[isp-wireless] 'WISP in a box'

["Patrick Gannon" <ptgannon1@...]

Dear List,

I have learned a lot about the wireless industry while lurking here.  I've
posted once or twice regarding the use of broadband satellite as an
alternative to T-1's for internet backhaul service in remote areas.

I run into a number of companies who are interested in broadband service for
their remote branch offices or small companies who want broadband internet
access, but can't get it.  I am playing with the idea of creating a 'WISP in
a box' solution, bundling a broadband satellite service with an inexpensive
WISP solution to help spread the cost among more users.

Lets say for instance that you have a real estate office in a small strip
mall in the middle of nowhere.  They want broadband satellite, because there
are no alternatives, but it's a little more than they'd like to pay.  If
they set up a small wireless network to reach the other companies in the
strip mall, they could resell some of their bandwidth to their neighbors in
order to lower their own broadband costs and get help defraying the cost of
the hardware.

With this concept, cheap and simple is the way to go.  We're not trying to
hit a whole neighborhood, just a handful of local businesses that are
located close by.  Would you use 802.1b stuff, or would you recommend
something else?  What's the realistic range for a hot spot?  What's the
simplest way to do this, as a real estate office, for example does not have
the expertise or desire to become a full-time ISP.  It has to be as
idiot-proof, as possible.  What's cheap and simple?  Any suggestions or
advice would be greatly appreciated.

Pat

Patrick Gannon
Business Satellite Solutions
Phone:  (804) 556-3069
Email:    ptgannon1@...