computer networks

[mellowtigger]

Networking was never my strong suit. I spent a few hours this evening looking at documentation for Reticulum interfaces, trying to figure out how to use a generic wifi router for the physical layer of communication, assuming that the traditional ISP connection was down. It pointed me toward the 802.11s network standard, which apparently the Google Nest Wifi Pro supports. I had a hard time finding any other modern modems that did, and manufacturers seemed temporarily to abandon it for 802.11k/r/v protocols instead. So I tried learning about the different 802.11 protocols, but even this long article from only 1.5 years ago didn't include any of the 4 protocols I was trying to learn about. Are they already outdated too? *sigh* I am old. I tried learning about dual-band versus tri-band routers. Nothing fully "clicked" for me.

I finally decided that I have to start somewhere, so I just dropped a minimal (considering what the newest/best routers cost) $150 to get a TP-Link Archer GXE75 wifi. I'll see if I can configure a second network broadcasting from my house as part of Reticulum MeshChat. If I have to plug in this external device to get it working, then it's not necessarily better than plugging in a Lora node, except that a standard wifi router is actually useful for other things without special configuration and support. If I can find a way for a router to serve as both a traditional access point and a connector for a separate mesh between houses, that would be perfect. People could join their own transmitters without having to give up whatever home networking they've already created with their traditional ISP service.

In an ideal hyper-local mesh network under hostile conditions, we'd have multiple physical technologies for redundant communication. Speaking of... there was a widespread Signal outage today. It interfered with Signal chat coordination of legal observer positioning and ICE monitoring. There's already talk of radio-frequency alternatives, and they're asking for Ham radio operators to speak up about options too.

I wish I knew more of networking and communications, so I could help out. I did mention the Reticulum software and tech, but I would be a lot more convincing if I could setup my own mini-network with a neighbor. Not using established internet infrastructure (which can be taken away like the Signal servers today), but using neighbor-to-neighbor tech. It could be wifi routers, LoRa transmitters, or even ethernet cables strung between houses. Whatever it takes to keep people communicating across a whole city without the support of centralized infrastructure.