Writings from Justin Wilson
Recently I have been using the QoE solution from Cambium Networks on some networks. This software allows for the prioritization and shaping of traffic on a service provider’s network. We will go into the workings of this in some later posts. Here are some screenshots.
Awhile back I did some articles on PIM in the WISP field
The folks over at SitePro1 have put together a guide and products for defending against PIM.
The folks over at KP Performance have released a short article on calculating link budget on wireless links.
As Internet Service has evolved so have the service offerings of Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Not too long ago the majority of ISPs were providing USENET feeds. If you remember those you have been at this for a long time.
For those of you just getting started or wanting to do an evaluation on your network here are some thoughts on services you should or should not be providing.
Let’s dive into the short list
DNS – Must Have
You should be running your own Doman Name Service (DNS) resolvers. There are many benefits to you and your customers.
e-mail – Don’t worry about offering
The advent of free or low-cost e-mail services has seen a rapid decline in the need for ISPs to their customers. For ISPs who offer e-mail, it is a service that generates many trouble tickets. From SPAM complaints all the way down to them not receiving emails. Leave offering email to customers to the GMAIL folks of the world.
Web-Site Hosting – Optional
If you are a Managed Service provider (MSP) then web-hosting can be a lucrative business. With web-site hosting also comes e-mail hosting.
VOIP
Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a hot topic these days. Many grants mention the ability to provide voice services as a requirement. Outsource this to providers such as Atheral.
Thats it! There are many other services you could extend to customers. There are also services which are not public facing you might want to run. Radius is on example of services you would run internally. As a service provider you should be spending as much effort on delivering solid access to your customers. Other services can be found by the end users themselves from dedicated services.
Over the years many MidWestern WISPS have fashioned ways to use Harvestore silos for broadcast locations. With the help of one of our good clients, who did most of the work designing this, we were able to install a very solid structure on the top of a silo.
Please note. These photos were taken before wiring and final touches were installed. The backhaul dishes all need tie-backs to help prevent them from twisting in the wind. This was the biggest thing not shown in the photos.
More Wireless Internet and Ham Radio photos from the archives. WISP installs.
Some various install photos over the years. Mainly wireless Internet but some ham radio and two-way stuff in here. Some of the quality isn’t so great due to the age of the photos.
Some water tower install photos from the archives. These are mainly WISP antennas and equipment on various water towers.
Magnet mount for a wireless antenna. This particular mount has a Ubiquiti dish on it.
