Wug Experience

[DaVirus]

And I challenge any new and uninvolved users to make an effort to improve things.

Guys, this is not a service you are paying for. There were no promises or ANY guarantees made about quality of service. So why are you all so up in arms?

And just exactly how has anyone been victimised? Pray do tell!

DaVirus, what have you as 8 users on WB done to improve your situation? Instead of me asking what you have done, try this, identify another HS that WB can connect to, to improve links the wug. And then work towards that by finding more possible HS locations and making wiki pages to get the ball rolling. Many other wuggers have done this before, so it is possible.

DenSweep, I have tried. (refer to below post)
Followed all the processes as set out by the Admins, logged calls. Submitted plans to improve the links. Upgraded the H/W on the HS, installed new 31dbi grids to improve links, also catered to link up to KK, etc..
http://www.wug.za.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1425

The outcome of the discussion is I can only start with this when I'm on leave from the 14th of Dec & will have to make the arrangements by phone.

And again I'll state that there is nothing wrong with the existing link to RR. Performance was degraded after the implementation of QoS on the 30th of August 2009 and has been spiralling down ever since.
Avarage speeds at this stage is anything between a few bytes and 20kbs.

 

[DenSweep]

There you go "Lost the plot again?" I read that page many times and discussed with you and other guys on IRC. I got lots of help and info but I was referring to issues of

HS setup and requirements for "performance system"
Meshing
Capacity
Speed
Performance
Wireless N
Kit vs PC MoBo vs modem
Upgrade ability
ETC.

Its not as simple as buy a kit set it up align and everyone is happy. That I found out myself with help from you guys and doing my own research. Maybe 2010 will be my year of the wug?

It is pretty much as simple as that. But for more in depth details, PM someone like Gripen who has offered his Gtalk and ask away. Also remember, setting up a highsite varies from site to site. You need to specify what, where, how and why of the location. Every physical location is going to be different and resultingly have different needs. As to equipment, again, depends a various factors. Such as, how many links are you going to need/put up? And you need to provide such info and then come talk to the clever guys.

 

[protzkrog]

Being said.
1st, I don't want to choose sides.

2nd, stiffyxyz1 is not the koos you are referring to, stop doing so. If i have a mail addy of mandela@yahoo.com does it make me Mandela? NO, so stop ASS U MING things.

3rd, if the wug is free to everyone and everyone has a say, then why not have an open POLL or a braai with a Box where everyone drops their suggestions "Anonymously" as well as descisions that will be made like the QOS thing....

4th, The WUG is not what it used to be, for the last 2 weeks there has been a dramatic change in the speeds. I have noever complained, for the simple fact, the free network...

5th, I've had a good experience since I joince, mainly because stiffxyz1 help me setup my setup, (Brother in law). He never had a bad thing to say about the WUG. After the antenna was connected and the IP requested, I was up and running within 30 Minutes. However, 2 weeks ago, something changed. Since then, the WUG was very slow.

I personally lost 2 NIC's due to lightning, and did not require any help.

I would however appreciate if the admins can sort the slow response problems as this is the main problem according to me.

And please, stop taking all the posts privately and personally.

Work towards a solution and "Listen" when a question is asked.

Thanks

Stiff

please remember that the admins DO NOT GET PAID to do what they do. There are NO service level agreements.
You are welcome to become a admin and help out.

The wug is never the same, day by day, its a organic entity, sites go down, links get badder, interference, stuff break.

We also have the wiki on PTAWUG, it is located at 172.20.1.1, there is a network issues page where you can post problems. why does it need to be anonymous ?

You are also welcome to find new highsites for the wug to use, especially on the ridges between pretoria and centurion and the north, we need more bandwith.

Also have a look on the To Do List on the wiki and the wug calendar, there you will see which highsite missions are taking place and lend a hand on the sites to do installs and upgrades.

There is also the current highsite upgrade projects : http://www.ptawug.co.za/content_list_29 where you can donate.

On the wiki you will also find the highsite planning page where you can see what is planned, ask questions, etc.

Also on the Admin page on the wiki you can see the new ip ranges, renumbering planning, QOS, etc

I have never seen you on IRC, or ?

We are working towards solutions, please be part of the solution.

 

[protzkrog]

As said to connect is easy, if you can get connection to a HS. But then when you have to create your own HS then there are many questions to be asked.

If you connect to another HS you are basically screwed if that "owner" makes changes, remove it, does shaping, etc. That's where the OP's frustrations started in the first place.

To create your own highsite you need a backbone link (grid on grid) on a current highsite and then a sector or omni to broadcast with.
That info is on the internal wiki, we encourage people just to connect normally first and then upgrade and expand to create a highsite themselves.

