Hi all you geeks.

I thought this project might interest you and it is something that a few of us have been working on for a while.

Given that you are all geeks I hopefully should not have to explain in to much depth what a mesh network is. However in a nutshell each node in the network is independent and will route traffic via the most optimal path to its destination. It is essentially self healing so should a node go off air if you still have a path via another node the traffic will get rerouted.

Amateur radio operators we love playing with radio stuff and many of us are geeks as well which started us down the path of how do we upgrade the old packet systems of 1200baud which still run and still work to something of more use. Hence we decided the best path of action was to set up a mesh network.

The mesh can be used for multitudes of things. I should not have to explain that one.

We are not looking for interested HAM's who want to setup a node at there home as well as people who the idea taking part of building this mesh. 

Now one question is why do you have to be an HAM radio operator to join the mesh. The simple reason is we have a few more frequencies to play with however the biggest reason is that we as HAM radio operators are licences to run high power and high gain equipment.

Does this stop you from becoming a mesh participant, yes and no you will need to be a HAM however we can help you getting licenced.

The North Shore radio club runs regular weekend training which by the end of it you write and exam and hey presto you are licenced.

Down South I have gotten my radio club in Papakura to agree to help people with study sessions etc to get them licenced.

Now for those worried about the exam. As a geek you should have no problems getting licenced it is a multiple choice exam of 60 questions. All 600 questions and answers are online to aid your studying.

What we would like to know is anyone interested in joining us?

Hopefully I have explained the basics at a highlevel.

If you have any more specific questions etc please ask away. We do have a site available which has a node map showing live and potential nodes (Nodes that are setting up or keen to see who is in there neighbourhood) 

This is not limited to Auckland, we have people on the South Island who are meshing we have interest in the Hawkes bay area. Ideally we hope to get everyone connected.