Wireless Nomad: a case study in Co-operatively managed, shared urban residential wireless Internet Service provision

In the last few years, wireless networks coupled with growing broadband connectivity have expanded beyond home network use and into larger scale community and municipal projects. In many cities there are often an abundance of wireless signals as different kinds of users take advantage of commercially available and license-exempt wireless devices. This paper explores the use of these signals for shared connectivity and community access purposes through a case study of wireless nomad co-operative, a wireless Internet service provider. The history and experiences of wireless nomad over the last 2.5 years of study will be used to provide insight into key issues of community and municipal wireless networking: wireless connectivity and shared access, spectrum management, and broadband connectivity.