We have lost our main highsite in septemer 2008, the wug was down for a bout 2 months, split in pieces, we had to make a plan to get it up again. Thats the way it is, nothing can be gaurenteed, if something breaks its up to the users to fix it, it is a community network.

 

[DenSweep]

Here is a positive experience. I joined PTAWU just over a year ago, after being helped by Atti2de. Did my LOS calcs and had 3 possible LOS'. So kit was purchased, assembled and put up. I scanned and picked up zilch! After figuring out radio was stuffed, I got replacement and 2nd card also stuffed. After my THIRD trip to Uniterm in Bedforview, (Still hadn't given up yet), I finally got everything setup. Scanned, ZILCH! Then I realised i had built the grid incorrectly <-- didn't read! Scanned and started finding networks, but nada PTAWUG. Eventually realised I was simply too low. SO, I got a mate to help me build a 12m steel pole! Long mission and many bucks later, I got connected.
About a month later, lightning decided to destroy my equipment. By this time there was quite a bit of interest from okes close to me who wanted to connect, but couldn't due to LOS. So I asked ProtzKrog for their contact details and they were duly given. I contacted these guys and explained to them what i wanted and needed to do. I searched and found 2 second hand 15m towers. I bought one and the other is now at Pin Oak site. I listed all the equipment that would be needed and started generating donations from those guys who wanted to connect. Long story short, BC is now still standing with 3 links to other HS', 2 sectors and a 2.4ghz link.

So, don't tell me it can't be done, because with a bit of effort and determination, it can be. So what if someone gives you lips or is sarcastic. Ignore him/her and find someone who will help you, but remember, no one is going to do everything for you!

Yes, there have been times when things "slow down", but with a bit of patience and understanding, things do get fixed and sorted.

In conclusion, one year later, and approx 15 users on BC, I'm as happy as a pig in .....

 

[protzkrog]

DenSweep, I have tried. (refer to below post)
Followed all the processes as set out by the Admins, logged calls. Submitted plans to improve the links. Upgraded the H/W on the HS, installed new 31dbi grids to improve links, also catered to link up to KK, etc..
http://www.wug.za.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1425

The outcome of the discussion is I can only start with this when I'm on leave from the 14th of Dec & will have to make the arrangements by phone.

And again I'll state that there is nothing wrong with the existing link to RR. Performance was degraded after the implementation of QoS on the 30th of August 2009 and has been spiralling down ever since.
Avarage speeds at this stage is anything between a few bytes and 20kbs.

Die moot se enigste link uit is deur WL-WG, dis die groot probleem, ons kort sites op die rante wat die moot en die res van die wug kan sien, om nog links uit te kry.

die WL-WG link sit op -75 met CCQ van 30 tot 60%, ek het al 'n paar uur spandeer om hom beter te kry, freqs gechange, tx power, etc, maar geen sukses.

 

[stiffxiii]

I have never seen you on IRC, or ?

We are working towards solutions, please be part of the solution.

Hoe so? I was the guy whos Routerboard was hacked. I spoke to you a few time?

Nou's ek bekommerd?

Maybe more admins? I think the WUG has grown to a userbase that requires more admins....

Comments welcome!

stiff

 

[protzkrog]

i can find no logs from humanfodder

once again, IT IS NOT THE ADMINS JOB TO DO EVERYTHING

it is a COMMUNITY NETWORK, that means that is falls on EVERY USER to help. Help install highsites, upgrade highsites, find new highsites, help other users, update wiki with relevant information, donate, etc.

The users must just do more other than sitting in front of their PCs and complaining

 

[ambo]

A wiki with all possible scenarios with pro's and cons of each setup would be nice. Then one would not waste money and then find you have to Upgrade again a week later.

JAWUG has a wiki. I have been putting lots of effort into updating our Getting Started Guide. If you feel that it is lacking then you are welcome to assist with improving it - thats how wiki's work

PTAWUG also has a wiki and if you feel that it is missing topics then add them. If in doubt create a stub page and then help others fill in the technical details.

 

[DenSweep]

Guys remember, speed is relative. If i'm connecting to someone of the same HS or maybe two hops away, speeds will be good, if that someone is in, say Pta N and I am in Cent, it's not going to be as fast as it used to. Simply because there are now over 600 users!!!

Solution, put up more highsites. Solution to that, pull your finger out and get involved. Like I said before, if you ask questions and don't get an answer, ask someone else. And until you have asked all 600+ users, oh wait, you can't, because only a tiny portion of users actually bother to use IRC.

I guarantee there will always be someone to help you. It might not be as fast as you like, but you will be answered. If you want better service, start paying the admins a salary so they can quit their jobs and do this full time.

