MassMeshWiki - User contributions [en]

Neighborhood Captain Pamphlet

2020-03-28T03:50:50Z

Megakeegman: Resource for people thinking about starting a neighborhood network

== Who/What Is Mass Mesh ==
Mass Mesh is a grass-roots organization committed to building the commons and empowering eachother to make the change we want to see in the world generally. Our members are hackers, tinker-ers, organizers, artists, and dreamers. We all have one thing in common -- we're doing everything in our power to set the Internet free!
As of January 29th, 2020, we’re a 100% volunteer group. We’re owned and operated by our members, and always will be. As we grow, democratic governance of our network will develop to accommodate the needs of the Mass Mesh volunteer teams and the neighborhood networks we support/facilitate. For more information about our organization’s strategy, see the 2020 organizational meeting notes here: https://tinyurl.com/s83qevw
== Why Start A Neighborhood Network ==
By starting a neighborhood network, you take control of a small part of the communications infrastructure you use every day, and become part of the grass-roots alternative to corporate Internet access. Over the last two decades, giant corporations like Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T have wrested control over the vast majority of our communications infrastructure. Because their sole aim is to extract a huge profit from their subscribers, they haven't invested in expanding access for all or maintaining a competitive level of service – nor have they upheld the ethical mandates of respecting their customers’ privacy and upholding net neutrality. Mass Mesh is a response to this massive inequity and the design practices that created it.
In addition to laying the groundwork for democratic network control, neighborhood networks are a great way to save money. A neighborhood network shares one “up-link” to the Internet, which means you can buy your bandwidth in bulk. When you start a neighborhood network, you could save yourself and your neighbors hundreds of dollars a year. That’s money that stays in your community – instead of being siphoned away by the cable giants.
== What Is A Mesh Network ==
A mesh network is a special kind of computer network called a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Among other features, P2P networks are robust. If one attached device goes down, the network continues. This means that as long as your (the neighborhood captain’s) node doesn’t go down, the neighborhood will remain connected to the Internet. Larger neighborhood networks may want to obtain multiple connections to the Internet in order to have an even more resilient connection.
== What Is A Mesh-Node ==
A mesh node is just one point on the mesh network. There is one mesh node per home in a neighborhood network. The mesh-nodes that make up your neighborhood’s network will likely all look a little different depending on the terrain and network needs. However, they will all have the same basic components:
• One (or more) “radios”
• One mini-computer
The mini-computer runs the Yggdrasil routing protocol, and uses the radios to communicate with the other homes in your neighborhood network wirelessly.
== What Is A Neighborhood Network ==
The organizing unit of Mass Mesh is the neighborhood network. Each neighborhood network is a wireless mesh network of homes, and is free to use their network however they see fit. The most common use-case for a neighborhood network is to purchase Internet bandwidth collectively (for significant cost-savings.) Members of a 5-home neighborhood network can expect to pay less than $30 per month for 200Mbps or more bandwidth.
Neighborhood networks are owned locally, by the participants – that’s you! Each home in a neighborhood network is responsible for obtaining and running hardware available through Mass Mesh in order to participate in the network. Mass Mesh’s install and support team is also available to provide ongoing support for the network.
== What Is A Neighborhood Captain ==
As a neighborhood captain, you are the host of your neighborhood network’s Internet connection. You are responsible for keeping your mesh-node online, and for coordinating with the gateway host to maintain a secure connection between your neighborhood and the rest of the Internet (more details on gateways and gateway operator below.)
As the local face of Mass Mesh, you are free to grow your network with your neighbors.
== What Is A Gateway And Who Is The Gateway Operator ==
Your neighborhood network is a mesh network, which basically means that it is a totally seperate network from the Internet. In order to securely access familiar Internet websites from within your neighborhood mesh network, you must connect to a secure Internet gateway. The Internet gatway is simply a high-performance computer in a data-center somewhere that is connected to your mesh network and the rest of the Internet. By accessing the Internet through a gateway, you maintain a higher level of privacy through encryption and enjoy some of the benefits of using a VPN.
There are several active gateway operators on our network. You can get in contact with them in the Mass Mesh Gateway Hosts chat channel.
The gateway operator has a lot of power. They can turn off Internet access for any/all of their clients. If you have a dispute with a neighbor, like a neighbor that refuses to pay, or is using the network unfairly, you can report them to your gateway operator for removal. Please use great care when doing this, as it’s a pretty extreme measure.
== References ==
https://www.lifewire.com/introduction-to-peer-to-peer-networks-817421

