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Mesh Potato

2010-08-31 01:56:44.459226+00 by Dan Lyke 3 comments

I want a bunch of these: The Mesh Potato (Via Mars).

What do you call an 802.11bg mesh router with a single FXS port that automatically forms a peer-to-peer network and relays telephone calls without landlines or cell-phone towers? A Mesh Potato, of course.

And text would be fine, the applications I have for this (bike ride support, disaster preparedness and recovery) don't need voice.

[ related topics: Wireless broadband Cool Technology ]

comments in descending chronological order (reverse):

#Comment Re: made: 2010-08-31 17:34:08.139226+00 by: Mars Saxman

Cell phones should be able to form their own network. This is primarily a software problem now. I am hoping that the continued push toward high-powered smartphones will eventually create a situation where we can build a collective mesh network and cut the telco cartels out of the picture entirely. Or, at least: create sufficient competition to force them to get their acts together.

#Comment Re: made: 2010-08-31 16:16:24.115226+00 by: Dan Lyke

Network World article on OpenBTS and their deployment at Burning Man.

#Comment Re: made: 2010-08-31 11:17:32.083226+00 by: meuon

It's the best use of B.A.T.M.A.N I have seen, There used to be a Linksys load for it called Robin, but it may have evolved into a Commercial entity: Open-Mesh.COM has mesh routers at $19 and up.

There is also olsrd which will even supposedly run on my N900 Smart Phone and Android.

What if your cell phones could form their own network?