Page:Wireless Networking in the Developing World (WNDW) Third Edition.pdf/21

 INTRODUCTION

This book aims to empower people to build DIY networks using wireless technologies. It has been compiled by a bunch of networking geeks that have been busy designing, deploying and operating wireless networks for quite some time, all of them actively participating in expanding the reach of the Internet all over the world.

We believe that people can have a significant stake in building their own communications infrastructure and also influence the wider community around them to make sure networks become affordable and available. We hope to not only convince you that this is possible, but also show how we have done it, and to give you the information and tools you need to start a network project in your local community.

By providing people in your local community with cheaper and easier access to information, they will directly benefit from what the Internet has to offer. The time and effort saved by having access to the global network of information translates into value on a local scale. Likewise, the network becomes all the more valuable as more people are connected to it. Communities connected to the Internet at high speed have a voice in a global marketplace, where transactions happen around the world at the speed of light. People all over the world are finding that Internet access gives them a voice to discuss their problems, politics, and whatever else is important in their lives, in a way that the telephone and television simply cannot compete. What has until recently sounded like science fiction is now becoming a reality, and that reality is being built on wireless networks.

'The country of Aipotu Now lets for a moment look at a fictional country called 'Aipotu', in the developing world. Aipotu has been connected to the Internet merely by expensive VSAT links for a long time.

A brand new optical submarine telecommunications connection has finally arrived at the shore of Aipotu.

The challenge for Aipotu is now to roll out a complete communication infrastructure for a whole country from scratch.