Your first HSMM-Mesh Broadband-Hamnet node should be a NanoStationM2

If you are just getting started in Broadband-Hamnet, I recommend you start out by purchasing a Ubiquiti NanoStationM2 as your first node. I do not recommend starting out with a Linksys WRT54G series.

Broadband-Hamnet has undergone a lot of growth over the last couple years. We now have another option in hardware vendors. We have the ability to use multiple frequency bands and even to link them together using Device to Device linking. We have more choices than ever.

When I first started in what was then known as HSMM-Mesh, now known as Broadband-Hamnet, the WRT54G series was the only hardware we had. It served its purpose, we were able to create some nodes, install them in locations that allowed for direct line of sight access and we were able to create some functional networks. The problem was the WRT54G was never designed to be used in this type of application. In order to use them in an outdoor location, it had to be mounted in a weatherproof enclosure. The stock antennas were intended to be used to provide links within a home. The stock antennas were not intended to be used for long range connections. Installing a high gain antenna on the WRT54G required coax to connect the two. The cable losses at 2.4 GHz required large diameter cables (at least LMR-400) and short cable runs. All this adds up to extra costs and complicates the building of a working node for us.

Component	Quantity	Unit Cost	Extended Cost
WRT54GL	1	50	50
Enclosure	1	40	40
Antenna	2	45	90
COAX	2	15	30
POE	1	10	10
Ethernet Cable	1	20	20
		TOTAL	240

Setting up Asterisk on a Raspberry Pi for use on a Broadband-Hamnet(TM) mesh network

Setting up Asterisk on a Raspberry Pi for use on a Broadband-Hamnet(TM) mesh network

Starting to use Broadband-Hamnet or HSMM-Mesh

So you just discovered Broadband-Hamnet™ and may be wondering what is going on. Broadband-Hamnet™ is the self configuring ham network. It is time to have our own Broadband-Hamnet. Hams have transferred IP data by radio for ages. This network is FAST!
Lets start with some basic concepts. We will be expanding this page so check back from time to time.

• Broadband-Hamnet is a network, it is not application software. It is a special firmware build that transforms consumer wireless gear to a specialized ham radio function. It can use application software to transport your data from place to place, but you must provide the application software just like you do at your home or office.
• A Mesh network is a highway over which data travels. Turning on two mesh nodes loaded with our firmware creates a data network. This highway carries your cargo (data), and allows your local computer to use information or applications stored in other locations
• Mesh nodes were originally consumer wireless routers but changed function when the firmware was changed
• After conversion, the WAN, LAN and Wi-Fi ports are linked using special rules and no longer operate like a normal wireless router. Some devices like Ubiquiti Bullet have only a single network connection. Others like the WRT54x series have multiple LAN jacks and the .Internet jack. All have the RF (WiFi) antenna and signal.
• Mesh nodes are self discovering, self configuring, self advertising and fault tolerant
• Mesh nodes are a data network without the wires. Most tasks that you can do over a wired or wireless network at your home or office will work on a mesh node