> -----Original Message----- > From: tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org > [mailto:tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org]On Behalf Of Justin Krejci > > > > Since I live in Minneapolis, I'm watching the wireless rollout with > > more than a little interest.... > > > > ... People now a days use PPP, Ethernet, or > some other > very standard protocol. If not, it is usually some CPE > hardware that does > all of the last mile talk then has an Ethernet handoff. Isn't municipal wireless using a secured protocol and/or spectrum trick(s) that require the subscriber to have special "demod gear" to get to an ethernet or 802.11g/b connection for any user(s)?? The subscriber still must connect to their "modem" and do wired or wireless in the home. > The wireless is very exciting and hopefully more of the metro > area will participate making a huge connected network. Does this mean anything more than having more people pay for higher-priced, proprietary modems in order to have their home connected to the internet? I doubt that there's any bandwidth ceiling advantage over fiber-to-the-home > Couple that with mobile VPNs > and I think it will make a pretty sweet network. Are you sure that mobile VPNs will be supported by municipal wireless ISPs in the near term? I'd expect municipal service contracts to differ from neighboring cities, and that may be a cause for a big delay (decades?) in having mobile options for that new service. Cell carrier services (plue 911 type service carriers) are already capable of supporting municipal needs, so the justification to scrap equipment and change to a new scheme may be hard to achieve. Does a universal municipal wireless system make any sense for bandwidth utilization or municipal economy? Would such a system be rated to operate during emergencies and handle overloads like homecoming weekends or a big convention around neighborhood schools or whatever? True emergency systems must be rated to be operational during major storms and tornadoes. An entertainment-mostly wireless system won't be that robust or it would be very expensive. Chuck