N.E.T.W.I.

Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves

2008-02-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

Node "Apollo" which has provided wifi access along West Main Street in Atlanta has been stolen right off the pole at the Dixie Maid. Any information on the whereabouts of "Apollo" would be greatly appreciated.

QCEDC pulls the plug on NETWI

2006-11-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

Why people don't shop in Queen City.

The Queen City Economic Development Corporation, has reached a decision which will end free internet access in Queen City and Atlanta. Effective immediately and without further notice, network access is only available for a fee.

Glitch in the Matrix

2006-08-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sat, Aug 18th
Gateway VENUS failed at Atlanta Memorial Hospital. Radio appears to have overheated. Local tempratures have exceeded 100(f), 37.7(c)for 32 consecutive days this year in Texas.
Gateway now back online...

Public Safety

2006-08-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

Terry Purvis of the Miller County Department of Emergency Management recently reported that during the Deadly Train Derailment which occured in downtown Texarkana last October, that the Homeland Security Department was amazed to discover that thier E.O.C. (Emergency Operations Center) was online when they opened thier laptops.

The presence of the MESH cloud over the area where the on-site command post was set up while dealing with the disaster, allowed quick access to such online resources as ChemTrak and Union Pacific which were critical in making split second decisions that meant life or death at the time of the crisis. "Information is key" said Purvis, in a time of emergency.

Lynn has been working with American Wireless Web in Texarkana, converting much of thier existing operation to MESH technology which allows access with inexpensive off-the-shelf consumer products such as laptops and PDA's. The Miller County Courthouse in Texarkana has WiFi access throughout the entire building, The Landmark Building is also a WiFi Zone which provides coverage in the Quadrangle area downtown. More Hot Spots are showing up all the time, and MESH technology is helping to spread them out.

CBS News Report

NETWI does WINOG

2006-06-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Lynn and Dave attended the WINOG in Austin, Texas. The event gave us the opportunity to meet and coordinate with others in the MESH community including the developers of the LocustWorld MeshAP. Richard Lander of LocustWorld from the UK is pictured here with Lynn.

Network Back Online

2006-05-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Scheduled Downtime

2006-05-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 13, 2006, Gateway "SHIVA" in downtown Atlanta will be taken offline for approximately 4 hours. The owner is planning modification of the HAM radio antenna configuration on the tower that "SHIVA" shares. The outage will effect users in the downtown Atlanta area, as well as clients in the Woodland Lake Edition south of Atlanta.

2006-04-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

NPR reports on WiFi flap in New Orleans.

Click here to listen

Gateway Failure

2006-03-31T07:41:00.000-08:00

"Venus" the gateway at AMH suffered a system crash on Wed afternoon, gateway replaced and back online utilizing an ATX solution.

We are accepting donations for equipment to rebuild the gateway.

Next Generation

2006-03-14T05:09:00.001-08:00

Next generation devices from manufacturers like Nokia are beginning to integrate WiFi. Lynn is testing the development of Nokia's new portable internet platform, the NOKIA 770 with the MESH Network.

Click Here for more information.

Louise Street 'Hot Spot'

2006-02-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

Barfoot Jewelry
101 North Louise
Atlanta, Texas 75551
(903)796-2362
Visit Barfoot Jewelry Online!
essid: NETWI
Channel: 11

Dave in OK

2006-02-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Dave has been on the road, assisting MESH operators in Lawton Oklahoma, and Memphis Texas in troubleshooting QCODE installations.

Tweaking

2006-01-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Queen City segment of the NETWI network is currently being reconfigured. Users will notice short service outages as the nodes are reset. We hope to have this adjustment finished by the end of the week.

Atlanta Public Library

2006-01-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

SSID: Library
Channel: 6

The Atlanta Public Library, located at 101 West Hiram Street in Atlanta (Web Site) is now a WiFi Zone. Patrons of the Library are now able to surf the web wirelessly, compliments of the North East Texas Wireless Initiative.

Wormhole Hub Testing

2005-12-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

Over the next few weeks, the NETWI team will be implementing the Wormhole Hub feature between the Atlanta and Queen City gateways on the NETWI network. Client devices should not notice any discernable difference, however this should increase management efficency on the network significantly. Updates will be posted here as warranted.

NETWI gets blogged

2005-12-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jeff Cross Average Admins blog.

Consumers Union

2005-10-17T01:50:00.000-07:00

N.E.T.W.I. has been featured in collateral produced by Consumers Union, the Nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports.

