[UgaBYTES] Tips for setting up wireless internet where there are few resources

[Ahmed Ndaula]

Dear members,

I think could of interest to you.

Enjoy........

source: apc.org

Alex Gondwe is a techie at the Baobab Health Partnership in Malawi. He is
setting up internet connections between health institutions to improve
patient care and HIV/AIDS data collection.

Wireless technologies offer developing countries a low-cost alternative to
existing internet infrastructure and Alex was one of more than a hundred
qualified and self-taught technicians, who were trained in wireless as part
of APC's community wireless in Africa project which ran from 2005-6. The
project also inspired a Latin American version, TRICALCAR.
"There were some principles that I learned in the APC workshop that have
helped me to work in resource-constrained environments," said Alex Gondwe of
the Baobab Health Partnership. APC paraphrases them here.

1. Keep it simple. We have been able to set up wireless links using cheap
hardware. We acquired some Cisco bridges which were lying idle after an
organisation decided to make changes to the type of hardware that they use
on their network. We use these on our longer links.

2. Stable power is a challenge, especially in rural areas. We designed a
battery power backup system. When the power on the grid is out, the backup
system can sustain the network and all the computers for six hours. The
computers we use consume very little power. We have also set up windmills as
a source of power for rural areas.

3. Construct free-standing, cheap and reliable steel towers for connections.
This has proved to be more cost effective in the long run than having to pay
rentals on tall buildings or existing towers.

4. Use GNU/Linux for both servers and workstations. No worries about
licenses and anti-viruses. Our workstations do not have hard drives. We
install the OS on an on-board chip. We use no mouse or keyboard; they have
touch screens which is ideal for our often rural set-ups.

Wireless trainees in Africa are advocates

Alex's responses were part of a survey that APC carried out last year to
find out what the over one hundred community wireless technicians were doing
with their training. The survey of trainees showed that:

● 53% have installed one or more wireless networks, 83% of which are
non-commercial in nature.
● 58% have trained others.
● More than 50% have passed on training materials.
● Nearly half have provided advice.
● One-third are maintaining or administering a wireless network.
● One in five is now managing a project using wireless technolog

Source: apc.org


Best,

-- 
Ndaula Ahmed
Program officer,
Technology management
UgaBYTES Initiative
Plot 2218 Ggaba Road, Kabalagala
2nd Floor, Kangave House
P.O. Box 6081 Kampala, Uganda
Mobl: +256 773 066 343 / 702 066 343
Off: +256-414-267247
Check our web: www.ugabytes.org
http://www.ahmedpanel.com


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