the main reason many CWN groups have formed. By coordinating a group people who can share and combine their networks between those with good LOS and others without, they can overcome many of the topographical barriers that an individual would find difficult on their own.

Network Systems
To achieve the aim of building a large network and joining smaller networks together there becomes a need to develop some form of network management to allow significant numbers of nodes and users to be joined together. This is because a simple Layer 2 WLAN would not be effective and would soon congest, just as a basic wired LAN, as they do not have the ability to route or shape traffic if network congestion or failures occur.

As a result two main routing protocols have become predominantly used by CWN Groups. These are either self organizing routing systems, often termed Mesh using OLSR or Autonomous Systems similar to that used by the Internet typically BGP or in some cases OSPF.

What is a Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP)?

Air-Stream Wireless is not a WISP but some Internet Service Providers (ISP) do sell Internet access over wireless these companies are known as a Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP) and often use identical equipment and share the same radio frequencies used by Air-Stream.

A WISP offers a connection to the Internet, they are not a Wide Area Network (WAN) nor are they structured like an Open Access Network (OAN). They are managed and financed in quite a different way compared to Air-Stream Wireless and should not be seen as anything other than a gateway to an Internet connection.

A WISP is a Business and must keep track of users in order to provide different service packages, they are also legally required to guarantee continuity of services and as a business need to bill customers for this.

For more information about Internet Access on the Air-Stream Wireless Network see: Network Content - Internet

What is an Open Access Network (OAN)?

An Open Access Network (OAN) refers to a horizontally layered network architecture and funding model that separates physical access to the network from service provisioning. Where the same OAN is used by a number of different users and/or providers that share the investment and maintenance cost.

OAN networks are now in hundreds if not thousands of local settings around the world and come in all shapes and sizes ranging from local neighborhoods to metropolitan wide networks connecting many homes and buildings. They are not just limited to only one type of network system as they can include hybrid combinations of both commercial and community networks with many forms of technology including fibre, copper wire, and wireless.

The model is simple to understand by those familiar with a IP/TCP network. However, for most in the community this concept requires a change in the way people think of telecommunications as the communications world grew up around telephone and broadcast services that are shaped by a business model based upon managing and allocating 'scarcity'. Scarcity of network capacity, scarcity of customer equipment and scarcity of centralized switching facilities. But major technological developments near the end of 20th century have completely turned this world upside down. Namely:

The personal computer
TCP/IP networks
High speed Optical Fibre data transmission
Spread spectrum wireless data transmission
Free and Open Source Software

Consequently, relatively large telecommunications systems are no longer outside the realm of individual(s), small businesses and organisations, as they can be built in a piece-meal fashion at low cost, requiring little maintenance, where the parts can be virtually bought "off-the-shelf" at a local retail store.

For this reason Community Wireless Networks are now not just seen as hobby lead interest group in many parts of the world they are apart of the OAN phenomena of community funded and operated networks. Unfortunately in Australia, Community Wireless Networks or other styles of shared networks are held back from becoming apart of the OAN revaluation due to regulations that are out of step these major technological developments.

Put in simple terms the current Telecommunications Act does not allow individuals or businesses to share the cost of a 'carriage service' (namely Internet but this could include any other paid service or media) across a property boundary unless they hold a Carrier License.

Indeed it could be claimed that these regulations are in place to protect consumers and that a Carrier License is available for anyone who wish to apply, provided they can meet the requirements of the license. Nevertheless in a shared network model this is very complex, expensive and impractical, as each participant in the OAN would require a Carrier License each time it passes from one network owner to another.

However, if a handful of people can build and maintain a broadband network that covers hundreds of square kilometres like Air-Stream Wireless, how much more could be achieved with broader participation from business and other private or public organisations if not constrained by out-dated regulatory complexity?

Some references and ideas have been sourced from:

The OPLAN Foundation.

Telecommunications Act

Carrier License.

Open Networks- Paul Budde - DEI Working Group - 28th October 2008

Unlocking economic growth potential

The main reason for the present debate around the concept of open telecommunications networks is that the current ‘closed’ networks are perceived to be the natural state of affairs. It is time we broke away from this mindset, which stems mainly from the technological limitations that existed in the past.