State Line "HotSpot"

2005-10-12T00:54:00.000-07:00

Computer Geeks
4009 State Line Avenue
Texarkana, Texas 75501
903-794-2667

essid: GEEKS
channel: 6

Quadrangle "Hot Spot"

2005-09-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

The Quadrangle Festival, benefiting the Texarkana Museums System, is now in its 24th year! The Festival attracts over 40,000 visitors and features three stages of music and entertainment along with arts, crafts, and food vendors. Live musical performances continue throughout the two day festival. This year, attendees were able to surf the web compliments of the Landmark Cafe.

"View from the antenna"

Whippoorwill Street "Hot Spot"

2005-09-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

Whippoorwill Street in Atlanta, near Red Bluff Hill is now a WiFi Zone, special thanks to A.J. (KE5APY) and Dana (K5LOF) Waters.

essid: NETWI-WATERS
Channel: 6

Houston Street "Hot Spot"

2005-09-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

Houston Street (State Highway 74), at Queen City High School is now a WiFi Zone, special thanks to Leon Hill.

essid: NETWI-HILL
Channel: 6

Net Changeover

2005-08-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

The downtown Atlanta section of the network moved back to channel 1 today. West Main Street remains on channel 11 pending changeover.

Antique Rose "Hot Spot"

2005-08-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Antique Rose Bed and Breakfast is now inside a "WiFi Zone". Guests at the historic venue can now browse the internet and check email from thier rooms. The Antique Rose is another example of how MESH networks can deliver broadband to clients who are physically beyond the telephone companies ability to deliver reliable high speed network service.

Chuck Street "Hot Spot"

2005-08-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

The southern end of Chuck Street in Atlanta is now a WiFi Zone, special thanks to Sandra Wardlaw.

essid: NETWI-WARDLAW
Channel: 6

Node Deployment

2005-07-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Node 'Nike' deployed on Hwy 59S in Atlanta. This node streches the Mesh Cloud to cover Hall-Miller Field, the Atlanta Municipal Airport.

Strong signal now visible along Bessie Coleman Dr., and Indian Hills Country Club.

Reconfiguration

2005-07-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

NETWI will 'desegment' the network over the course of the next few weeks. Nodes 'Nemesis' and 'Atlas' have been moved back to channel 1. Users will notice intermittent periods of network inavailability as the new settings and configuration are implemented. You will be able to monitor the progress of the 'desegmentation' at the NETWI System Status Page.

Lightning strike at AMH

2005-07-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

At approximately 8:42PM, node 'THOR' located at Atlanata Memorial Hospital apparently took a lightning strike thru the telephone line interface. Node replaced with 'DEMETER'. Network is now back online.

Municipal WiFi OK in TX

2005-07-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

SB21 Passed the Texas Legislature today with no ban on Municipal WiFi projects like NETWI.

We would like to thank all of our supporters for thier efforts in educating our lawmakers on the value of projects like NETWI.

Icarus Reset

2005-07-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

Node "ICARUS" has been reset, currently essid:LocustWorld is visible over the Loop area in Atlanta, updates will be posted here.

Demeter Down

2005-06-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Node "Demeter" on the Queen City water tower failed at 2:17AM

Replacement radio is being configured and will be installed as soon as possible. Nodes "Orion" and "Helios" are still online with limited connectivity, however "Hermes" in the Becky Edition is temporarily offline.

Updates will be posted here.

* Update-Node "Demeter" has apparently failed due to excessive heat, the node is still functional, but not able to mesh into the network. Signal patterns indicate that the radio in the node has failed. "Demeter" has been turned off at this time. We expect to have the node replaced by 6/26/2005.

* Update-"Demeter" replaced with "Pan", network is back online 6/25/2005-3:12PM

* Update-"Pan" failed at 6/25/2005-5:26PM Queen City segment currently down

* Update-"Pan" online at 6/25/2005-10:14PM Queen City segment is up

* Update-"Pan" 6/28/2005-9:44AM Queen City segment is up and down intermitently, we are working on the problem and will have it resolved as soon as possible

* Update-"Pan" online at 6/28/2005-8:01PM Queen City segment is back online

* Update-"Pan" offline at 6/29/2005-6:62AM

* Update-"Pan" online at 7/4/2005-3:42PM

Network is completely operational

Software Upgrade

2005-06-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today we will begin preparation for moving the Atlanta segment of the network to the PRO version of the LocustWorld software. Users might experience some system outages as nodes are upgraded. We plan to begin the upgrade at the outter most nodes, working back to the gateways. Updates will be posted here as warranted.

WiFi Wars in the United Stated Congress

2005-06-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Texas Representative Pete Sessions has filed HR2726 in the U.S. Congress which would ban cities and towns from providing network access.