Main Page

2020-03-28T03:40:24Z

Megakeegman: Adding a page for neighborhood captain resource

MassMesh is a volunteer-run grassroots project that aims to create community-owned wireless networks. These networks enable low cost, secure, censorship-resilient home Internet access. The purpose of this wiki is to provide you with all of the information you need to set up your own custom router and join the mesh.

Making positive change requires solidarity, so please consider joining us at one of our weekly meetings! Whether you are interested in installing a mesh node, joining our team of volunteers, requesting a demonstration, or even just having a conversation about mesh networks, we want to hear from you.

We have provided all of the information on this site for free because we care about the well-being of all of our communities.

Learn more about what we are doing using the links below.

== Instructional Materials ==
<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Network Architecture]]: A broad overview of how our neighborhood networks are constructed, how we connect them to the Internet, and how they fit into the global Yggdrasil network.

; [[Glossary Of Terms]]: A whole bunch of terms that we use to describe our network.

; [[Node Setup]]: A step-by-step guide to setting up your own mesh node, so that you can form a network with your neighbors.

; [[:Category:Devices|Devices]]: A list of our supported devices with their performance stats, costs, and setup tutorials.

; [[Neighborhood Captain Pamphlet]]: Read here to learn about starting a network in your neighborhood.

</div>

== Getting Involved ==
<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Volunteer Projects]]: Here's what we're working on, and what we could use your help with!

; [[Contact and Meeting Info]]: Information on how to get in touch with us online and in person.

</div>

== Free/Open Source Tools ==
* OpenWrt (router operating system)- visit [https://openwrt.org/ openwrt.org]
* Yggdrasil Network (routing protocol) - visit [https://yggdrasil-network.github.io/ yggdrasil-network.github.io]
* Wireless Community Networks (organizer tools) - visit [http://communitytechnology.github.io/ communitytechnology.github.io]
* Balena Etcher (OS image flasher) - visit [https://www.balena.io/etcher/ balena.io]

Contact and Meeting Info

2020-03-17T17:17:44Z

Megakeegman: I removed info about our physical meeting spaces and replaced it with info about meeting on Jitsi every Tuesday until the pandemic cools off.

== Open Weekly Meetings ==

MassMesh holds weekly convergences across Boston. We are always looking for another good '''free''' venue. If you know of a space we should be visiting, or would like to become a host, please [https://riot.im/app/#/group/+massmesh:matrix.org join our chat] and let us know!

Meeting dates/locations can be found on our [https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2d998d5dlmm9v3l7uu6f83ekbg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York Google Calendar] and also on [https://www.meetup.com/SomervillePirates/ Meetup.com].

'''Due to the covid-19 pandemic, all of our weekly meetings are going virtual until further notice. Please join us in our [https://jitsi.massmesh.net/massmesh jitsi room] from 7PM to 9PM on any Tuesday. We wish we could meet you in person, but we must take care of ourselves and each other during this time.'''

{{Note|For a better idea of what we're up to, check out our [[Meeting Minutes]].}}

== Staying Up To Date ==

We maintain a [https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2d998d5dlmm9v3l7uu6f83ekbg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York Google calendar] where you can view all of our upcoming events.

Please consider joining the [https://www.meetup.com/SomervillePirates/ Somerville Pirates on Meetup.com] to receive push notifications when we announce new events.

Alternatively, you can stay up to date with Mass Mesh happenings through our [https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/massmeshnet mailing list] or joining one of our [https://riot.im/app/#/group/+massmesh:matrix.org Matrix chat channels.]