Open networks are the next step in the evolution of telecoms infrastructure as it gives users full control of the services and applications that can be made available over high-speed broadband infrastructure. Open networks also means a democratisation of the telecoms infrastructure. Most of the current limitations (bundled products and services, portals, high access charges) are artificial because of the vertically-integrated nature of the closed network operators; they prefer to control absolutely everything related to their networks – even end-user devices were, until recently, under their total control. Open networks will give the control back to the users.

Compare telecoms to electricity infrastructure, the utilities don’t have any say about what devices users connect to, or what services they use. Why couldn’t this also be the natural order of telecommunications infrastructure?

As we have said many times, open networks don’t mean that anarchy will reign, or that the valuable national infrastructure will be raided by rogue operators. This is what some of the incumbents would like us to believe. Electricity is not free – nor are hospitals, schools, roads, airports, etc – still we have figured out the financial structures necessary for those types of infrastructure, some private, some public and many hybrid in nature.

Again, despite what incumbent let us believe all forms of national infrastructure involves regulation and governance. If there was still doubt about this, the financial crisis is teaching us all a lesson here.

Why open networks?

Open networks in telecoms are more of a concept than a well-defined set of technologies or regulations.

The aim should be to provide a universal communications service, the parameters for which will need to be set according to what is to be delivered over the infrastructure.

For example, as a national asset it should be used to enable basic video monitoring services for medical purposes – services that should be made available to everyone, independent of Internet or telephone access (e.g. totally unbundled). Obviously the quality and the nature of such services would need to be debated, policy makers can certainly set the broad parameters for such services but politicians should never pick technologies. The conditions should be technology-neutral and it should be left to the infrastructure providers to ensure that whatever they build is able to deliver the basic e-health services as described by the policy makers. Similar policy parameters can be set for tele-education, smart grids, basic video entertainment, etc.

The topology and the architecture of the open network should be such that infrastructure, service and content providers all can also offer higher quality and different ‘premium’ products and services. Similar structures exist elsewhere – public health and private health, public education and private education, public and private transport, public roads and tollways, and so on. While this might stir up the net neutrality debate, it must be clear that the basic national high-speed broadband service should be defined at such levels as to provide sufficient quality to satisfy the people who are using it. This will also change over time – as with other public services, what was seen as a good service ten years ago will require a review every so often to make sure it still meets the expectations of the users.

Interconnected networks

Existing networks from telcos, utilities and others could be interconnected to form the core of an open network structure – this should be considered partly because this is a far more efficient way of looking at utilising these assets and partly because it leads to a healthy mixture of public and private assets forming part of the national infrastructure.

Once the basis for open networks is in place BuddeComm is convinced that commercial structures will be built without too much regulatory interference. While it may appear a daunting prospect at the beginning (particularly as the incumbent telcos will try to block any open network developments) things will start looking up once the reality of open networks is accepted, and opponents will recognise the new business opportunities that will arise from that point. Good examples here are now starting to emerge in Europe.

Less regulations required

After the initial regulations have been set up for the establishment of open networks, we should step back and identify the bottlenecks and where infrastructure is missing or upgrades are needed that will not take place without government funding.

With the vertical business structure gone infrastructure operators will become far more prepared to cooperate and investigate how to interconnect with other infrastructure, rather than to continue with the ‘overbuild-at-all-costs’ scenarios they indulge in under the vertically-integrated model. Vertical-integrated networks are approx 30% more expensive to develop and to run as open networks. Obviously this infrastructure will require good governance, both on a regulatory and a technical level. By removing the economically unviable competition elements from at least the basic national infrastructure we should be able to get really good cooperation between the infrastructure players’. This allows for their key engineers to take a more independent role and as such they should be able to govern the technology, security, reliability, provisioning, IPv6, investments, etc.

Open networks require significantly less public funding

Only infrastructure projects that are not economically feasible will need government funding, and it is amazing how little funding is actually needed once the vertical structures in the industry are dismantled.