Again, we are asking our supporters to help battle this outrageous legislation by signing the petition set up by freepress.net. Click Here to sign the petition.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Senators John McCain and Frank Lautenberg are introducing the Community Broadband Act of 2005, which would guarantee local governments the right to explore municipal broadband as an option. Click Here for information from broadbandreports.com

Please contact Seator McCain and thank him for his support of protecting cities rights to explore municipal broadband options.

Dionysus Moving

2005-06-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

Node "Dionysus" on Pine Street in Atlanta has been taken offline, and will be moved to Chuck Street. The Queen City segment of the network is stable now, still tweaking the bandwidth settings, users will notice redirection at login on some nodes in the Queen City segment as adjustments are being made to the network security settings.

Broadband Flourishing in North East Texas

2005-06-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative announces 'WildBlue' partnership, SBC drops rates, broadband availability is flourishing in North East Texas.

System Outage

2005-06-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

We are currently experiencing difficulties with the north section of the network. The Queen City segment of the network is going down frequently as we work on this problem, updates will be posted here.

sine die

2005-05-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

The 79thTexas Legislative session is over. The NETWI network in Atlanta and Queen City was happy to do our part in ensuring that HB789 as proposed by the Texas House of Representatives was NOT passed into Law.

Thanks in part our supporters efforts, Texas cities will remain free to deploy wireless networks, which reach Texans who are outside the infrastructure of the phone companies broadband network.

We would like to thank our supporters who wrote numerous letters, sent faxes, and made phone calls to our elected officials. NETWI would also like to thank Rep. Steven Frost, Sen. Kevin Eltife and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst for thier courage and leadership. The Austin American-Statesman is reporting that the failure of the measure is a rare defeat for one of the most powerful lobby forces in the Legislature.

Legislative Update:
The tide is turning!
Recently Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois joined Texas in defeating Anti-Municipal Wireless Legislation as reported by FreePress.net

Special Session Alert!

Qcode Installation Complete

2005-05-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Qcode installation completed at 5:57PM

All nodes in the Queen City segment of the network are online and functional, new security protocols will be implemented on this segment of the network over the next few weeks. Users will notice redirection at login. If you experience any problems accessing the network, or to obtian a USERID and PASSWORD email us:
info@netwi.org

Notes:
Radio Failure in node "Hermes"-replaced with node "Apollo".

Upgrade Notes

2005-05-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Nodes HERMES and ATLAS are currently down this effects the Becky Edition in Queen City, and the High School Area in Atlanta. Updates will be posted here when available.

Software Upgrade

2005-05-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

NETWI is upgrading the Queen City segment to Qorvus.net's Qcode, updates will be posted here as available

Testing in Texarkana

2005-05-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

Texarkana Water Utilities has agreed to participate in testing of 2.4gHz WiFi "Mesh Cloud" in the Texarkana area. Thanks to Bill King and the whole IT crew at Texarkana Water Utilities, we look forward to participating in the tests.

Those of you that are following the NETWI project have noticed a new gateway "PHOENIX TEXARKANA" online for the last couple of weeks. This gateway is a WiFi Zone in the Landmark Gorumet Cafe, located at 901 North State Line (directly across from the Bi-State Justice Building) in Texarkana, Arkansas.

NETWI is sponsoring a new web site which will offer many features such as a BBS Forum, HotSpot Listings, Software Downloads, and much more.

TexarkanaUnwired.com

Stay Tuned...

NEW HOT SPOT
Landmark Gorumet Cafe
901 North State Line Avenue
Texarkana, Arkansas 75502

Senate Committee Strikes Municipal WiFi Ban

2005-05-16T17:46:00.000-07:00

HB789 was heard this morning in the Senate Business and Commerce committee. The commitee substitute was based on Chairman Fraser's earlier SB332, which imposes tests for suburban and rural markets before deregulating.

Chairman Fraser's committee substitute did NOT have any language about city-supported network services

Nobody testified in favor of adding the provision back.

Thanks again to Chairman Fraser for listening to his constituents in Belton, and other communities, in continuing the current policy of local control over the decision to provide high-speed internet infrastructure.

There is some chance the provision will be added back as an amendment on the Senate Floor. The next step is to communicate with the rest of the Senate, to help prevent a recurrence of the municipal ban amendment.

Special thanks to Adina Levin and all the folks at http://www.savemuniwireless.org. Her testimony which mentions the NETWI project began at 2:25:33 in the audio stream from the Texas Senate link above for May 16, 2005.

Now the battle moves to the floor of the Texas Senate !

NPR tackles the Municipal Wireless Debate

2005-04-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Talk of the Nation

What if a wireless computer user could access high speed Internet anywhere -- for free? It would be just like turning on a radio and receiving a signal. That's what's happening in some areas, and others are exploring it across the nation.

