PANASIA Project File No. 97-8004-03
Commencement date: 17th June 1998
Duration: 1 year
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PANASIA Project File No. 97-8004-03 |
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| Contents > Project proposal and methodology |
In our part of the country, 80% of the population are in rural area and 20% are living in urban area. These 80% of the population are presently involved in agricultural and activities which are ancillary to agriculture and other agro-based actvities. Due to lack of exposure to basic cost effective worldly knowledge and infrastructure, they are conducting their activities through conventional practices with little or no technology or innovative input.
While we have maximum number of NGOs working with the rural community, they too have very little knowledge in appropriate technologies and development in technologies since they too are working in isolation with little or no interaction with other local, regional and international NGOs.
Outcome of the above are that the NGOs are good at organising community but lack technology inputs to enable them to disseminate the same to the community. Moreover the regional NGOs are not involved when it comes to deliberating on common developmental issues.
Our task for the coming years is to rapidly bring more number of NGOs into electronic networking.
While efforts were made to bring them together through
electronic networking the main constrains we face were lack of infrastructure
in rural and tribal areas, frequent power cuts, little or no telephone
facilities, et cetra. In exceptional cases no resources were available for
buying computers and there was a lack of knowledge on operating computers.
Demand assessment
Based on the discussions held with the NGOs working in
remote areas and the survey conducted by us, we find many NGOs are
interested in networking in the following fields:
We find all these agencies need inputs to carry out their activities more effectively.
The options presently open are to establish networks
(sub-hosts) in remote areas which can provide local dialup access to
NGOs within the radius of 50 km. These sub-hosts can be interconnected
through wireless radio modems for regional, national and international
networking through the Internet.
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This project envisages establishment of remote area electronic networking through wireless radio modems at 10 remote sites primarily to enable Community Based Organisations (CBOs), NGOs and development organizations working in remote, rural and tribal areas to network with like minded organizations within the region and with national and international NGOs and partner organisations.
The objective of our program is to bring more NGOs working
for the rural poor in remote areas under the fold of electronic networking
to build the following capabilities:
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Wired networks have provided a logical and efficient choice for most networks wherever local loops and dedicated leased lines provided by telecommunication companies are affordable and easy to install.
But wired networks can be a restriction and a handicap for networks situated in remote areas where installation of dedicated leased lines is too costly and maintaining reliability of such dedicated links is not cost effective.
These problems have a solution in the form of wireless radio
based networks.
Wireless networking
The "Wireless Revolution" is driven by radio technology developed during the two World Wars to facilitate military and diplomatic communications. Radio communications links have been used for many years for point-to-point and point- to-multipoint voice applications.
Wireless network has provided a new layer of flexibility to environments that cannot be well served by the traditional wired network. Wireless networks represent a spectrum of capabilities that support limited, moderate and long distance converage.
Depending on the power of the transmitters and the sensitivity of the receivers, wireless networks can be the one of the cost effective options for Virtual Local and Remote Area Network and for coupling number of other wireless radio networks.
The future of wireless network is bright in meeting user
needs and expectations and the technology is well matured to complement
the wired world to enable seamless integrated networking.
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Packet radio modem with its peripherals connected to a computer sends and receives data in packets.
Packet radio is a particular digital mode of "Ham" Radio communications which is similar to electronic networking through computer, modem and telephone lines.
In remote area wireless communication networking the telephone modem is replaced by a Terminal Mode Controller (TNC); the telephone is replaced by a radio transceiver, and the phone system is replaced by radio waves.
The Terminal Node Controller (TNC) transfers data from a computer via radio to another computer which is similarly equipped.
These exchanges take place at relatively good speeds, resulting in efficient digital communications.
Packet Radio modems have the capability of sending and receiving data through digital modes and this process is transparent and error correcting with automatic control.
The Terminal Node Controller (TNC) automatically divides the message into packets, activates the transmitter and sends the packets. While at the receiving end, the TNC automatically decodes, checks for errors, and displays the received messages.
Packet radio provides error free communications because of built-in error detection schemes. If a packet is received, it is checked for errors and will be processed only if it is correct.
