Comment Feasibility of a public wireless Internet (Score 1) 179
A public wireless Internet is definitely possible. Hams already have a widespread RF TCP/IP
network. Unfortunately, most RF links are very slow. Sending data over the radio at anything
close to a reasonable speed takes a lot of bandwidth. The radio bands are already very crowded in
populated areas. For a wireless 'net to actually happen, a more efficient way of sending data over
RF will need to be invented. The other solution would be to use large numbers of very low power
stations. These would need to be incredibly inexpensive for enough to be installed to create a
reasonable coverage area.
I hope that use of a wireless net doesn't become too common for a while. While one could be
created today, it would waste way too much bandwidth. We need to create a wireless system that
doesn't create more radio noise than already exists. Some bandwidth needs to remain free for
hams, emergency services, and radio astronomy.
-thz
network. Unfortunately, most RF links are very slow. Sending data over the radio at anything
close to a reasonable speed takes a lot of bandwidth. The radio bands are already very crowded in
populated areas. For a wireless 'net to actually happen, a more efficient way of sending data over
RF will need to be invented. The other solution would be to use large numbers of very low power
stations. These would need to be incredibly inexpensive for enough to be installed to create a
reasonable coverage area.
I hope that use of a wireless net doesn't become too common for a while. While one could be
created today, it would waste way too much bandwidth. We need to create a wireless system that
doesn't create more radio noise than already exists. Some bandwidth needs to remain free for
hams, emergency services, and radio astronomy.
-thz