Listen to the show

QCPD Communications Tower

2005-04-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

The City of Queen City is getting a new City Hall, and the NETWI crew, along with several local 'ham' radio operators today erected the new communications tower for the Queen City Police Department. The 60' tower was up by noon :)

New Hot Spot

2005-04-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

SSID:NETWI

Compliments of Atlanta Memorial Hospital-"Richey Square" is the newest HotSpot in Atlanta

2005-04-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

SSID:ADCOCKS
Adcocks Medicine Chest
305 N. William Street
Atlanta, Texas 75551
(903)796-2867

Indian Hills

2005-04-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

Indian Hills-NETWI Network is now available on the south side of the lake at Indian Hills Subdivision. Residents on Caddo Street, Tejas Trail, Choctaw Drive, and Apache Street are now inside the MESH CLOUD.

Law Enforcement

2005-03-30T17:19:00.000-08:00

Local Police have been instrumental in helping with the signal testing of the NETWI network. The Citizens Journal today published a story on how the Queen City Police Department has integrated the WiFi system into thier patrol cars to create a "Virtual Office" on wheels.

Local Economy

2005-03-22T17:22:00.000-08:00

More local businesses are discovering wireless broadband. Recognize these guys? Here is a note Steve sent us:

"OH man, it's screaming. Andy's hooked. I showed Kerry here in the office how to click on IE and instantly access the web. Her statement was, what do I need that for? Later my daughter introduced her to EBAy and now I'm having to monitor her usage--help, help--need to get work done! She has since purchased a computer over the weekend so she can EBay at home."
-Steve (Rushing)

"Access to high quality telecommunications and data networking by a community is, in todays economy, a prerequisite for the community's economic welfare and for the delivery of local government services."
-U.S. National Science Foundation

Businesses like Rushing Pest Control illustrate how the MESH NETWORK can deliver greater bandwidth availability to clients who are physically beyond the availability of broadband from the traditional ILEC.

USER GROUP MEETING

2005-03-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

USER GROUP MEETING-NETWI held our second User Group Meeting on March 19, 2005 at the Dixie Maid on West Main Street in Atlanta. USERS BROUGHT LAPTOPS to this one, the Dixie Maid is a WiFi Zone afterall!

Network Status Monitor

2005-03-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Network Status monitoring tool to our web site. This link will enable users to monitor NETWI's system status in real time.

Amateur Radio Operators

2005-03-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

Amateur Radio Operators-Although the NETWI network broadcasts on the unlicensed frequency of 2.4Ghz, many Amateur Radio Operators have been a instrumental in the research, development and inspiration for the NETWI project. From humble PAKET Radio transmissions at 300 baud which began in Cass County approximately 12 years ago on the Licensed Amateur Band of 145.075Mhz (2M), merging computer and radio technologies has long been a passion of "hams" worldwide. NETWI would like to thank the following Amateur Radio operators who have contributed thier time and talents to help make the NETWI network work!

Lynn Jones (N5VTJ)
Kathy Taylor (KB5UOA)
Ray Taylor (N5WSK)
Herb Stark (K5GAB)
Rob Hayes (KC5IMN)
Jeffery Brown (KA5IVU)
Michael Jackson (KC5UKY)
Joe Harrison (KA5VOG)
Gary Yates (KC5VMT)
James King (K5JRK)

Network Tweaking

2005-03-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Recent client installations have included a growing number of "gamers". NETWI is currently tweaking our upstream traffic shaping, users will notice temporary outages as new settings are implemented.

NETWI testifies before Texas State Legislature

2005-02-23T16:20:00.000-08:00

SaveMuniWireless.org notified NETWI of legislative hearings on HB789 being held at the State Capitol by the House Committee on Regulated Industries , Tuesday, Feb 22, 2005. SaveMuniWireless is a coalition of Texas organizations and citizens concerned about the provisions in HB 789 that would outlaw any municipal involvement in networks or information services. The proposed language of HB789 could have outlawed public/private partnerships such as the NETWI project, which benefit Texans in rural communities. You can watch the proceedings via a video archive maintained by The State of Texas. Watch David Davault testify on behalf of NETWI!

NETWI would like to thank Rep. Phil King and the members of the House Committee on Regulated Industries for listening to our concerns and, for their assurances that projects like ours will not be adversely affected by this legislation. NETWI also submitted a letter to the members of the committee, and would like to thank Chuck Mains from the office of our Sen. Kevin Eltife. We also had an opportunity to visit with Rep. Stephen Frost while in Austin, and would like to thank him for taking time to visit with us and hear our concerns.

