We plan to hold a meeting about this in April.

So that we spend the grant wisely I want to draw up a list of
requirements and so I would be very interested in presenting everyones
opinions - and if possible would welcome you guys along when we have
a date confirmed. I am a software developer so know all about
software, but as I do not deal with networking and connectivity I
would appreciate your opinions here. 

Based on the discussions so far, can I assume what we require is,

1). Broadband connection availble to load balance initially at least
20 concurrent users. I realise Dave makes the case for 50 users but I
do not think we will reach those numbers concurrently - obviously if
the budget allows we will go for as much bandwidth as we can. Also if
we are doing this on a subscription basis - then we can upgrade the
bandwith when we need to. I think it will take a year or two to get
people to sign up for the service as most residents on a broadband
package are usually tied in anyway and will wait to see if the project
is successful rather than switching to us. 

2). Upgradeable connection - for the reasons just stated.

3). Wireless network for remote access - a must.

4). A subscription service to cover costs. We would like to keep these
down to a minimum though and will be applying for every grant possible
to benefit residents.

5). Software administration, as suggested a central firewall and spam
and anti vrus filter, parental control monitors etc.

6). Internal connectivity (for the Internet Cafe). Will require
wireless modems etc.

Is this a good starting point or is there anything I have missed.

--- In beal@..., lee dowson <lee_dowson@y...> wrote:
>
> A solution to this, would be to manage the connection via MAC
Address. Only approved users could access the wireless network if
their Mac Address has been entered into the routers allowed list.
>   
>   It's very simple to setup, requires no password mangement and you
could charge a nominal fee for membership, to cover admin costs, etc.
If you have the right type of Router, you can also manage usage,
Anti-Virus and content blocking, so no-one is mis-using the service.
>   
>   Happy to help out and give advise where needed.  I've been an IT
Consultant for over 10 years and do this type of stuff for a living.
>   
>   Regards,
>   
>   Lee.
>
> Dave Waller <dwaller@b...> wrote:
>   Trevor,
> I can't get 512kb off BT. I tried over a year ago but the line quality
> just wasn't good enough. It took a month to get my internet access
> sorted out afterwards so I'm a bit un-keen to try again until the
> technology improves.
> If we can dial into the Hall connection we'll have to watch out how
> many concurrent users use the service. No point in having a 2Mb line
> if there are 50 of us sucking data out of it at the same time.
>
> Dave
>
>
> --- In beal@..., "bty816580" <trevork@t...> wrote:
> >
> > This will certainly be something that we will discuss with BT when
> we
> > install the line. I will certainly be proposing that residents can
> > dial in to use the services at the village hall.
>
>
>
>
>
>  
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