Hello,
I'm new to AREDN after doing research into Broadband Hamnet and finding it less than ideal for what I'm interested in.
My goals with AREDN are to join the mesh, of course, but also to make a direct data link between two relatively close locations, for example to provide remote access to files and provide Part 97 compliant internet service to one of these locations which is prone to short term outages.
My question is whether or not this is something others have done and I am seeking recommendations. Currently, based on price and my goals, I have found Ubiquity LiteBeam M5's to be my hardware of choice, based on the awesome amount of documentation available on this site. One thing I can't find, however, is if the AREDN firmware can support working in a standard WiFi mode without the need for fancy features as a backup for extended outages or non Part 97 compliant internet service, like encrypted data.
Thanks for all your help!
73s,
W1DGS
I'm new to AREDN after doing research into Broadband Hamnet and finding it less than ideal for what I'm interested in.
My goals with AREDN are to join the mesh, of course, but also to make a direct data link between two relatively close locations, for example to provide remote access to files and provide Part 97 compliant internet service to one of these locations which is prone to short term outages.
My question is whether or not this is something others have done and I am seeking recommendations. Currently, based on price and my goals, I have found Ubiquity LiteBeam M5's to be my hardware of choice, based on the awesome amount of documentation available on this site. One thing I can't find, however, is if the AREDN firmware can support working in a standard WiFi mode without the need for fancy features as a backup for extended outages or non Part 97 compliant internet service, like encrypted data.
Thanks for all your help!
73s,
W1DGS
If you are simply trying to get internet from one building to another possibly with some significant distance between, I'd recommend either stock firmware, or the upstream OpenWRT/LEDE firmware. I've installed that type of setup several times, often for people who aren't even hams, and it works great.
I'm just curious if AREDN firmware is capable of working as a standard WiFi link as a backup, for the rare occasions that it might be useful. I'm asking because Broadband Hamnet has this mode available as a very limited function WiFi link for this purpose. The primary purpose of the link is to expand the net and attempt to connect one of these end points to another node I've seen on the map.
After establishing the AREDN link, I may create another link with the same firmware but on another band to create a WiFi link, depending on how it works out.
To configure an AREDN node to be an AP, go into basic setup and disable "mesh RF". Then look for an option to become visible and turn on "LAN AP". A typical scenario would be a Nanostation 5Ghz device with wifi sector coverage for the local area. Typical client devices laptops, cell phones, tablets, etc. connect to the AP no different than a typical home wifi. Then, "dtdlink" this nanostation to a P2P dish towards the direction of the AREDN internet gateway. If the purpose is to have full internet access, then you can still use AREDN firmware, but suggest to operate under and use the part 15 unlicensed channels.
Part 97 rules aren't yet caught up to deal with modern data communication concerns of today.
Joe AE6XE