Lynn and Dave are pictured here surfing the internet on the Public Access to Wireless Internet in the Capitol Complex in Austin, Texas the evening before hearings commenced.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Mar 23, 2005
Representative Robert Puente introduces an amended version of HB 789 that bans municipal wireless services.

Community Support

2005-02-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

The NETWI network would not exist without the support of many local businesses, individuals, and the Cities of Atlanta and Queen City. NETWI would like to give special thanks to Heather Hall, owner of the Dixie Maid, and Joe Harrison(KA5VOG) for providing the bucket truck so that we could help reilluminate the DIXIE MAID sign, a landmark in Atlanta since 1967. The Dixie Maid was one of the first WiFi Zones in Atlanta. We would also like to thank Ms. Denise Kirby for her contributions to the project.

User Group Meeting

2005-02-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

NETWI holds its first User Group Meeting at City Hall in Queen City. Members and Guests in attendance discussed the NETWI "to do" list, antenna configurations, and network software.

Node Deployment

2005-02-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Node "Apollo" temporarily deployed along the north end of Corvette Lane in Queen City. THIS INSTALLATION IS TEMPORARY. Environmental conditions are the primary concern when deploying Mesh Access Nodes. We have discovered that Mesh Nodes should be deployed when natural foliage is near to full bloom in order to ensure network stability. Apollo has been deployed primarily because the location is unique with apparent visibility across town to "Demeter" on the Queen City Water Tower as well as via "Artemis" which is deployed on Glendale Street in Queen City. Service currently available on Ruby Street, Shelva Street, and Vernice Street down to CR3433. Further notices regarding "Apollo" will be posted here.
GUEST access enabled.

Client Premise Equipment

2005-01-31T14:02:00.000-08:00

More CPE (Client Premise Equipment) installations are being installed around the Atlanta/Queen City area, here are a couple of locations that illustrate how easy it is to get connected to the NETWI network. Finally, the equipment is available commercially for connecting to the NETWI network.
Click Here to get CPE equipment online.

Noise

2005-01-30T17:56:00.000-08:00

Just a note to the "gear heads" following the project. We have seen noise levels increase by 2db over the last few weeks following our first "hard" freeze. Bandwidth availability has increased dramatically despite the increased signal to noise ratio.

Segmentation Complete

2005-01-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

Node "Prometheus" reconfigured and back online. Network Segmentation has been completed

Lightning Strike

2005-01-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

Gateway "Thor" is online, users will notice network going "up" and "down" as we resegment the network. An update will be posted here when re-segmentation is completed.

Lightning Strike

2005-01-14T00:40:00.000-08:00

Gateway "Prometheus" apparently took a lightning strike. All nodes changed to channel 1 in order to bring the network back up.Channel reassignment completed and network back online at 2:40AM.

NODE LOCATIONS

2004-12-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Phase II
NODE LOCATIONS

PAN
Ground Elevation:350'
N33Deg:09Min:099Sec
W094Deg:09Min:260Sec

Helios
Ground Elevation:354'
N33Deg:09Min:158Sec
W094Deg:09Min:243Sec

Demeter
Ground Elevation:374'
N33Deg:08Min:808Sec
W094Deg:08Min:756Sec

Hermes
Ground Elevation:354'
N33Deg:08Min:867Sec
W094Deg:08Min:400Sec

Atlas
Ground Elevation:332'
N33Deg:07Min:315Sec
W094Deg:09Min:275Sec

Diablo
Ground Elevation:257'
N33Deg:06Min:900Sec
W094Deg:08Min:739Sec

Shiva
Ground Elevation:275'
N33Deg:07Min:080Sec
W094Deg:09Min:931Sec

Nemesis
Ground Elevation:354'
N33Deg:07Min:330Sec
W094Deg:10Min:075Sec

Dionysus
Ground Elevation:310'
N33Deg:06Min:991Sec
W094Deg:10Min:326Sec

Hercules
Ground Elevation:303'
N33Deg:06Min:911Sec
W094Deg:10Min:274Sec
Aries
Ground Elevation:291'
N33Deg:06Min:754Sec
W094Deg:10Min:670Sec

Chaos
Ground Elevation:277'
N33Deg:06Min:560Sec
W094Deg:10Min:304Sec

Nike
Ground Elevation:287'
N33Deg:05Min:791Sec
W094Deg:09Min:670Sec

Prometheus
Ground Elevation:349'
N33Deg:06Min:345Sec
W094Deg:09Min:829Sec

Poseidon
Ground Elevation:253'
N33Deg:06Min:540Sec
W094Deg:10Min:982Sec
Thanatos
Ground Elevation:351'
N33Deg:06Min:019Sec
W094Deg:12Min:833Sec

