Design aspects of a hybrid community LAN environment

This paper describes the creation of a community-based network environment using the simplicity of a small network and general accessibility of different kinds of open source software. This paper also discusses the possible uses of such small community networks with optional features specially customized for users. The specifications of a hybrid network, with features of a distributed network managed by a centralized system, and its requirements are detailed. All topological concepts and the system design are based on one of the authors' knowledge gained from his experience in founding and working for a small Internet company in Warsaw, Poland.