Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Basics

• What is Bristol Wireless?
• Why are you doing this?
• How can I join the Network?
• What training do you do?
• How do I get involved with Bristol Wireless
• Do you have regular meetings that I can go to?
• Where do I get equipment?
• So will I be able to get free Internet access if I connect to Bristol Wireless?
• Why would I want to participate in a Community Wireless Network?
• How do I access the Internet?

Hardware and Software

• What hardware and software is required to connect to the network?

Routing

• Uniform allocation of IP across the network
• DNS Explained

Wireless Devices and Cards

• What wireless ethernet card do you recommend?
• What equipment do I need to start a node and what is the cost?
• Which wireless cards do you recommend?

Antennas

• Which antenna should I use?
• What kind of antennas are you using on your access points?
• I want to build my own antenna. What is the best one for me to build?

Software

• What is Linux?
• Which operating system do you recommend?
• What software do you recommend
• Is Linux becoming more accepted?

Setup

• How the heck do I mount an antenna? I don't have any masts on my roof or anything...
• What nodes are available for access?

Security

• Is it secure?
• Shouldn't access be restricted?
• How do you wipe data off the giveaway machines

Free Computers

• Do you sell computers?
• How do I get a free computer?
• Where do you get the "giveaway computers"

Technical Questions

• What is the range?
• How fast is it?
• How do I boot my node PC from compact flash?
• How do I hack my wireless card to fit a new antenna?
• Which IP ranges are used?
• How does routing work?
• What protocols are we using?
• What radio band are we using?
• Will there be DNS services?
• How are clients authenticated to the network?
• Can you help me design or build a Wireless network?

Safety

• Is it safe?
• How safe is the microwave radiation from 802.11 devices?

Nodes

• How do I connect to a node?
• How can I get a node set up on my property?

Very Frequently Asked Questions

• How much will this cost me?
• I bought a WiFi client card, what do I do now to start using it?
• Are antennas and amplifiers legal?
• Can a 802.11 node be a repeater?
• Why is the sky blue?
• Who are Living Easton
• Why don't you answer your email?
• How do I ditch my telephone landline?

If a question you have is not answered here, please feel free to add it, and someone will get round to adding a reply. We edit and prune this list occasionally so check back regularly to see if your question has been incorporated. If you make a page to answer a question, please use the rules described in AddingPages.

IFAQ

Infrequently asked Questions

• how can I install LTSP on a vserver?