Difference between revisions of "Mesh Networking"

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(Phase Two)
m (Hardware Inventory)
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*5x Nanobridge M2
 
*5x Nanobridge M2
 
*3x AC-input POE Injectors
 
*3x AC-input POE Injectors
 +
*2x DC-input 4-port POE Injectors
 
*3x WRT54G Router nodes
 
*3x WRT54G Router nodes
 
*1x TP-link travel router (access point into mesh)
 
*1x TP-link travel router (access point into mesh)

Revision as of 18:22, 5 September 2016

Introduction

Amateur radio mesh networking uses off the shelf commercial wifi hardware strategically located and loaded with special firmware. Each mesh “node” automatically configures to route traffic to its destination by the most direct series of nodes. If a node goes off the air or a new node appears, the system automatically adjusts. There is no central hub or controller and no need to manually configure routes. The mesh itself is only a network.

Applications and Services

Capabilities such as these could prove invaluable to emergency services in a situation where, for instance, the internet, cell phones and land lines are not available.

Temporary nodes can easily be deployed to provide a video feeds along a parade or marathon route, for instance.

Initial Ideas

  • It was proposed that providing IP phones service connecting multiple fire stations would be well-received.
  • W2SJT VHF repeater site
    • LOS to most other potential sites
    • Save it for when we have more experience?
  • Belvidere Ambulance Squad to Harmony Firehouse (to WC3T in Nazareth PA?)
  • Roof or Warren Tech to Washington Boro Firehouse and/or K2FN

Phase One

We've already experimented with nodes that are relatively near each other so the next step could be to temporarily create a more complex network over longer range where some nodes can not see all the other nodes.

  • Field Day site?
  • Hill 721 in Blairstown with a view of Rt. 94?

Need to trial two radios at one site facing different directions to see if separate frequencies are needed.

Phase Two

Semi-permanent installation at a few of potential sites.

Google map of potential sites and links

  • 83 Fire Washington Boro
    • Rob to talk w/ Camoratta
  • WC Tech roof
    • KA2PBT Rob / WA2SME John
    • Stand-alone solar power req'd?
      • Panel?
      • Battery?
      • Fabricated stand / cinder blocks / etc?
  • 23 Fire Harmony
    • KC2VGY Kyle?
    • KC2WCQ Robert Mohr
    • KC2SJU Brain Unangst
  • 21 Rescue Belvidere
    • KC2SJT Michael Unangst
    • KC2SJU Brian Unangst

Hams w/ favorable QTH - need introductions

Site Requirements

Hardware

Node Software

  • Broadband-hammnet (BBHN)
  • Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) http://aredn.org/
    • Spun off from BBHN
    • More active development
    • More descriptive and "professional" sounding name when approaching agencies
    • Dropped support of WRT54G
  • HSMM-Pi https://github.com/urlgrey/hsmm-pi
    • Install script for Raspberry Pi
    • Probably works on other Linux PC's as well

Good news as that all current versions still interoperate so far.

Hardware Inventory

Courtesy of KD2EVR

  • 4x Nanostation M2
  • 5x Nanobridge M2
  • 3x AC-input POE Injectors
  • 2x DC-input 4-port POE Injectors
  • 3x WRT54G Router nodes
  • 1x TP-link travel router (access point into mesh)
  • 2x Cisco ATA 186-11-A Analog telephone adapters (not known if they will work w/ mesh)
  • 1x Raspberry Pi w/ Camera (IP camera setup)

Wish List