A Debt of Gratitude

When we first moved to this neighborhood from downtown Oakland, we were dismayed to find no DSL, and no digital cable. Our neighbors too were champing at the bit for high speed Internet access. As part of my job, I have had high speed access at home since 1996 and I lasted with a modem for all of a week.

After paying astronomical sums for slow IDSL (ISDN disguised as DSL), I started researching T1's and wireless. I had had wirless access in our house for a couple of years, but places like NoCat.net were showing me that I might be able to cover the neighborhood.

A few short months, but many pulled hairs, later the T1 was in, my first four customers were on, and things were going well. Without the huge number of people around the world also building the same kinds of networks I might never have attempted it. We all came up with something different, but we all learned from each other's trial and error along the way.

So, I would like to thank all the people who were trying to build long distance wireless networks in 2001 and took the time to post their experiences online. In this section and on the Propellerheads Technical page you will find my contributions back to this community.

Wireless Community Networks

NoCat.Net

One of the earliest ventures, this community network in Sonoma County aims at providing cheap and easy access to all of Sabastopol and beyond. In addition they make NoCatAuth software to make shared Internet access possible.

Bay Area Wireless Users Group

More than a few times, I was able to avoid problematic Linksys hardware or firmware by studiously reading their mailing list.

Seattle Wireless

Another great community effort to cover the entire city of Seattle with cheap fast Internet access.

Wireless Supplies

HD Communications

Antennas, pigtails, connectors and more. Great prices and quick service.

HyperLink Tech

Antennas, amps, base stations, routers, NEMA enclosures...if it's wireless, they've got it. Not for the home user though, they cater to small to medium businesses and so have a minimum $100 order.

Mac Wireless

Looking specifically for Macintosh wireless stuff? How about POE injectors for your Airport base station or 802.11g cards for your G3 Powerbook?

Pacific Wireless

Just need a couple of antennas? They have a great selection of 802.11a/b/g antennas