We’re starting a new community mesh deployment to provide wireless Internet access in Central Square. To get things started, we have 30 Netgear wgt634u access points pre-loaded with the Roofnet software that we’re willing to provide to people who will help.

These Roofnet access points (APs) participate in the Roofnet wireless mesh network, and thus can connect through the mesh to wired Internet gateways. Roofnet APs forward each others’ packets towards the nearest gateway, so the more people who join, the greater the network’s coverage. Each Roofnet AP also acts as an 802.11g access point and an Ethernet hub, so it’s easy to connect your laptop or home PC.

Installation is simple: just place the paperback-sized Roofnet AP in your window and keep it powered on. The software takes care of wirelessly routing traffic from clients to the best Internet gateway in the area.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Use it: If you live in the area, simply connect to the wireless network called “roofnet” and start your web-browser. If you can’t see a network called “roofnet,” it’s because our coverage hasn’t reached you yet.
• Host a Roofnet AP: Putting a Roofnet AP in your window will extend network coverage to nearby users as well as into your home or business.
• Provide an Internet gateway: A Roofnet AP can be configured to act as an Internet gateway, sharing your DSL or cable connection with other mesh users. As an incentive, gateway owners will have the option of creating a custom ‘splash page’ (e.g. advertisement) that all users will see before using their connection.
• Contribute your own access point: You can buy your own wgt634u (around $50 after rebates), install our software, and participate in (and extend) the network. Installation instructions are available on the wgt634u page.
• Persuade friends to host Roofnet APs: More APs will lead to better network robustness and performance.

Are you interested in hosting a Roofnet AP? For now we’re focusing on the buildings outlined in red in the map above, and we’d love to find volunteers with windows facing Mass. Ave. or Main St. If someone in your building already has a Roofnet AP, contact us anyway, because you could function as a repeater to extend the reach of the network.

If you are interested, email roofnet-signup AT pdos.csail.mit.edu with your name, address and a description of the view from your window. This project is not just for MIT students – everyone is encouraged to participate.

Once we have a few volunteers, we’ll host a get-together to introduce ourselves, hand out APs, and explain the technical details and research motivation of the project.

If you are interested in learning more about our research or past deployments, please visit the Roofnet page.