We have recently secured the necessary licenses from the city to access the rooftops of Elphinstone Court in Tillydrone and Smithfield Court in Middlefield. This will allow us to install the essential devices on these rooftops to improve the quality of service for those already using the network.

We hope to roll out the Wi-Fi service to all the communities in the coming year. We are in the process of negotiating with the council to secure funding to support this effort.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The shmu Wi-Fi project aims to develop and support communities to be involved in building and running community based computer networks. One of the main technologies being used to build computer networks are wireless networks since they are easiest and simplest to deploy and manage. Wireless networks based on 802.11x standards working in non-licensed 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency spectrum allow communities to provide Intranet and Internet services within the local area, deliver local information to the residents and bridge digital divine. The main idea behind community driven networks is to get residents of local area to be more concerned about their local environment and offer simple and fast access to the local information, creating Internet and data networks access not to be exclusive any more. Inclusive Internet access gives community sturdy platform to develop local virtual information hub and cheap or even free text and voice communication. Local services can be expanded to deliver video content and upgrade the network to create safer communities using digital CCTV surveillance systems accessible to everybody.