Around the world there is an increasing consensus on the social and economic benefits of high-speed broadband infrastructure, and this allows governments to step in and fund the gaps. A cleverly designed national network can lead to a much better, faster and more efficient network than those built by individual telcos. (Please note the stress on ‘clever’. Networks are rarely well-designed when the goal is to protect an infrastructure monopoly.)

Will Open Networks lead to a telecoms Nirvana?

While true open networks would be the ideal outcome, it won’t solve all of our problems. But, then, do we have an ideal healthcare, education, public transport system, etc? This is the nature of national assets. But with a good interconnection between public and private, which the technology can now make possible, we can come up with a very good result. It won’t be easy, but we have so many good technologies, applications and ongoing innovations that we should be able to build incredibly good infrastructure – that is, if we all set our mind to it and move in the same direction, and with the incumbent monopolies that is not yet always the case.

How is it done in other infrastructure industries?

From a users’ point of view we can take a lead from the electricity infrastructure. What, in the end, matters is that users have total control over the end-user devices, and that their user experiences take place around these devices, and not the infrastructure or the basic electricity supply. Only when the supply falters will users worry about the infrastructure.

In the case of broadband the trouble is that the infrastructure is so poor in so many places that it is the only issue that is debated. Obviously a better environment is needed – one that places less end-user focus on the infrastructure itself, users should be able to concentrate their attention on the applications that can be used over it.

To return to the comparison above, there are very few end-user issues around supply in the electricity industry. From their experience perspective supply is unlimited (we are obviously not addressing issues such as climate change here – we have made separate analyses for those developments).

The same applies to costs. In general everyone can afford electricity, and there are systems in place for people who can’t.

If smart grids were to be added into the mix, distributed energy would become part of the electricity infrastructure; end-user solar panels, electrical cars and wind turbines will be interconnected into the one national/state infrastructure system.

In telecoms we are already seeing that some people want to have there own (dark fibre) connection and they may be prepared to install this themselves. Examples include projects such as Fibre-to-the Farm in the Netherlands, DIY fibre in Stavanger Norway and muni-networks should be looked at from that perspective. Mesh networks in wireless broadband are even going a step further and make end-users active infrastructure providers.

So there is no need to reinvent the wheel – there are plenty of issues that are unique to telecoms but we can also learn from other infrastructure how best to create open networks in telecoms.

Paul Budde
Communication Pty. Ltd.
5385 George Downes Drive
Bucketty NSW 2250 Australia

http://www.budde.com.au
http://www.buddeblog.com.au/the-17-national-broadband-network-principles/

What is the Public Park Concept?

Wireless equipment deployed by Community Wireless groups such as Air-Stream use part of the radio spectrum which is free to be used by anyone, provided the radiated power is controlled. This radio spectrum includes 915–928Mhz, 2400–2483Mhz and 5150–5725Mhz.

Called the “Public Park Concept” it is relatively unregulated by the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) who allow all users the same rights regardless of who they are - business, telecommunications carriers, government departments or private citizens.

This approach avoids the need for ongoing individual frequency co-ordinations and the registering of technical details and locations of equipment for each new user, as is the case with licensed frequencies.

ACMA Reference: In radiocommunications licensing, what does the 'public park' concept mean?

Please also see: Minimising Interference

Why join a wireless community network group?

Community Wireless Networks (CWN) like Air-stream Wireless are in essence a technology interest group where like-minded people share an interest in telecommunications using wireless LAN technologies over distance. Members run and managed the group and all funds raised are solely used to purchase shared assets or fund costs of member activities as a whole.

Some core activities include:

Holding meetings and events for members where they can meet and discuss.
Share information with other members via websites, email and other communications.
Pool resources and knowledge to build a Wide Area Network WAN that members can connect, host services and experiment with.

By joining a CWN like Air-Stream Wireless you not only have a say how the group is run and direct access to the real hands-on experience, but also access to the shared assets, discounts and services members make available.

Do ISP's or Carriers have more rights to use Wireless LAN?

