<nettime> release of CUWiN - free wireless networking software

[agent humble <humble@resist.ca>]

Imagine a free wireless networking system that any municipality, company, 
or group of neighbors could easily set up themselves.  Over the past 
half-decade, the Champaign-Urbana Community Wireless Network (CUWiN) has 
been developing an open source, turnkey wireless networking solution that 
exceeds the functionality of many proprietary systems. CUWiN's vision is 
ubiquitous, extremely high-speed, low-cost networking for every community 
and constituency. Following in the footsteps of Linux and Firefox, CUWiN 
has focused on creating a low-cost, non-proprietary, user-friendly system. 
CUWiN's software will share connectivity across the network, allowing 
users to buy bandwidth in bulk and benefit from the cost savings.  CUWiN 
networks are self-configuring and self-healing -- so adding new wireless 
nodes is hassle-free, and the system automatically adapts to the loss of 
an existing node.  And, because CUWiN networks are completely ad-hoc, 
there's no need for expensive central servers or specialized 
administration equipment.

To set up a network, all end-users need to do is burn a CD with CUWiN's 
software (which will be available for free at http://www.cuwireless.net), 
put the CD into an old desktop computer equipped with a supported wireless 
card, and turn the computer on.  Once the computer boots from the CD, the 
rest of the setup is completely automated: from loading the networking 
operating system and software, sending out beacons to nearby nodes, 
negotiating network connectivity, and assimilating into the network -- all 
the complicated technical setup is taken care of automatically.  Unlike 
most broadband systems, CUWiN's software builds a local intranet as well 
as providing for Internet-connectivity -- thus, a town that uses CUWiN's 
system is also creating a community-wide local area network over which 
streaming audio and video, voice services, etc. can all be sent.

CUWiN is a cutting edge research and development initiative.  CUWiN has 
pioneered the first open source implementation of Hazy Sighted Link State 
routing protocol (first developed by BBN Technologies); thus CUWiN's 
software creates a highly robust, scalable ad-hoc wireless networks. 
CUWiN's route prioritization metric is based on research conducted at MIT 
and will automatically adapt to any network topology and local geography.

CUWiN's software is, and always will be, available for free.  CUWiN is a 
non-profit organization supported by grants and donations.  CUWiN's 
software provides one of the world's most advanced networking solutions 
available today; and we are now making our software available to the 
general public to use, test, and help develop.  We know that there are 
features and improvements that people will want to see in future releases 
-- as an open source project, we are counting on the feedback and input 
from people around the globe.

More information on setting up your own CUWiN network is available online 
now at: http://www.cuwireless.net/documentation

The latest version (0.5.5) of the CUWiN software will be available for 
public download by the end of the week at: 
http://www.cuwireless.net/downloads

A brief article on the background, history, and ethos of the CUWiN project 
is available at: www.comtechreview.org/article.php?article_id=259

***

About CUWiN:

The Champaign-Urbana Community Wireless Network (CUWiN) has built a 
communications system using wireless networking equipment. This is 
essentially the same "WiFi" equipment used in homes and offices, but we 
put it on rooftops to connect neighbors and form a high-speed community 
network.

CUWiN's three-part mission is to:  connect more people to Internet and 
broadband services; develop open-source hardware and software for use by 
wireless projects world-wide; and, build and support community-owned, 
not-for-profit broadband networks in cities and towns around the globe.

CUWiN gives communities a new choice for their communications 
infrastructure by building a house-to-house wireless "mesh." CUWiN makes 
it possible for neighbors to share broadband Internet access and services 
including Voice over IP as an alternative to traditional phone service, 
and alternatives to radio and cable -- such as live broadcasts from 
grassroots media-makers from Independent Media Centers and "Internet radio 
stations" in subscribers' homes.

OJC Technologies (http://www.ojctech.com) is our development home.

PRESS CONTACT:

Sascha Meinrath
(217)278-3933
sascha@cuwireless.net
CUWiN Website: http://www.cuwireless.net

-- 

"My ankle hurts from dancing last night, so there is pain, but the pain 
doesn't hurt me, for there is no me." ~~ Ken Wilbur, One Taste



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