[Freedombox-discuss] Freedombox Mesh Network Simulator

[Rick C. Hodgin]

We won't carry FBXs around the mall because they use too much 
electricity.  Agreed.  However, we all have cell phones.  Root a device, 
install a custom ROM or a custom FBX app which leverages the WiFi 
abilities of the device, and now we all have FBX conduits in cell phone 
form able to transfer data back and forth on the FBX mesh/network, one 
that's not part of a real FBX device, but one that is such in principle, 
and one that also doesn't drain batteries too fast.

We have to look at what we're on about here:  The ability to have little 
servers is one thing.  But the ability to convey information outside of 
prying eyes is another.

Other people have interests in hooking things up to long-distance 
communication forms, being able to do island-based social media, for 
example, where various servers are connected to the traditional Internet 
and distribute the load.  That's not my interest.

I want to be able to assemble an ad-hoc WiFi-based mesh network 
anywhere, at any time, even if it comes up at 6:00pm sharp, is up for 
two minutes, and goes down at 6:02pm.  I want that network to have 
functioned in that short period of time to get the message out quickly 
by distributing in this geographic manner.

I may be the only one who wants that ... and that's fine.  It is my 
goal, and it's what I'm pursuing.

Best regards,
Rick C. Hodgin

On 06/20/2012 01:28 PM, Kent Crispin wrote:
> On 06/20/2012 07:10 AM, Rick C. Hodgin wrote:
>> Michael,
>>
>> I'd prefer not to write anything. :-)  If these technologies already 
>> exist I'd like to use them.  I've never heard of them being in 
>> existence.  I've always known WiFi to communicate with a WiFi router 
>> / hub to get to other WiFi devices, or one-to-one with another 
>> device.  Never the ability to communicate with multiple devices as 
>> part of a mesh / grid.
>>
>> What I'd like is something this flexible:
>> My wife and I are walking in mall with at least one other person 
>> every 40 feet or so.  We decide to separate and go shopping.  I walk 
>> this way, she walks that way.  Before long we're out of direct WiFi 
>> communication range to each other.  Now, if enough people there in 
>> the mall had WiFi-enabled devices running some mesh software, I'd 
>> like to be able to stay in contact with my wife as she moves about in 
>> her randome way, and as they all move about in their random ways.  
>> The protocols involved would have to keep everyone abreast of where 
>> the devices are coming and going in this ever changing sea of WiFi 
>> meshes.
>>
>> If technology exists to do this, point me to it and show me the FAQ 
>> on how to install it on my FBX so I can begin using it today. :-)  
>> I'd even be willing to write a slick GUI to make it easier for the 
>> next guy.
>
> You wouldn't carry a fbx around a mall -- needs too much electricity.  
> you do carry a cell phone -- everyone carries a cell phone, and a mesh 
> protocol that opportunistically linked  wifi-enabled smart phones 
> would be cool.  There might be a few mall shops running wifi or fbxs 
> that could provide uplinks, while wandering shoppers w/ fbx-phone 
> provided extended coverage...
>
> I don't think this would provide much bandwidth, though.
>
> Kent
>
>
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