Free networks gain in popularity
MyBroadband recently reported on the strong growth of community networks using standard Wi-Fi equipment to connect members to each other. In December the combined Gauteng networks – i.e. JAWUG, PTAWUG and PWP – had in the region of 350 connected members.
In December the Pretoria Wireless User Group (PTAWUG), which forms part of the Gauteng Community Network, estimated that it would grow its 187 member network to 200 by February 2009.
The growth over the last two months has however surpassed expectations. The PTAWUG now has 227 connected members, far exceeding their expectations just two months ago. The combined number of connected members on the Gauteng Community Network now exceeds 400, and spans from the South of Johannesburg to the North of Pretoria.
According to PTAWUG organizer Dawie Joubert, aka Protzkrog, they are planning a third link between the Pretoria and Johannesburg network which will strengthen ties between these two groups and ultimately lead to a provincial Gauteng Network (GAUWUG).
The Gauteng networks are however not the only community networks in South Africa. The Cape Town Wireless User Group currently has 107 active users connected to their network. It boasts 6 major high sites and multiple relay nodes where users can connect.
The Cape Town network spans from Wynberg in the South to Kraaifontein in the North and runs on the OSPF routing protocol ensuring redundancy is there when needed.
Durban, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth also all have well established community networks while East London is one of the latest cities to join this group with a network which already covers large parts of the seaside metro.
Apart from sharing content like Linux distributions and other free software, these networks have also become popular for gaming and VoIP. As there are no bandwidth charges and associated costs it becomes an attractive alternative to using a traditional Internet connection for online gaming or file sharing using P2P systems.
Users interested in joining one of the wireless networks are encouraged to visit http://www.wug.za.net/currentwugs.php and contact their local group.
Wireless community networks discussion
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