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Wireless Networking
Section editor
APC
Introduction
The high cost of conventional "wired" infrastructure is an obstacle to those looking to harness the potential of ICTs for development and social change. Wireless technologies offer tested, low-cost options to complement conventional infrastructure.
Editor's choice: Wireless Networking in the Developing World: a practical guide to planning and building low-cost telecommunications infrastructure
Developed by: Wndw.org
Type of resource: PDF and website
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"The massive popularity of wireless networking has caused equipment costs to continually plummet, while equipment capabilities continue to increase. By applying this technology in areas that are badly in need of critical communications infrastructure, more people can be brought online than ever before, in less time, for very little cost." This book was developed by a team of experts with extensive experience, and covers "Where to Begin", "A Practical Introduction to Radio Physics", "Network Design", "Antennas & Transmission Lines", "Networking Hardware", "Security", "Building an Outdoor Node", and "Troubleshooting". The book is released under a Creative Commons license and can be downloaded as a single file or chapter by chapter.
Dhttp://wndw.net/
Community Wireless Handbook
Developed by: First Nations Technology Council, Mathew Asham and B.C. Wireless Network Society
Type of resource: PDF
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Developed for First Nations communities in Canada, this practical manual details the basics of wireless network setup and management, especially geared for "every day members of the community". The emphasis being on a shared, community wireless network, the manual provides a brief overview of community wireless networking, legal frameworks and social issues before launching into details on wireless network anatomy, range testing and line of site, site surveying, radio theory, wireless hardware, antenna, and advanced networking. Straight-forward, non-technical language. In order to download the material, you are asked to register and, though not a requirement, offer feedback.
Dhttp://www.bcwireless.net/~matthewa/handbook/
ItrainOnline MMTK Wireless materials
Developed by: APC
Type of resource: Downloadable files in Open Document, Microsoft Office and PDF formats.
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
These materials were developed as part of the Capacity building for community wireless connectivity in Africa initiative and cover topics ranging from antennas to wireless security. These materials assume a reasonable understanding of TCP/IP networking and experience as a network administrator.
Dhttp://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/wire
less.shtml
ItrainOnline MMTK Wireless Materials in Arabic
Developed by: APC
Type of resource: Dowloadable .doc files
Target audience: General, Trainers
Cost: Free access
These materials were developed as part of the Capacity building for community wireless connectivity in Africa initiative and cover topics ranging from antennas to wireless security. The materials assume a reasonable understanding of TCP/IP networking and experience as a network administrator.
Dhttp://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/wire
less_ar.shtml
O'Reilly Wireless
Developed by: O'Reilly
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Fee
Free access to selected chapters from O'Reilly wireless-related publications, and fee-paying access to complete online books.
Dhttp://wireless.oreilly.com/
Tech Nightmares: WiFi Horrors
Developed by: CNet
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
"Wi-Fi networks are terrifying. Sure, they're scary to set up, but even more frightening is how quickly we grow to rely on them. We love it when they obey our commands, but wireless connections leave us paralyzed when they suddenly stop working." This series of basic articles from CNet looks at extending range, IP address problems, connection instability and security.
Dhttp://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10168_7-5658962-1.htm
l?tag=txt
The Wireless Developer Network Website
Developed by: The Wireless Developer Network
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
The Wireless Developer Network is an on-line community for information technology professionals interested in mobile computing and communications. The site offers technical information, news, industry coverage, and commentary from the wireless developers' community. The site features quality articles and a solid library collection of tutorials and training materials on wireless.
Dhttp://www.wirelessdevnet.com/
Calculating Distances Between Two Points
Developed by: Geoscience Australia
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This site from Geoscience Australia offers a short comparison of methods for calculating distance, and an online calculator.
Dhttp://www.ga.gov.au/nmd/geodesy/datums/distance.j
sp
Eric Weisstein's World of Physics: Radio Physics
Developed by: Wolfram Research
Type of resource: Portal
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This is the Radio physics section of a broader portal which offers short, accessible explanations of technical physics terms.
Dhttp://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/topics/Rad
ioPhysics.html
Open Spectrum
Developed by: Open Spectrum Foundation
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
The Open Spectrum Foundation aims to promote awareness of "open spectrum" concepts and to advocate the expansion of the radio bands available for license-exempt use. Their web site includes reports on wireless spectrum regulation around the world and news on wireless initiatives.
Dhttp://www.openspectrum.info/
Short-Range Wireless Connectivity: A Complementary Comparison
Developed by: Puneet Gupta
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
A short tutorial on the relationship between Bluetooth, HomeRF, IrDA and Wi-Fi standards, technologies which compete in certain fronts and are complementary in other areas. Written in 2002, the overview helps readers select solutions for a specific application context by examining strengths and weaknesses.
Dhttp://www.wirelessdevnet.com/channels/bluetooth/f
eatures/bluetooth_irda.html
Creating Community Wireless in Africa
Developed by: APC and TechSoup
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This article describes a partnership project, led by APC, aimed at developing capacity around the use of wireless technologies for community networking in Africa.
Dhttp://www.techsoup.org/howto/npostory_article.cfm
?articleid=85&topicid=0
Nepal Wireless Networking Project
Developed by: Nepal Wireless Networking Project
Type of resource: Web site
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
The Nepal Wireless Networking Project has networked seven villages in Nepal, and is currently maintained by Himanchal Higher Secondary School, Nangi village, Nepal. Visit the NWNP for articles and inspiration!
Dhttp://nepalwireless.net/
Nonprofits' role in Municipal Wireless Programs
Developed by: NTEN
Type of resource: PDF report
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Municipal wireless programs are springing up in many places. Big cities and small towns are working to close
de digital divide by providing free or low-cost access to the Internet. What does this mean for nonprofit organizations?
Can they play a role in shaping a city or town's wireless program?
Dhttp://www.nten.org/sites/nten/files/NTEN_wireless
_0207_final.pdf
Radio Mobile
Developed by: Roger Coudé
Type of resource: Software tool
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
This freeware for Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, XP, 2000
is a tool used to predict the performance of a radio system.
Dhttp://www.cplus.org/rmw/rme.html
Five Tips for Secure Wireless Web Surfing
Developed by: TechSoup
Type of resource: Web guide
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
How to stay safe when using a public wireless hotspot
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/connections
/page5998.cfm
Wi-Fi for dummies: Securing network access while on the run
Developed by: The Register
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
If you are chatting, emailing, or just browsing while at an wireless internet hotspot, you'll want to read this article to understand the risks and ways to protect your personal information when you're on the go. The article provides recommendations on the most secure software to use, as well as plugins to further enhance security. It looks at web browsers, instant messenger services, and email.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/02/10/wifi/
Wi-Fi horrors: Tales from the cryptographer
Developed by: CNet
Type of resource: Web article
Target audience: General
Cost: Free access
Basic tips for securing your wireless network.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10168_7-5659898-1.htm
l?tag=nav
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