The effective range of packet radio communication is around 50 to 70 miles, varying with the specific combination of transmitter, antenna, frequency, feeder line obstructions, range, etc.
Applications of Packet radio Communications are mainly to
reach remote areas where wired networking is not possible, not available,
not cost effective or not reliable. Packet radio communications is used for
accessing external databases, sharing data, electronic mail, Bulletin
Board services, etc by interconnecting a series of wireless radio
modem hosts to a gateway host.
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Wireless networks have two components different from those found in wired networks. These are the waveform transmitter and the receiver that handles the data transfers from one server to the next server through air space. In addition, the wireless network needs all of the components that are used in wired networks like network interface card, a network operating system, application programming interfaces, network compliant software, and various operational procedures.
The waveform transmitters convert the signals of the computer system into the waveform motions at the correct frequencies and send them into the air medium at the proper time and signal level. The waveform receivers extract the signals from the air and perform review, recognition, and acceptance processing on them. The transmitters and receivers require external antennas to enter and recieve the waveforms from the air medium.
In addition to the different components of a wireless network configuration, there is also an added requirement of careful design and setup of the equipment and the tuning of its sending and receiving operations. Issues such as facility obstructions, antenna locations, signal tuning, movement patterns, etc must be evaluated and taken into account before committing to a wireless network installation.
A pilot installation or a trial set up
may be needed to make the final verification of wireless
network feasibility.
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Wireless networks offer the same user and client services as available in wired networks. The user can access files on servers, perform remote operations and applications, transfer data, share resources and interact with other facilities and users within the network. Hence, the issue should not be wireless versus wired networks, but rather when one should use which technology and where should they be interconnected.
The wireless network connects users in remote areas to an
information service using flexible, nonwire connection
medium. The services offered through a wireless network are a
replication of those provided through a wired network. The
differences in the user's view are minimal. The differences
occur only at the installation or change times, so these are
nearly transparent at the operations level.
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Because of the limitations in providing wired network access, users from remote parts of the country have been denied access to the information revolution or had to make access through inconvenient means and techniques, thus limiting the effectiveness of the connections.
Wireless networks enable information service providers to connect up such previously unsupported remote areas opening up numerous applications and enabling these users to become full partners in the information services world.
Wireless networks can be installed faster than traditional wired networks since there is no need for hard-wired cabling between host systems. Wireless networks offer flexible installation and can come up and running with minimal setup and initiation.
Wireless networks do not require expensive dedicated leased lines to connect to the main servers. The wireless radio modems and transceivers are also available readily and at reasonable prices. The medium used for data transfer is air and this is freely available.
Traditional wired networks are susceptible to disruption due to construction and repair operations along buried cable routes, as well as areas where the transmission cable is pole-mounted and subject to a high incidence of lightning and/or high winds in hurricane prone areas. Wireless networks do not have this limitation and are not prone to disruption by external agents.
Wireless networks can be easily interfaced to the wired networks to allow users in remote areas to access databases and interact with users on other public or private networks. In this sense, the wireless network has no boundaries and users can access information throughout the world if wireless networks can be connected to Internet gateways.
When compared to wired networks, wireless networks offer a far better range of up to 50 to 70 miles between units. This enables greater coverage through the network and provides "last mile" communication links to remote areas.
One of the salient advantages of wireless networks is that the installation can be easily moved. If situation warrants for the network to function from a different location, then the wireless network can be easily shifted and made operational faster.
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Various factors are taken into consideration while deciding
to use wireless technology. These are as follows:
Usage has been taken as the ultimate factor for defining the specific choices of technology of a wireless network. The kind and type of application and the data to be transferred back and forth on a wireless network are our keys on the technology selection.
The locations to be covered in the wireless network environment is also concidered as a key criteria in the decision process. The distances between nodes and gateway servers, and the physiology of the space are important factors in the design.