No, not at all! This is because Wireless LAN designed for the standards 802.11a,b,g,n & s use a part of the radio spectrum which is free to be used by anyone, provided the radiated power is controlled.

Beware of any misleading information to the contrary as there are some cowboy businesses who might try to have their customers and the public believe that they have special rights when it comes to the use of this radio spectrum and that other users create interference and are unauthorised or even illegally using it.

Such claims are not only deliberately misleading but should be treated with caution, as licensed carriers and ISPs are legally required to make every reasonable effort to ensure service continuity to their customers.

A reputable ISP would only offer wireless connectivity in such unregulated environments as either a hotspot solution (eg 50 metre radius) or last mile service in remote rural areas. Where the back-haul service is supported by landlines (i.e. fibre) or commercially licensed radio links to ensure service quality and continuity.

ACMA Reference: What risks are there in operating in a 'public park'?

What are the ACMA licensing requirements for Wireless LAN?

There are two main types of licensing requirements which are relevant to users of Wireless Lan equipment, these are:

Radiocommunications licensing (under the Radiocommunications Act), which covers the use of radiocommunications equipment within the radiofrequency spectrum.
Telecommunications licensing (under the Telecommunications Act), carrier licences authorise the use of network units for the supply of telecommunications services to the public.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radiocommunications, telecommunications and online content.

Relevant documents from the ACMA can be found on their website.

The 'Public Park' concept

The ACMA management approach to bands used by 900Mhz, 2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz Wireless LAN devices relies mainly on a 'public park' concept which applies equally to all users of the spectrum both community and commercial operations alike.

With the 'public park' concept, it is possible for the ACMA to adopt a regulatory approach that allows users to share spectrum without formal frequency coordination between users.

Under the 'public park' concept, the planning objective is for all users to be able to access a small portion of the total resource and to share that resource in a way that requires on minimal regulatory intervention.

Such sharing usually requires the power of these devices to be kept well down. This approach avoids the need for ongoing individual frequency co-ordinations and the registering of technical details and locations of equipment for each new user, as is the case with licensed frequencies.

So access to the band by all potential users is then relatively unconstrained. However as the locations of users are not coordinated or registered, operations in 'public park' bands do not carry guarantees of interference-free operation.

The use of a 'public park' approach is administratively efficient and gives great freedom to users, but the price of this freedom is increased risk of interference.

Class licence requirements

Under the ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000, all users operating in the same spectrum segment on a shared basis are subject to the same conditions. A class licence governs the frequencies that may be used, commonly prescribes equipment standards, and may specify other technical and operational parameters.

The following is only a guide to the power and frequency that is allowable for Wireless LAN equipment. Please consult the ACMA Website for more information.

Item	Frequency Mhz	EIRP
44	5150–5250	200mW
44A	5250–5350	200 mW
45	915–928	1W
45A	2400–2483.5	4W
45B	5725–5850	4W
46	5470–5725	1 W

Please Note:The EIRP Power is the maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) e.g. the output power of AP increased by antenna gain.

Exempt Carrier (non-commercial WLAN)

The Air-Stream Network falls within the meaning of 'exempt network' under subsection 34 (3) of the Telecommunications Act 1997, the owner of the exempt network is not required to hold a carrier licence.

An exempt network includes a WLAN that is used for the sole purpose of supplying carriage services on a non-commercial basis.

The reference to sole purpose means that not only must it be shown that the network is used for supplying carriage services on a non-commercial basis, but that it is used only for that purpose.

It is the use of the network to supply carriage services that must be solely non-commercial.

The specific information relating to Air-Stream users is WLANs – licensing requirements

Are there other Community Wireless Groups in Australia?

Yes and below is a list of some Community Wireless Groups in Australia, there is most likely more, please let us know if we missed someone:

It is now possible for even small groups of people to build telecommunications networks that can provide coverage across large areas using wireless technologies. This has created new opportunities for communities to access and share information in ways that have not been available in the past.