Icarus
Ground Elevation:378'
N33Deg:07Min:705Sec
W094Deg:10Min:689Sec

Eros
Ground Elevation:360'
N33Deg:07Min:866Sec
W094Deg:09Min:767Sec

Orion
Ground Elevation:344'
N33Deg:08Min:749Sec
W094Deg:09Min:513Sec

Artemis
Ground Elevation:342'
N33Deg:08Min:778Sec
W094Deg:10Min:011Sec

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

2004-12-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWIPhase IIPERFORMANCE MONITORINGNetwork Performance Monitoring on the NETWI network:
1.238.37.158Icarus981Kb/s
1.116.120.31Nemesis1.13Mb/s
1.237.42.33Atlas1.12Mb/s
1.220.185.215Nike932Kb/s
1.244.73.16Diablo1.01Mb/s
1.24.71.99Shiva5.7Mb/s
1.53.251.244Prometheus3.03Mb/s
1.193.129.107Demeter531Kb/s
1.179.72.235Helios413Kb/s
1.67.17.59Hermes268Kb/s
1.130.57.103Orion324Kb/s
1.132.112.172Artemis513Kb/s
1.110.146.200Thanatos512Kb/s
1.157.18.34Eros462Kb/s

Computers for Kids Program

2004-12-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

The North East Texas Wireless Initiative is happy to provide several refurbished PC's to be distributed to economically disadvantaged kids in the Queen City/Atlanta area. Special thanks to:

Queen City Independent School District
Queen City Police Department "SantaCops" Program
Domestic Violence Prevention Center
KNCB Radio

for thier assistance in identifying and distributing the PC's to kids in the Ark-La-Tex area. The goal of the Computers for Kids Program is to assist and enhance technology education for local kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to work with personal computers and emerging technologies such as the NETWI Mesh Network.

NETWORK SEGMENTATION

2004-12-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Phase II
NETWORK SEGMENTATION
Network segmentation completed. New channel 11 signal is now visible in apporximately 40% of the City of Atlanta. Initial tests indicate improved performance across the network.

NETWORK CONFIGURATION

2004-12-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWIPhase IINETWORK CONFIGURATIONBandwidth shaping tests are going extremely well. GUEST access still available in various places across the network. Guest access is still set at 64Kb. We will be throttling Member Access up to 256k on 12/4-12/5. Users of the network will continue to experience short term outages while the network is "rebooted". SBC failed to meet the install date at server "Prometheus", therefore network segmentation has been delayed until installation is complete.

NETWORK CONFIGURATION

2004-12-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Phase II
Bandwidth shaping is underway. GUEST access currently available in various places across the network. Guest access is set at 64Kb. While testing, Members access is set to 128Kb.

NETWORK CONFIGURATION

2004-11-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Phase II
NETWORK CONFIGURATION
New DSL feed installed at server "Prometheus"-We will be reconfiguring the network over the next few days as we enhance the capabilities of the Mesh. Users of the network might experience short term outages and bandwidth availability will fluctuate while testing.

NETWORK CONFIGURATION

2004-11-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

NETWORK SEGMENTATION

2004-11-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Phase II
NETWORK SEGMENTATION
Installation completed of new gateway at server "Prometheus". Network Segmentation underway, updates will be posted here. New channel 11 signal will be visible in apporximately 40% of the City of Atlanta.

Client Premise Equipment

2004-10-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
Phase II
CPE (Client Premise Equipment) Installations-Antennas are beginning to pop up all over the Queen City/Atlanta area, here are a few installations in locations that local residents may recognize.

NEW HOT SPOT

2004-09-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

SSID: CCB
Phase II
Encryption: enabled

New Wi-Fi Zone "HotSpot" Cass County Bank at 401 Hwy 59 in Queen City is now a Wi-Fi Zone, for information and WEP information contact Cass County Bank

NODE DEPLOYMENT

2004-08-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
Phase II

NETWI Mesh Network is now accessible in the northern end of Woodland Lake Estates.
Additional nodes have been installed south of Hwy 59 on the Loop in Atlanta, and on Hwy 785 in Queen City

Mesh Deployment

2004-07-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
Phase II
Mesh deployment continues through the Municipal Limits of Queen City and Atlanta, the following nodes have been installed around the community:
Atlas-Holly Street, Atlanta
Posiedon-South Loop 59
Hera-Woodland Lake Estates

Thanks...