The condition of the space and facilities is a major factor for wireless network installation. If the area is disorganised, piled up with equipment and goods and subject to major changes in character, etc then it may not be conducive to the wireless network technology. The best conditions for wireless network technology are orderly, predictable conditions with minimal chance of changes in the communications space used by the wireless network.
The space where the wireless network will operate were studied and evaluated. The physiology of the proposed coverage area were studied to determine and take into consideration the hindrance to the movement of wireless signals between the transceivers.
The spatial configuration for wireless networks involve
mapping out the space covered by the wireless network
signals. This should consider the dispersion of the signals
from the transmitting antenna and the shape of the wave
moving through the surrounding air medium.
The spatial area of coverage will be a fan-out configuration
from the transmitting antenna. It can be affected by things
that are located in the path of the dispersion wave.
The signal positioning and management factors are:
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The planning of a wireless network was analysed and determined that the environment will support a wireless network using radio modems. The feasibility was determined to enable to take steps for the facility, location, operational procedures and the implementation of a wireless network.
Some of the factors we evaluated while planning a wireless
network are:
Wireless networks work best with short bursts of data being moved. This includes e-mail transactions, file referencing and transfer of data in packets.
The users should possess little knowledge on computer and be able to interact with a network service environment.
In few situations, it may not be possible to predetermine the feasibility of a wireless network. In such cases a trial evaluation implementation will be done by setting up a small wireless network in the physical environment.
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While deciding on a specific wireless network we have to consider their ability to not only handle our present needs but also our future needs as well.
All accurate assessment of present needs are detailed along with the issues that need to be considered.
Some of the factors taken into consideration while evaluating
and selecting wireless network components are mentioned below
to ensure that the network eventually will meet the requirements
of the users:
We have also assessed via feedback from the potential users how they intend to use the network and we have sorted their responses into two types - essential requirements and optional extras with a clear idea of the funds available, and the possibility of further funds for upgrading the network system being made available at a later date.
This assessment has given us a clear specification to present
to suppliers of wireless network components and it is also
easy to select a system that suits our requirements and that of
the users.
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Planning the wireless network installation and the time devoted to it will vary with the size of the network.
Modern programming practices generally stress the importance of planning "top-down" and implementing "bottom-up".
Planning and installing a wireless network is being approached in the same way. Briefly, top-down planning means starting with a high-level description of the overall task that is to be performed. This description helps to see the seperate components of a large, complicated problem.
Bottom-up implementation means that the simplest, lowest level pieces of the design are installed and tested first to see if they work as planned, and then add the next level, and repeat the process until the entire network has been installed.
Planning of a wireless network installation takes into
consideration the following components:
Application of software for the network has been decided
based on the considerations listed below:
The hardware and software plans are interdependent. As we work through the software plan, we will gather information that will shape the hardware plan. We may need to make a couple of passes through both plans, modifying earlier decisions as we gain a greater understanding of the interdependencies.
With the clear understanding of users, applications, system software, etc we have have derived the requirements for the hardware, servers and connections. By analysing the requirements we have also determined what hardware we proposed for the servers, the gateways and the node access points.
The following factors were taken into consideration during the time of hardware planning:
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The setup of a wireless network system involves the physical delivery and establishment of the send and receive units.
This also includes the facility preparation and organization, determining the location of transmit and receive equipments, and reviewing of the expected applications for the system.
Setup also involves defining the server units and the client units in terms of their capabilities, services, identity and location on the network. The interfacing to existing computer resources and wired networks also need to be evaluated.
Once the physical and logical elements have been determined
to be adequate for the wireless network installation, the
setup plan is complete and the physical installation begins.
The information for the setup is documented and made a part
of the systems definition file.
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The physical installation of a wireless network includes
the following steps:
Installation consists of installing a network interface
card into the computer unit, coupling wires from the card to an
radio modem interface which is in turn coupled to the
transceiver unit. The transceiver units will need to be
aligned and tested according to the instructions provided by
the vendor. Usual placement involves keeping the antenna
in a higher space to avoid people and physical interference.
The tuning process consists of selecting the frequency
levels and running some self-tests to see if the units can establish
and maintain contact with one another. Adjustment of the
tuning equipment consists of moving the locations and aiming
the transmitters and receivers connected to the various
computer units.