Groups of like-minded people are putting their heads and hands to work, to create real low-cost broadband alternatives which empower their local community to share localised information such as websites, email, voice, video, internet and many other forms of IP communications.

Such communities are appearing around Australia and are working to both educate and participate, people from all walks of life in building and using this technology.

Does Air-Stream Wireless provide Internet?

The short answer is "No" however anything can be shared over a distributed WAN , including Internet access.

Networks set-up by groups like Air-Stream Wireless are not about provisioning Internet Services. Although there are multihomed and internet services accessible on the network it is important to note that membership is not a fee-for-service and any service that is available has been volunteered freely by a member or a participate community group.

Put simply individual members or participating entities may use the network to share their Internet Service with others or their own members. Provided there are no financial rewards involved (eg: offered freely without condition) and without any agreed or implied service guarantees.

If Internet Access is your main requirement we recommend you contact a reputable ISP in your area.

How do I communicate with other members?

There are many ways to keep in touch with your fellow Air-Stream members both over the wireless network and the Internet. Members can share information, ask questions and keep up to date with the latest developments, all you need do is to participate, with record membership there is no reason why this shouldn't be a great resource.

Email List – Available over Wireless and Internet
Using your Air-Stream e-mail address you can send an email too each and every other member, including committee just by sending an email to:

members email

Members can help this process along by ensuring their member e-mail is regularly checked and respond to other members questions using the same address.

This Website - Available over Wireless and Internet
Ask questions, have your say and let other members and the world know what you are doing. All members are automatically assigned a user account on the website and so can add stories, pictures and comments anytime.

Jabber - Available over Wireless and Internet
Know when other members are on-line, discuss privately or create a conference with as many members as you like.

IRC - Available over Wireless only
Open conference discussions with everyone connected to the wireless network

VoIP - Available over Wireless only
Make a real direct voice calls to other members or just leave a message.

Facebook - Available over Internet only
Social Networking for members and other people interested in Air-Stream or Community Wireless.

Twitter - Available over Internet only
Social Networking for members and other people interested in Air-Stream or Community Wireless.

How much does it cost to connect?

Firstly the membership of $50 per year is not the cost for a connection, it is a membership fee for joining the association, without any guarantees other than your right to have a say how the group is run. Nevertheless, membership does allow you to get great discounts from suppliers off most Wireless LAN Equipment you need, which if your starting scratch you will save you more than the cost of membership.

However, the cost of equipment does depend on a number of factors but as a rough guide from scratch with discounts around $350 for a full client system that allows the routing of 30 IP's in our local address space. Would looks like this:

1) Grid Parabolic Antenna with a gain of 19dbi or more.
2) Mast Pole mounted in a location that gives the antenna good LOS to an Air-Stream Wireless Access Point
3) Wireless Card with a minimum -80db@11Mbps Receive sensitivity and transmit power not exceeding +23 dBm (200 mW)
4) Pigtail cable which adapts Card socket to the Antenna Cable.
5) An Embed CPU with BGP such as a RouterBOARD 150
6) A waterproof mountable enclosure with cable glands.
7) Cat 5 cable run from the mast to inside your home and a power pack to supply it.

However there are many systems above and below this cost. This depends greatly on your IT and hardware skills, your location from an Air-Stream Wireless Access Point and finally how elaborate your set-up.

An example of the bottom end is that if you are near enough to an Air-Stream AP, any wireless 802.11b enabled device (eg a laptop, pda, mobile) can connect and use the entire network.

I don't want to join unless I can connect, how will Air-Stream Wireless help me?

Air-Stream Wireless is a membership managed and run group setup by like-minded people who share a common interest in telecommunications using wireless LAN technologies over distance.

Membership is only for those who share this interest and is not about physical access or access to services made available by members. By joining Air-Stream Wireless you not only have a say in how the group is run and planned, but also talk to people with real hands-on experience, access to shared assets, discounts and other services our members make available.

In reality if people where only interested in joining , if they could connect, then the network would not exist today. It is for this reason many membership-free groups don't last the test of time and why Air-Stream Wireless is now the largest community wireless network in Australia.