Any takers? I challenge you!

 

[stiffxiii]

my only request is to get the speed up and i'll be happy!

 

[DenSweep]

Stifxiii, says we need more admins. PRECISELY!!!! Geez, finally. So volunteer and become one and start helping today!

 

[daffy]

my only request is to get the speed up and i'll be happy!

You're not getting it, are you?
Who are you expecting to do this?
Who do you think is going to fulfill this "request"?
YOU SHOULD.
Get off your ass, quit complaining and GET INVOLVED.
Wugs are about the people, thats why they're called community networks.

 

[protzkrog]

my only request is to get the speed up and i'll be happy!

would it be awesome if all wuggers could just request stuff and it gets done, magically ?

Please read my previous posts, YOU are a PTAWUG user, YOU need to help to improve the links, get more sites up, upgrade sites, edit wiki. You can not just sit back and make requests, it does not work like that. This is a COMMUNITY network.

 

[DenSweep]

Ok, and my only request is to win the next R30 million lotto and i'll be happy. But to do so, I would need to buy a ticket first.

For your speeds to improve, you also need to go out and make things happen.

 

[h0bbes]

Unfortunately this thread seems to have denigrated into a bit of a mudslinging session. Some criticism might be warranted, and some not. I think the truth lies somewhere in between.

It is clear from everything said that the admins sacrifice a lot of their time to improve things for everyone. It is also clear that a fair number of users are experiencing problems of one kind or another, which I am sure makes the admins feel like their efforts are not being appreciated.

I think everyone should just take a step back and realize that in the end what we all want from the WUG, is basically the same.

I think it would be helpful to try and identify which of the problems are actually widespread problems which affect multiple users. One can then address these systemic issues, and the all the nitty gritty complaints will disappear as a natural consequence.

Viva la Wug. Hope to join the community soon.

 

[DenSweep]

What really gets my knickers in a knot, is that we only ever hear about complaints like this when suddenly someone can't play a game or DL something. But for the previous months of his happing leeching etc, not a peep was heard or a cent given.

BUT, when his precious little site goes down, then everyone must drop everything, and sort out his problem NOW!

NEWSFLASH!!! That's not how it works. Me personally, I will help guys out as far as I can, but I WILL prioritise who I help first based on that persons' past contributions to the WUG based on money donations, time given at building a highsite, or input on IRC etc. But when you've been connected for like months and have never been seen, take a ticket mate.

 

[snymanr]

Feedback on my experience

I connected on ptawug with a bad signal.
I did some investigation (as a newby) and found that a lot of the people on the HS I connected to experienced the same issues I did.

I read the wiki extensively and did my planning on the WUG site to see what can be done to resolve the issue. I became involved in helping at the site, and so gained some much needed experience.

Looking into the problem I found that we were just too many users connected to the HS I was connecting to.

I decided to be part of the solution, and found out what is needed to split the load on the Highsite I connected to. It came down to creating a new HS... I did my planning and realized that it would be a viable option for the ptawug community, as I could extend the connectivity even further as well as alleviate some of the load issues.

After finding out what is needed via the IRC chat room, I managed to organize the needed hardware to create a HighSite. Making a view calls and spending some time on IRC got me there.

In making a plan to help myself, I also managed to help the ptawug community.

I must say that it took some homework and learning, but I am online, and feel good about the fact that I could do my part....

I am still learning every day, but I will never look back...

Thx to all the admins involved in making this happen.

 

[anrichp]

hmh.. hate hate speach?

this is really not good to hear, but it sounds more like hate speech than actual problems...

First comment of negativeness that's just lovely, this is definitely not hate speech, there is a definite problem with the network, for atleast a month all pings from the pretoria side of the network has been between 1000m/s and 3000m/s and I have spoke to numerous people with the same problem, but it seems that whenever anyone complains it considered hateful towards the community, the moment anyone decides to voice their opinion they get shut down.

 

[DenSweep]

This is from our bot on IRC, frikkie who has a search function built in to see when last someone had been IRC etc.

Frikkie DenSweeP[w], I found one match to your query: humanfodder. humanfodder (hf@vc-41-26-47-13.umts.vodacom.co.za) was last seen quitting #ptawug 2 weeks 1 day 22 hours 37 minutes ago (28.10. 14:13) stating "Connection reset by peer" after spending 1 hour 43 minutes there.

Doesn't look someone to me who spends much time on IRC... Remember, this is supposed to be koos_wug.

So koos_wug, what after spending not even 2 hours on the IRC channel, u gave up, quit and have been stewing for 2 weeks 1 day 22 hours 37 minutes on how to make a post to list "your experience"?