Once the transceivers are in reasonable tune and the units
can transmit and receive to or from one another, it is time
to set up the software that will connect the applications and
the user to the wireless network. The loaded software is
usually a vendor developed version of a mini network
operating system or software that acts as an interface
protocol to existing network operating systems. This software
requires to trap data operations that must move over the
wireless network and develop the proper data and messaging
formats to be used for communication with a wireless network.
This level of testing involves both the application and the
wireless network components. The application software on the
user end should set up a request or an information transfer
that is intended for a remote server which is accessible over
the wireless network. The steps, actions and timings of the
client software generating the wireless network transaction
and the server responding to it could be tracked and evaluated.
The test of the connectivity components validates the
ability of the wireless network to sustain reasonable throughput
under varying situations and conditions. Tests for loads,
continuity of service, throughput timings and other
performance characteristics will be evaluated.
If performance is not deemed adequate, then adjustments
will be made to priority schemes, network segments,
reliability characteristics, speed increments, and other
adjustment factors.
Once the network and its applications are installed and
working, train the trainers and the users of the wireless
networking will be undertaken. Training will also include
instructions on the setting up and maintenance of the
physical arrangement of the wireless units, placement of
antennas, transceivers, and other coupling components. The
locations for the units that are known to work best, procedures
to disconnect and connect the wireless networks, initialize
the services of the wireless network, etc should be taught
to the on-site support staff.
Normally the end users give less importance or don't care
about system implementation or utilities and they need orientation and
training only on the applications. In such cases emphasis for end
users will be on the operations which enable them to work in
partnership with more of understanding. In any case, we also plan
allocate adequate time for on-site training of end-users.
A well indexed user and support staff guide in clear format
on the operation of the wireless network will be made available to
on-site staff. Interactive help service and updates will also be
made available in online file formats.
The wireless network installation process is a short
one-time effort for each node. Only a few hours are required for the
opening, connecting, and testing of the wireless network.
Most of the time will be taken up with the installation and
testing of the software components. This may require
modification of system file specifications and user files and
adjustment of user applications. Necessary support staff
will handle user queries and assist users in accessing the
wireless network and handle day to day maintenance operations
of the network.
The total installation will be tested under realistic
operating conditions to isolate and resolve problems that may
arise in day-to-day operations of the wireless network.
Considerable adjustment and shoehorning will be needed to
make the system properly operate all user applications and
services.
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The wireless network is seldom a self-contained environment in which all elements are coupled only via a wireless system.
The normal situation has wireless systems coupled to a server which is in turn coupled to the wired world. This gives the wireless network user the best of both worlds.
Wireless-to-wired connections involve signal recognition and translation from one form of medium to another. This should be transparent and provide the users with information services that do not identify themselves as being handled by a wired or wireless network. Full operational transparency where the wireless and wired networks interact with seamless and transparent interfacing is a key measurement conversion for the wireless-to-wired coupling.
Wireless-to-wired network connections are relatively easy
to set up and maintain. A selected server is configured to be a
part of both the wireless and wired worlds. This server functions
as the intermediary for both the environments.
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Every network node needs a manager who is responsible for its successful functioning.
If the network is to be fairly static in the applications it runs and its configuration of servers, it may be enough to assign a non-technical user who can handle daily back-ups of the server, answer questions about the applications and assign new user accounts as needed.
If the network node function is dynamic (new applications
frequently brought up, application requirements undergo
change, etc) we may need an experienced person in-house
or a consultant on call. Many management tasks can be handle
by someone who is not a computer expert but who has received
the proper training on managing the network.
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An important decision to made for wireless networks is how
the management of the wireless network technology will be
integrated with other network management efforts. There will
be some areas where the wireless network will need some
unique management efforts, but the overall control of uses
and applications can be closely integrated with other systems
and network management procedures. Some of the unique network
management issues for wireless networks are identified below:
Like today's other modern electronic circuits, wireless
equipment is very reliable. However, it can fail at times and
need to be monitored in unique ways to ensure that the
overall system and service are maintained. The most common
wireless network failures consist of:
These failures will need to be monitored at either the
physical or data level of operation. After their detection
the unit will have to be identified, isolated and replaced.