Nevertheless, for non-members there is all the free information you need to connect on this website and anyone is welcome to attend our monthly members meetings and ask questions. Once joining though, their is additional help from your fellow members who are always happy to help a new member. Also planning information on the members database and discounts on wireless equipment which in itself will save the cost of membership.

What are the copyright & use restrictions on this site?

Content
Material on this site comes from a variety of sources and authors, including members, visitors, volunteers and other overseas and interstate supporters. Air-Stream Wireless does not necessarily endorse views expressed by contributors to this site.

This site and the information, names, images, pictures, logos relating to Air-Stream Wireless are provided "as is", with no express or implied warranty. We strive to keep the information stored on this site up to date, but cannot guarantee that the information provided is completely accurate. Any mistakes that are brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.

Copyright
Use of the material on this site for educational purposes is encouraged. Air-Stream Wireless gives permission for articles, illustrations and other materials to be reproduced for educational purposes or personal use, provided the source is acknowledged appropriately. Use of material on this website for purposes other than educational or personal use must have prior authorisation by the Committee.

In some cases the copyright for text or images on this site may held by someone other than Air-Stream Wireless. All rights are reserved on such material and permission to use them must be requested from the copyright owner. The source of any such material will be indicated on the relevant sections of the site, along with a more restrictive copyright notice. Please contact committee for any further information that you may require about use content from this website.

Links
This site contains links to external web sites. Air-Stream Wireless takes no responsibility for the content of such sites, nor do links to such sites imply endorsement of the views expressed by the organisations or individuals responsible for them. External links are provided for informational purposes only.

What are the different Node Classifications?

Administering an ever expanding network such as ours requires a lot of time and effort. To successfully do this, and to keep things running as smooth as possible, we have defined a basic hierarchy for classifying network nodes.

At the top of this hierarchy are the most important (or 'mission critical') nodes, and working towards the bottom of the hierarchy we find nodes that are less relied upon for network continuity.

Core Router Nodes

These installations are to be considered the property of Air-Stream Wireless Incorporated, and are carefully administered under the guidance of the Network Team, to comply as closely as possible to the Technical Documentation.

Referred to as 'Core Nodes', they are designed to create a reliable backbone of connections upon which all other Air-Stream nodes interconnect.

Air-Stream APs have the following characteristics:

Property of Air-Stream Wireless Incorporated.
Administered by Air-Stream, specifically the committee and the Network Team.
Only financial members may connect directly to a Core Node.
Passage of non Air-Stream traffic is heavily regulated to ensure some QoS for financial members.
Core Nodes may have backbones to both Independent Nodes and other Core Nodes.
Link stability, server uptime, quality of service, routing and installation longevity can be guaranteed to some degree.

Client Nodes

These installations are usually a termination point, that is they do not route traffic to another part of the network.

The installation consists of a wireless device, in client mode, connected to a directional antenna that is pointed at either a Core Router Node or an Independent Router Node. The network at the Client Node can either be bridged (ie hosts are assigned IP's from the pool given to the remote access point) or routed where the client network is given a seperate subnet that is routed onto the network.

Most nodes on Air-Stream begin as Client Nodes.

Independent Router Nodes

These are installations not owned nor administered directly by the Air-Stream association. Such access points (called 'Independent Router Nodes') are to be used to extend the Air-Stream "core mesh".

Independent Routers have the following characteristics:

Hardware not owned by Air-Stream Wireless Incorporated, with possibly the exception of wireless interfaces for backboning to the Air-Stream Core Network (may or may not be provided by Air-Stream, Air-Stream retains ownership of such equipment).
The AP is not controlled directly by Air-Stream, other than as per the following guidelines.
Configuration of the AP conforms to the standard for linking to other Independent APs and/or the Air-Stream Core Network.
Air-Stream members connecting to an Independent AP are responsible for their own traffic to the Independent AP and the Air-Stream Core Network.
The Independent AP owner is responsible for all other traffic from the Independent AP.
Parties connecting to the Independent AP (including Air-Stream members) must agree to any terms and conditions set out by the Independent AP owner, including fees and access restrictions.

