FAQ

From SWUG

Wireless Access Providers’ Association

Contents 1 Frequently Asked Questions 1.1 What is the mesh? 1.2 What can the mesh be used for? 1.3 Who runs the mesh? 1.4 How does the mesh provide Internet access? 1.5 Is the mesh secure from virus and other attacks? 1.6 Can other people see my traffic on the mesh? 1.7 Is the mesh legal? 1.8 Is providing Internet access legal? 1.9 Are the wireless signals harmful? 1.10 How do I join? 1.11 How do I sort out problems with mesh and Internet access? 1.12 How do I get faster Internet access on the mesh?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mesh?

The mesh is a high speed wireless TCP/IP network spanning Scarborough, Kommetjie and Red Hill.

Unlike traditional wireless networks which have a central node, all mesh nodes relay signals from neighbour to neighbour to transmit data over long distances. This allows the mesh to operate at very low signal strength, choosing the most efficient path for each transmission. Unlike traditional wireless networks, the mesh becomes more effective with the addition of more nodes.

What can the mesh be used for?

The mesh simply provides a high speed network on which you may run any traffic. You can use it for voice & video communication with others on the mesh, fire & crime surveillance, off-site data backup, network gaming, private business networks as well as Internet access.

Who runs the mesh?

Everyone who has a node (and keeps it switched on). David Carman and Antoine van Gelder founded the Scarborough Wireless Users Group (SWUG) and the village youth configure and support SWUG members.

SWUG applied for NPO status in January 2009 and has both a non-profit and non-salary Constitution. In other words, all SWUG funds are spent on Internet access.

How does the mesh provide Internet access?

Any node on the mesh is capable of providing Internet access. Uncapped DSL lines provide Internet access to all users, in addition to prioritized bandwidth for paying contributors. If you would like to contribute to the gateway costs and receive prioritized bandwidth, please join the mesh and then read HowTo:Pay_For_Bandwidth.

Is the mesh secure from virus and other attacks?

No. Although the Internet gateway is firewalled as well as screened for viruses and spam, the mesh is completely open and it is the responsibility of every user to ensure that their computer is safeguarded. Here are some tips on how to ensure that your computer and its traffic are secure:

• If you are using MS Windows, install an anti-virus program like AVG or Avast.
• You may also wish to install the free anti-spyware program at the same sites.
• All file shares on your computer should be password-controlled or firewalled.

Can other people see my traffic on the mesh?

Yes, as with the rest of the Internet. However SWUG uses IP addresses for management and does not keep lists of user details. Therefore the mesh can be used in a more secure way than a standard Internet Service Provider.

Any confidential information should be encrypted:

• https is used by many Internet servers, including banks and online email, to encrypt data.
• Use https for webmail such as Gmail - this will also speed up webmail access.
• Use SSL/TLS encryption when sending email from Outlook, Eudora or Apple mail. See HowTo:Mailserver Configuration. This wil encrypt both you email address and contents while it is traversing the mesh.
• Free cryptography for other traffic is available here.

Is the mesh legal?

Yes. SWUG is an honorary member of the Wireless Access Provider's Association and adhere to the WAPA Code of Conduct. SWUG uses ICASA-approved equipment with small antennae, transmitting in the allocated "citizen band" ISM frequency at a fifth of the maximum permissible signal strength. This is sensible technology being put to effective use for a wide range of applications and has been touted as an effective communication solution for underdeveloped areas of the world.

Many new devices that use mesh technology will be appearing in the near future. One Laptop Per Child Project is developing a $100 meshed laptop. A mesh videophone is also available.

SWUG encourages everyone to take responsibility for their own telecommunications and are providing mesh technology as a means to do so.

Is providing Internet access legal?

Commercial Internet providers require appropriate licenses. However WAPA legal advice is that SWUG is a non-profit (and non-salary) organisation that is exempt from such license requirements, and is still so with the introduction of the new Electronic Communications Act, implemented in March 2008.

SWUG promotes the basic right contained in the ANC Freedom Charter : The doors of learning and culture shall be opened. The Internet is the most significant development in education since the invention of paper. It informs everyone of everything on every level. Therefore SWUG promotes Internet access for all.

Are the wireless signals harmful?

SWUG routers emit 0.1 mW/cm2 signals at 2.462 GHz. This is 1/30 of the signal strength of a cell phone and 1/50 of a microwave oven. A BBC News article explains further. Mesh technology uses the lowest signal strength of all devices, including radio & TV, because it only has to cover the distance between neighbours.

How do I join?

1. Buy an Ubiquity Picostation 2. They cost about R700 and are available from Miro Distribution in Centurion Park (tel. 021 555 3207). They are also available online at PC Mall but take a week to deliver from Johannesburg. Then read HowTo:Router Configuration.

1. Install OLSR software on your laptop or wireless-enabled PC or Mac. Read HowTo:XP Laptop Configuration, HowTo:XP Vista Laptop Configuration or HowTo:XP Mac Laptop Configuration for further information.

How do I sort out problems with mesh and Internet access?

See the Troubleshooting_guide.

How do I get faster Internet access on the mesh?

Once you have joined the mesh, read HowTo:Pay_For_Bandwidth. All funds received are spent only on Internet access.