Neighborhoods Unplugged

Community Wireless (Wi-Fi) Network Training Class

July 15 to August 28

Tu/Th: 10.00 AM to 12.30 PM

Some week day and weekend hours will be required

This course will introduce you to basic wireless, or “Wi-Fi” networking skills. In this class, you will learn how to…

• Install, configure and troubleshoot a wireless local area network (WLAN)
• Survey, troubleshoot and optimize Wi-Fi LANs for speed and coverage
• Create and connect to public hotspots

By the end of the class, you will have created a community wireless network that will be used by neighborhood residents. Your training will include outreach with residents to conduct surveys, plan the deployment, and hold workshop sessions demonstrating to users how to connect to the network.

We will learn about community wireless networks using equipment from a company called Open –Mesh (www.open-mesh.com), which manufactures access points and helps you manage your network through an Internet dashboard.

WEEK 1 Introduction to the Internet and wireless connectivity

WEEK 2 Basic radio communications and spectrum

WEEK 3 CPE client devices

WEEK 4 Wireless mesh and Open-Mesh overview; Site survey and planning

WEEK 5 Open-mesh deployment and configuration

WEEK 6 Testing and troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks

WEEK 7 Security and privacy on Wi-Fi networks