Independent Router Nodes may be connected to the Air-Stream Core Network either by a dedicated point to point backbone (exclusively carries data that must travel from node to node - usually in 802.11a) or by a "backbone" (usually 802.11b) that shares the wireless bandwidth of the remote access point.

What do you need to survey a site?

Many people ask what do you need to see if my home/office/etc. can connect to Air-Stream?

The following are the basic components you need to conduct what is called a site survey.

1) A Laptop
laptop

2) A Wireless Card or USB Dongle (must have external antenna socket.)

USB

3) A Directional Antenna with a gain of 19dbi or greater
Dish

4) A Pigtail to connect the Antenna to the Wireless Card or Dongle
Pigtail

5) Software to make a file that others can review
Win32 - Use Netstumbler
Dish

Lunux/BSD - Use Kismit
Dish

What is a Wide Area Network?

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that spans a large geographical area, the most common example being the Internet the largest known WAN today. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more Local Area Networks (LANs) connected by a communication sub-system, which usually comprised of Autonomous System (AS) routers.

Special software protocols have been created to support routing within communication sub-system of a WAN. These protocols operate with ‘smart’ algorithms that can adapt the flow of network traffic when problems occur. Protocols such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) are widely used across the Internet today and this is the primary protocol used on the Air-Stream Wireless network.

The algorithms employed by this protocol provide great network stability ensuring that if one network connection is lost, the router can quickly adapt to send data through an alternate network path. Consequently, the greater the number of network connections that are available, the greater the reliability and bandwidth for its users.

Where do I get my 'Members Card' from?

The Air-Stream Members Card is available on request with an e-mail to the Committee and can be collected at our regular monthly meetings.

However, you must first upload a clear passport photo style picture of yourself to your account on the members database. If your don't have a photo of yourself, a committee member can take your photo at a members meeting.

Please remember that committee members are all volunteers, so meetings are the most convenient and preferred pick-up point and is also to ensure your security and protection from identity theft.

Nevertheless, if you have a valid reason for not attending a meeting, you may nominate another member to collect your card on your behalf provided they have a current members card or are well know to the committee. Interstate and rural members can make special arrangements have their member card posted by contacting the Committee with the relevant details.

Who or what is the committee?

It is often misunderstood what the role, purpose and who the committee is, however the principle of the committee is quite simple.

Air-Stream Wireless Incorporated is a group of committed people who have pooled their resources (eg: time, membership fees, donations and equipment) in order to build connect to and use wireless networking technologies.

The committee are members who are voted by other members each year to perform the following on their behalf:

Represent the organisation (members) to the public.
Safeguard the members assets, ensuring they are only used to further the aims of the group.
Coordinate membership and assets to achieve the groups goals
Perform administrative duties on behalf of the groups members

Note: Committee members are volunteers and receive no wage or any commercial benefit from their role or work.

For other information about Incorporated Organisations

For other information about Current office bearers

Why is Air-Stream Incorporated?

Incorporation is a system of registration that gives an association certain legal advantages in return for accepting certain legal responsibilities.

The most obvious advantage of incorporation is that the Air-Stream itself has a legal existence. This means it can as an entity:

sue and be sued,
own land and chattels,
enter into tenancy or lease agreements,
enter into contractual agreements,
receive grants or funding
receive a bequest or gift from a will, and
perpetually exist, that is, remain in existence no matter who is a member until it is disbanded by operation of the law.

One of the principal reasons for incorporation is to gain the benefits of limited liability. Section 27 of the Act provides as follows:

'A member of an incorporated association is not liable, except as provided in the rules of the association, to contribute towards the payment of the debts and liabilities of the association or the costs, charges and expenses of a winding up of the association.'

An incorporated association may not be formed for the purposes of trading or earning profit for members. If the association earns a profit from commercial activity, this profit may not be distributed amongst the members. It must be used for activities carried on by the association.

