Wi fi for our neighborhood (CD, high end, game, DSL)

[HIF]

I am in a community of 100 and was wondering how difficult it is to set up a wi-fi network? And what is involved as far as maintenance?

I figure, that, conservatively, we probably spend over 2k a month in separate dsl service. What are the pros and cons of wi fi?

[BovinaCowHateWindTurbines]

I think there are few things that could be a problem

1. All 100 people would sharing the same Internet connection, and there are security issues with that and I would assume it would be very Slooooow. You lose 10-50% of speed over wireless as it is and the person furthest from the router would get the worst of it. It would also depend on how fast the broadband connection is to start with - if it is very high 10mb + it might be ok if it is 1.5mb or less then most people would have a little better than dial-up. So if little Jimmy is downloading porn then no one can view city-data

2. The Wireless router is easy to setup with the right one, but based on the distance all 100 people would be from the router you would need to setup booster antennas around neighborhood? If its an apartment building it may be possible.
I am not an expert but there are high end systems that cover a larger area, but the costs and system expertise rise. But at 22,000 a year mmm you can probably hire a super geek to set you up - but bandwidth is the key.

Perhaps I am wrong and I am sure other people might have some better ideas. GL

[BrianH]

Everybody use the same WiFi ? That will cause issues with servers that do not allow multiple IP's from the same network on the server. Anybody whos into gaming of any sorts, WiFi is not an option.

[BovinaCowHateWindTurbines]

Originally Posted by BrianH

Everybody use the same WiFi ? That will cause issues with servers that do not allow multiple IP's from the same network on the server. Anybody whos into gaming of any sorts, WiFi is not an option.

The router would dispense internal IP's in the 192.168.x.x range to each user, so only one IP from the ISP would be needed. Same as a home network of 4 computers let's say but with 96 other users.

[BovinaCowHateWindTurbines]

WIPOP.com - Wireless Internet Point Of Presence

Creating a Hotspot over a large area - Wireless and Wifi Forums

Another issue would be getting everyone a wireless card and installing it and probably (thanks Mr. Gates!) troubleshoot lots of issues. Also I guess you would need a 100mb connection to have the ability to give everyone a fair share of the pie. And when no ones using it you'll have the fastest Internet you have ever seen.

[HIF]

Okay, we're probably not ready for it. I am no techie....have just figured if every Starbucks and Chik Filet can have one, why not us

Thanks everyone for the discussion. Many good points made. Little Jimmy's porn and my CD surfing are safe!

[BovinaCowHateWindTurbines]

Originally Posted by HIF

Okay, we're probably not ready for it. I am no techie....have just figured if every Starbucks and Chik Filet can have one, why not us

Thanks everyone for the discussion. Many good points made. Little Jimmy's porn and my CD surfing are safe!

But if all 100 people are in your living room same problems... and more In Starchucks everyone is close to the wireless POP

[HIF]

Originally Posted by BovinaCowHateWindTurbines

But if all 100 people are in your living room same problems... and more In Starchucks everyone is close to the wireless POP

Yeah, and I'd be so busy serving coffee, I wouldn't have any time for the internet myself.

[Willys]

HIF, so give it a try anyway. Start with a small group of five or so. Experiment, see what you like, what doesn't work, then consider options. Continue learning. Make decisions as you go, expand where possible.

Not trying only produces failure, nothing ventured/nothing gained. Starbucks probly doesn't have a hundred people at a time connected. You probly won't either.

Good luck. Have fun...

[BrianH]

Originally Posted by BovinaCowHateWindTurbines

The router would dispense internal IP's in the 192.168.x.x range to each user, so only one IP from the ISP would be needed. Same as a home network of 4 computers let's say but with 96 other users.

That was my point exactly. With only one ISP IP, servers who do not allow multiple from one IP will not allow them to join, for example some gaming servers, and when we dont music from rapidshare, you cant have two people on the same network doing it.

And apart from the above, if anybody does game, Wireless is not the way to go.