Repair and replacement needs to be done by the on-site
support staff.
Wireless network failure usually occurs when the transmitter
and the receiver cannot communicate with one another.
Although lack of a physical intervening media (except the
air) prevents the failure of the medium, but the generators
and acceptors of the contents of the medium can be out of
tune or off frequency and hence unable to complete the
wireless network communication. In such situations where the
hardware is operational but messages are not getting through
the problem is usually with the transceivers on the network.
Tuning is critical in all of the wireless network
environments. If the signals cannot flow smoothly between the
transmitters and the receivers the wireless network comes to a
complete stop. Signal tuning involves the following steps:
Tuning failures can be avoided by regular maintenance. The
maintenance effort for tuning of the wireless network
involves regularly testing the transmitter and receiver
linkages and the frequencies of the transmission and ensuring
that they are within specifications.
The fault detection in a wireless network can be conducted
as part of the equipment enterprise. There is hardly any need to
maintain a seperate network fault detection process for the
wireless world. In case of fault detection built into the
equipment, the reporting and addressing of the fault can
be part of the overall network management schem. The tests
to be performed to determine the health of the wireless network
can be performed on a remote basis by the members of the network
operators who are trained understand the concepts and the
operation of wireless network equipment.
The following define the management efforts within the
context of the network management process:
Monitoring equipment will be used to monitor various factors
of a wireless network which can be added to the kit of the
network technicians just as cable testers and other
equipments are available for wired networks.
The software that runs on a wireless network operating
system must possess additional testing and maintenance facilities in
order to allow the network management group to evaluate the
data-level services of the network.
The use of the wireless network can vary depending upon the
application and the users. It is useful to develop some true
sense of how much traffic and what type of traffic is moving
over the wireless networks by maintaining summary usage
reports of volumes to and from various stations and the types
of traffic handled.
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Fault management and control is a major part of wireless
network management. If the communication link is down, it
will be detected and corrective actions taken quickly and
judiciously. The air medium seldom fails but interference
from the environment or failure of the transceivers is
possible cause of faults. Wireless network fault management
includes the following:
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The performance of a wireless network depends on many
factors. The overall performance of these systems will need
to be evaluated in the context of the exact layouts,
configurations, channels and other parameters. Performance
issues are evaluated based on the following factors:
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The probes within different locations of the wireless network is used to sense the data traffic flows and generate statistics that is used for reporting on overall loads, throughputs, and performance. The reports will support the assessment of the overall health and performance of the wireless network. Reporting outputs should include:
A history of performance will be maintained for the wireless network. The history will cover the average loads, performance factors, problems, faults and errors and the overall operation of the wireless network.
History not only repeats, but it can be used to determine
factors such as aging, excessive failure rates, overloads,
and other time- and condition- variable situations.
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Wireless networks will be in a state of continuous change and improvement. This means that there will be an ongoing evolution of upgrading and replacement of the technology levels. This replacement is typical of new and fast growing technologies. It is an expensive proposition which will be carefully managed to assure that the organisation receives reasonable value for the efforts invested.
The growth management steps involve the following:
Change will occur and will likely be a part of an ongoing
evolution for the wireless network users. These changes can
be unsettling to the smooth operation of the system. By
taking some extra steps, the process of change can be
improved for the wireless network users. The extra steps
include:
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Wireless networks permit users in remote areas to attain access to a higher level of information service than was possible earlier. As the wireless networks become connected to metropolitan area networks and to wide area networks and eventually to global area networks the wireless technology will act as a playing partner in the global access world.
Global networking is the strategic direction of most organisations. To some extent the wireless world has a stronger connotation of being global in coverage and at the same time giving local access in remote areas.
Introduction of wireless technology for use in remote areas
will give users access to a worldwide knowledge library and
enable sharing of ideas and experiences.
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