NYCwireless Open
Community Networks
Joe Plotkin & Dana Spiegel
June 29, 2005

Open Community Network
• Intend Connected Neighborhoods to act as a model
and catalyst for widespread participation by
government, community groups and citizens of all
ages.
• Demonstrate new wireless technologies as a means
to create affordable and sustainable networks
• Demonstrate that communities benefit when all
citizens are connected
June 29, 2005 2

NYCwireless 2.0
• Return to the roots of NYCwireless as a leader in
implementation of innovative wireless networks
• Help under-served communities and public spaces
• Expand on the success of the three Community
Access projects over the last 2 years
• Much more ambitious effort requiring substantial
financial support thru donations and partnerships
June 29, 2005 3

Initial Project
• Light up a micro-neighborhood in Harlem
• Bring affordable and sustainable wireless broadband
• Provide equipment via partner organizations
• Train residents to manage network and help each
other get online
• Foster communication among residents through
online tools
• Provide a delivery mechanism for educational
June 29, 2005 4

Architecture
Connection to
Backhaul via Microwave
Microwave at Antenna
Mesh Mesh 40Mbps
Node Node
Gateway Server hosts
Mesh Fiber
Mesh Captive Portal and
Node Backhaul
Node community information/
message boards
Mesh Mesh
Node Node
Gateway Microwave
Server Antenna
Housing (1) Housing (2)
- 1 Mesh Node per floor Indoor Mesh
- Alternate front and back of building Node(s)
- 5 Floors Mesh Mesh
- Every other floor has a node at front of Node Node
building, facing Church
Distribution Point
Mesh Mesh Node on
Node Building Services
entire block
Outdoor Node
Mesh (seating available)
Node
Mesh
Mesh
Node
Node
- 3-4 Mesh Nodes per floor
Mesh - 6 Floors
Node - Each floor has at least 1 node
at front of building, facing
Church
Shelter
June 29, 2005 5

Community Involvement
• Technology choices
• Site survey
• Installation
• Training
• Fund-raising
• Volunteers
• Timetable
June 29, 2005 6

Contact
dana@nycwireless.net
joe@nycwireless.net