2004-07-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Very Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations who have donated facilities for locations and support for the NETWI project:
City of Queen City
City of Atlanta
Stark Outdoor Advertising
Dixie Maid
Atlanta Missionary Baptist Church
Griffin Limousin Farms
Citizens Journal
PowerPlex Technologies
Mr. George Day
Mrs. Sandra Wardlaw
Queen City Police Department
Radio Amateurs of Cass County
Mr. Gary Yates
Jimmy Swaggert Ministries
Acme Tool and Dye
Mr. Jeffery Brown
KNCB Radio
Pine Country Bulliten

Spreading the MESH

2004-06-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dave is pictured here atop the Municipal Water Tower in Naples, Texas. NETWI assisted North East Texas Wireless Internet, Inc., a Wireless ISP serving Naples and Omaha, Texas in migrating from thier Point-to-Point system to a MESH network.

PHASE I COMPLETE

2004-06-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
PHASE I COMPLETE
The Mesh Signal is now visible across approximately 90% of Queen City and Atlanta. NETWI is now ready to move into PHASE II. This will involve deployment of MeshAP repeaters in neighborhoods throughout Atlanta and Queen City. Please contact us if you are interested in connecting to the NETWI Network.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH CONFIGURATION

2004-05-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH CONFIGURATION
Signal now visible along Highway 59 from City Limits south in Atlanta to City Limits north in Queen City. System performance is averaging 110Kbps across the NETWI network at this time. Server "Chaos" is experiencing signifigant packet loss due to signal quality issues which should be resolved next week with the installation of sector panel antennas which are yet to arrive. Phase II equipment is arriving daily, and we are currently working on site surveys. Currently 39 users logged into NETWI WiFi network.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-05-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH DEPLOYMENT
"Hera" deployed on Municipal Water Tower at Grandview Street in Atlanta.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-05-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

"Chaos" deployed on Municipal Water Tower on Loop 59 in Atlanta.

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-04-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
"Poseidon" deployed on Municipal Water Tower at Reed Street in Atlanta. Nearing completion of PHASE I. Queen City and Atlanta are now meshed together. The Mesh is currently visible in approximately 85% of Queen City and 30% of Atlanta.

PHASE II deployment will begin in 2-3 weeks.

Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-04-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH DEPLOYMENT
"Atlas" deployed at Dixie Maid at 801 West Main Street in Atlanta.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-04-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH DEPLOYMENT
"Hermes" deployed in Becky edition of Queen City. Coverage reports indicate WiFi signal now available in most of Queen City east of Hwy. 59.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-04-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH DEPLOYMENT
"Athena" deployed on Municipal Water Tower at the previous repeater site in Queen City. Mesh performance signifigantly enhanced east of Hwy. 59 in Queen City.
"Ares" replaced with "Apollo" downtown Atlanta, testing still underway.
Mesh now functional across Queen City.

Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-04-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH DEPLOYMENT
"Ares" deployed in downtown Atlanta, pattern testing underway.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-04-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH DEPLOYMENT
"Artemis" deployed in Queen City, new signal reports enhanced coverage on Greenwood St., Glendale St., and Corvette Ln. in Queen City. ("Venus" has replaced "Apollo" temporarily as we work on signal patterns in Queen City)
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-04-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH DEPLOYMENT
"Orion" deployed on billboard in Queen City, new signal reports coverage as far south as Jacks Fine Foods. Pictured at right, Project Engineer Dave Davault waves from the top of the billboard compliments of Stark Outdoor Advertising
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

MESH DEPLOYMENT

2004-03-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
"Dionysus" deployed into the neighborhood approximately 1/4 mile north east of the Citizens Journal office. Testing underway.* "Venus" and "Apollo" mesh problem detected. Foilage has apparently blocked the signal between Hwy 59 N. in Queen City and downtown. This was anticipated, site surveys underway in Queen City to resolve the issue.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

2004-03-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

User Kelly Anderson built his own antenna to surf the internet from a Pringles can and an old Dish Network dish. He then eMailed us this picture from his Sprint camera cell phone.

MESH CONFIGURATION

2004-03-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
MESH CONFIGURATION
New MeshAP's configured. "Orion","Artemis", "Atlas", "Hera", "Athena", "Hermes", "Uranus", "Ares", and "Chaos" are configured and being outfitted for deployment. Users will notice temporary and sporadic signal patterns all across the Queen City/Atlanta area over the next few weeks as site surveys are conducted.

