free networks

Neighbornode

The main project that I have directly contributed to in terms of free networks is Neighbornode. I am the main technical guy, so that means I created the firmware for the Linksys WRT54G, a nice little piece of hardware that runs GNU/Linux. Our firmware is a modified version of the Ewrt firmware.

Unfortunately, Linksys' new versions of the WRT54G or WRT54GS no longer run GNU/Linux. Starting with 5.0, they run a different, closed operating system, and are therefore much less interesting. Thankfully, they have released the WRT54GL, which is equivalent to the WRT54G version.

Freenode

My next project is in the works, I am designing a building a solar-powered mesh node. This takes free to the next step, this box will be completely free from wires and will cost nothing to run once you purchase the hardware (unfortunately not cheap).

Related Links

• Neighbornode - bringing local back to the internet
• Ewrt - Neighbornode is based on this firmware
• Wikipedia's WRT54G - all about the WRT54G, including which versions are hackable
• Linksys WRT54GL - this is the router to buy for hacking
• OpenWRT - a Debian-like distro for WRT54G and others
• Funkfeuer - Free net in Vienna, Austria
• Freifunk - Free net in Berlin

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