Getting Connected
The network is free for anyone to join. All you need is a wireless client, such as an access point capable of operating in client mode or a wireless PCI adatper in a computer. Both of these items can be obtained from most electronics retails for a relatively low cost. A high gain antenna will also be required for most areas, which can be ordered some computer stores or online via stores such as Borg WiFi, Integrated Electronics, Go WiFi or WISP-Router.
Note that commercial users are not allowed. There is also no security implimented, so you are responsible for your own data and equipment. As with any public network, we recommend you use a firewall when connecting. The network is always open and we are not responsible for the data that goes through it or who is using it at any time. The administrators of the network may limit or ban your access at any time without notice if they feel you are breaking any conditions or operating unlawfully.
Bearing the above in mind, join and up get your friends on it too, and enjoy fast wireless network freedom.
Below is all the information you should need to get connected. Feel free to contact us if you have an questions or would like assistance in getting set up.
Tips on getting a good connection:
- Receive sensitivity is very important! For best results use equipment capable of at least -90dB at 1Mbps.
- Transmit power also helps. Try for at least 17dBm (50mW).
- Use good quality microwave-rated 50-ohm antenna cable. Suggested types are the Times LMR series, Beldin 9913 or Commscope 3227. Also acceptable are some types of RG-58 cable; check that it is microwave rated first. Do not use your old 10Base-T network cables, or TV/Sky antenna cables!.
- Keep the antenna cable runs as short as possible. Most people prefer to mount their access points in cheap weatherproof boxes on the antenna mast and run long ethernet cables to them.
- Use good quality crimp-type RF connectors for your antenna cables.
- Use the highest gain antenna possible, unless you are really close. High gain antennas improve both your transmit and receive capability. They are also more directional by design as they work by focusing radiation over a smaller area, reducing interference both to and from your equipment.
- A bad connection will affect other users too. The central access point will have trouble processing data from your equipment and be busy asking for it to be re-sent, reducing the available bandwidth to other people.
- Don’t use an RF amplifier. They tend to increase noise and often add latency to the network.
- If your connection is weak or unreliable, try reducing the speed of your client. This usually improves the performance of marginal links.
To align your antenna, aim it to where you think the site is then make small adjustments to the direction to get the best signal. Most wireless cards and access points include a utility for measuring signal strength that you could use. For those using wireless cards, Netstumbler is an excellent utility for displaying and graphing the signal strength to assist with alignment. It is very lightweight, free to download and doesn’t come with hidden nasties!
For some helpful tips on building your own antennas, check out the links page.
A coverage map will be posted when available.