MESH DEPLOYMENT BEGINS

2004-03-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
"Apollo" has been reconfigured to serve as a GATEWAY for MeshAP "Venus". Users in Queen City east of Hwy. 59 should notice signifigant performance enhancement as the mesh grows. Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

2004-03-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

7th MeshAP box is online.
"Poseidon" MeshAP is functional
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

2004-03-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Fifth MeshAP "Apollo" is online in Queen City. MeshAP is fully functionalInitial reports indicate coverage from Christian Fellowship Church to the Pitt Grill on Hwy. 59 North.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

The following is a list of businesses and local organizations who are now within range of the N.E.T.W.I. "Wi-Fi" network.
Ken's Sports
Quality Building
City Truck Sales
Dollar General
Rehkopfs
Discount Tobacco City
Subway
J&S Motors
Brefine Homes
Coats Barber Shop
Cass County Equipment
Express Inn
Pitt Grill
1st National Bank Drive-Thru
Bockman-Cain Insurance and Financial Services
Parts Plus
Queen City Tire
Exxon
BP
Cass County Bank
B&B Auto Sales & Leasing
Shorty's Garage
Karen's Cuts
Cuts and More Salon
Chucks Plates
Shell Corner Mart
Eastex Trailers
Eastex Truck and Trailer Parts
Kenn's Select Autos
Queen City Assembly of God
New Beginings C.O.G.I.C.
Open Door Baptist Church
Christian Fellowship Center
Queen City Floral
Hagins Service Company

2004-03-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Fourth MeshAP "Hercules" is online in Atlanta. MeshAP is fully functional
Initial reports indicate coverage from Bayou Lanes bowling alley to downtown Atlanta covering most of West Main Street.
Authentication enabled.
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

2004-02-29T11:32:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
4th 5th & 6th MeshAP boxes are online."Hercules", "Apollo", and "Hades" MeshAP's are functional

NEW HOT SPOT

2004-02-25T22:05:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
New "Wi-Fi" HOT SPOT online at:
Citizens Journal
306 West Main St.
Atlanta, Texas 75551
(903)796-7133

Testing

2004-02-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Third MeshAP "Venus" is online in downtown Queen City. MeshAP is fully functional
Authentication enabled in downtown Queen City
Users will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

Initial reports coverage area to extend from Ogburn Grocery to Shell on Hwy 59. "Wi-Fi" signal visible on Hwy. 59 from Shell Mart to Dollar General in Queen City. Strong signal now available to most residents in the City Hall area.

Testing

2004-01-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Second MeshAP "Zeus" is online in downtown Atlanta. MeshAP is fully functional with greater signal strength in the downtown area.
Authentication enabled in downtown
AtlantaUsers will notice http:// redirection at login
GUEST access enabled.
eMail for USERID and PASSWORD information

WARNING ALPHA TEST EQUIPMENT INSTALLED DOWNTOWN ATLANTA ... ACCESS POINT NOT SECURE WHILE TESTING (2 SSID's are visible in some parts of the downtown Atlanta area, if you do not get a login screen YOU ARE NOT ON THE SECURE SERVER.)

Security

2004-01-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Is the Wireless Mesh secure ?

Security is a key part of the LocustWorld Wireless Mesh. As wireless networking is so potentially open to security compromises, we have built the Mesh with heavy duty security from the start. Each node on the network has a signed digital certificate, which is used to communicate with other nodes. When nodes establish communication they verify the identity of the other node through their certificate, and set up an encrypted data stream between nodes using a 2048 bit key. In addition nodes make a VPN connection with their gateway that is also encrypted, making it doubly hard to break in to. In addition NETWI encourages users to utilize encryption wherever possible.

Testing

2004-01-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

SSID: NETWI
Downtown Atlanta antenna upgraded AP now at 1/2 power, coverage area for "Wi-Fi" signal enhanced signifigantly in downtown area The following is a list of businesses and local organizations who are now within range of the N.E.T.W.I. "Wi-Fi" network.
Atlanta City Hall
Atlanta ISD
Texar Credit Union
St. Catherines
Atlanta Post Office
Price Hardware
Allday & Co. Insurance
Clements Construction
Douglassville Timber
Miles Drug Store
Yesterdays Antique Mall
Atlanta Health and Beauty
Atlanta Economic Development Corp.
Atlanta Athletics
Clarks Upholstry
Harps Jewelers
Atlanta Memorial CHC
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Atlanta Public Library
AEP SWEPCO
HeadMasters Machine Shop
Southern Credit
Southern Home Center
Citizens Finance
Mozelles Resale
Education Station
Delta Loan
Cutting Corner
Phoenix Medical Equipment
Tammy & Company
Atlanta City Development Corp.
Big State
Edward Jones
Wilcox Real Estate
Hooked Barber Shop
Marc Mote Properties
Mark Mays Real Estate

MeshAP boxes are here!!!"Zeus" and "Venus" are configured and ready for deployment.PHASE I: LOS (Line Of Sight) deployment for the LocustWorld MeshAP network will begin 1/26/2004. (weather permitting)