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====== Highrises / co-ops / etc. ====== This is a page where we'll collect ideas, links and resources about setting up wifi in fairly-dense residential spaces. Setting up networks in these spaces isn't part of Wireless Toronto's mandate, but we get lots of inquiries about it, and some of our experiences might be relevant for those who want to take the initiative to, for example, organize the people in their building to pool resources to set up a shared wifi network. (For cost savings, fun, etc.) * Meraki has a page ([[http://meraki.com/solutions/industries/mdu/]]) that talks about their solutions for these environments. * [[http://open-mesh.com|Open-mesh.com]] has equipment that's comparable to Meraki's, without the restrictive and expensive license. They have a page ([[http://www.open-mesh.com/activekb/questions/2/Mesh+Network+Planning]]) on factors to consider in designing a mesh network. *[[ http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5679/ps6548/prod_press_coverage0900aecd804ab5f6.pdf|Here's an article]] from Wireless Net Design Line that talks about Cisco approaches to mixed environment meshes. ===== Scope ===== There are three (or four?) highrises on the property, plus a number of lowrises scattered in between then (roughly in the middle) Here's a map. http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=43.650256~-79.400189&style=h&lvl=17&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1 ===== Questions for property manager ===== * do we have access to roofs to install these units? * is power available on roofs? * can we string ethernet cable between floors? * how is the security camera system powered (centrally via POE at a central junction, or somewhere along the path?) * if we trained members of the coop to maintain this system, would they have access to the telephone rooms/roofs etc? * are the external floodlights (wall mounted) centrally powered? or can they be used as a convenient source of local power? * can we mount oopen-mesh boxes inside the hallway light boxes? Can we mount them to power outlets?