Issues unincorporated bodies
There are a number of advantages to not being an unincorporated body. These include:

ease of dissolution as there are no statutory obligations;
privacy of affairs as accounts and financial statements are not subject to public scrutiny as in the case of incorporated associations;
an unincorporated association which 'carries on business' in other States of Territories does not encounter company registration problems as does an incorporated association;
it is not necessary to appoint a public officer, which is a statutory requirement for incorporated associations;
it may be difficult to sue people in relation to a wrong committed by an unincorporated association.

However there are more problems for members of an unincorporated association. In relation to contracts, the law sees a contract made with an unincorporated association as either:

a contract with the members of the committee personally at the time the contract was made; or
if it is clear that no personal contract was intended, no contract at all.

There is therefore risk that if a contract dispute comes before a court, the association may find a contract it is relying on is unenforceable; and a court may hold that the secretary or members of the committee are personally liable if a contract has been breached.

In relation to ownership of land, registration cannot be in the name of an unincorporated association but by all the members, which can create a difficulty as new members join. If incorporated, title to land is vested in the name of the association as a separate legal entity.

In relation to liability, generally the members of the committee of an unincorporated association will be personally liable for anything for which, if the association were a company, the company would be liable. In particular if some person acting in the course of their duties does some negligent act, which results in damage to person or property, the members of the committee will normally be personally responsible – risks of this kind can be covered by insurance. If incorporated, an insurance policy can be taken out in the name of an association and this covers at least part of the legal liability. However, you should note that at times these insurance policies are difficult to obtain.

In relation to litigation, an unincorporated association cannot sue or be sued in the name of the association. Any action taken must be in the name of individuals on behalf of the members of the committee and, for reasons already given, many actions have not been successful. If incorporated, any action in law is taken out in the name of an association as a separate legal identity.

Certificate of Incorporation

The Constitution

How can organisations and business get involved?

Air-Stream members have provided funding for the Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure through membership fees, hardware donations, roof space, and the time taken to develop software and build wireless routing devices.

However, there are several ways other organisations, individuals and business enterprises can participate.

Sites
An important pre-requisite for building an effective network are suitable locations where Air-Stream equipment can be located. This is because the class license wireless technology operates at very low power levels, it depends heavily on line-of-sight connectivity. Sites with power and elevated mounting platforms for antennas, such as rooftops and masts are ideal, anywhere with good line-of-sight to areas across Adelaide and its suburbs.

Business Opportunities
The advantage for those businesses who participate in our Members Discount Program will offer increased exposure to a market of people who purchase a wide range of computing, software, electronics and wireless network equipment on a regular basis.

Our membership includes IT professionals, engineers, radio amateurs, community groups and enthusiasts, all regularly promoting and sharing information with each other and other groups around Australia.

Further our website ranks very highly on Google and other search engines in Australia and is frequented by many thousands of enthusiasts every day.

Hardware
Hardware contributions, for example through funding or sharing of telemetry equipment, are also ideal ways of getting local business and organisations involved, while at the same time reaping the same benefits of using our Wide Area Network.

Infrastructure
Other community focused wireless groups, organisations and even businesses with existing network infrastructure are always welcome to participate, as reciprocal network access arrangements can increase coverage and benefits for everyone.

Content
Local business and community groups are capable of providing community-rich content, such as web pages, portal sites, newsgroups etc, which in turn helps to promote their goals and community presence.

Promotion
Actively promoting the Air-Stream network to other organisations, as a beneficial community resource, and helping others come to terms with understanding the technology and concepts involved, helps attract like-minded people, which, in turn, broadens the skill set available within the group.

The digital divide
The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to information technology (IT) and those who do not, this can be seen in three main areas of Connectivity, Capability and Content.

A WAN is an ideal infrastructure for sharing IT services and increasing access for all.

Commercial and other types of organisations can provide a great community service by sharing there IT services with not-for-profit organsitions, who are working to bridge this divide.

Further not-for-profit community organisations can save significant costs by sharing or pooling their IT services with each other such as: Internet, Email, IRC, VoIP and any other IT systems that is commonly used over an office network or the Internet.

To find out how your organisation can become more involved contact Committee