=== Our Generous Monthly Hosts ===

Without our monthly hosts, we would be homeless as a movement. A big '''thank you''' to all of you!

<gallery>
File:Veritas.jpg | '''Veritas Genetics'''
File:DC_Logo.jpg | '''Democracy Center'''
File:E5_logo.png | '''Encuentro 5'''
</gallery>

Node Setup

2019-10-23T19:04:46Z

Megakeegman: /* Seeking Assistance */

This page will help you set up your mesh node each step of the way. We have done plenty of research to provide you with informed recommendations on what works best.

== Choosing your Devices ==
First, you will need to select and acquire the hardware components of your custom router. We have gathered information on many [[Compatible Devices|devices]] to make your selection easier.

== Flashing the Firmware ==
The procedure to flash the firmware varies from device to device. The [[Compatible Devices|devices]] page contains links to wiki pages for each listed device.

Refer to the wiki page for your device to find its corresponding flashing procedure. Or if you prefer, bring your node to one of our meetings and we will be happy to flash it for you!

== Configuring your Node ==
The preconfigured MassMesh firmware aims to have as much as possible done out of the box.

If you are using stock OpenWrt, see [[Manual Configuration]] for how to replicate the prebuilt firmware settings.

== Placing your Node ==
In order to communicate on the mesh, your node must be able to talk to other nodes in your area. Here are some suggestions to help maximize your signal:

* Weather resistant nodes should be mounted on the outside of the house or to a column facing the street
* Indoor nodes should be placed on or near windows facing the street and other buildings
* Nodes will work best if they have a direct line of sight to each other

== Wiring Up your Node ==

In addition to providing power to the node, you may also want to use the following ports on your device:

* The WAN port (on multi-port devices) may be connected to a spare LAN port on your regular router (or directly to your modem) to share your internet connection with the mesh
* The LAN port may be connected to a switch or any device to provide internet to that device through the mesh

== Seeking Assistance ==
If you need help at any point, [[Contact and Meeting Info|get in touch with us]] online or in person.

Node Setup

2019-10-23T19:03:14Z

Megakeegman:

This page will help you set up your mesh node each step of the way. We have done plenty of research to provide you with informed recommendations on what works best.

== Choosing your Devices ==
First, you will need to select and acquire the hardware components of your custom router. We have gathered information on many [[Compatible Devices|devices]] to make your selection easier.

== Flashing the Firmware ==
The procedure to flash the firmware varies from device to device. The [[Compatible Devices|devices]] page contains links to wiki pages for each listed device.

Refer to the wiki page for your device to find its corresponding flashing procedure. Or if you prefer, bring your node to one of our meetings and we will be happy to flash it for you!

== Configuring your Node ==
The preconfigured MassMesh firmware aims to have as much as possible done out of the box.

If you are using stock OpenWrt, see [[Manual Configuration]] for how to replicate the prebuilt firmware settings.

== Placing your Node ==
In order to communicate on the mesh, your node must be able to talk to other nodes in your area. Here are some suggestions to help maximize your signal:

* Weather resistant nodes should be mounted on the outside of the house or to a column facing the street
* Indoor nodes should be placed on or near windows facing the street and other buildings
* Nodes will work best if they have a direct line of sight to each other

== Wiring Up your Node ==

In addition to providing power to the node, you may also want to use the following ports on your device:

* The WAN port (on multi-port devices) may be connected to a spare LAN port on your regular router (or directly to your modem) to share your internet connection with the mesh
* The LAN port may be connected to a switch or any device to provide internet to that device through the mesh

== Seeking Assistance ==
If you need help at any point, [[Meeting and Contact Info|get in touch with us]] online or in person.

Volunteer Projects

2019-10-23T17:24:57Z

Megakeegman: Megakeegman moved page Teams to Volunteer Projects

While we're not formally divided into teams, we've started to diverge into a couple distinct sets of activities for now. It's our goal to remain non-hierarchical as we grow and pursue more specialized tasks, and it's also important to us that all of our members feel empowered to grow through their involvement in the project. Mass Mesh convergences are our weekly touch-base, and a place for strategizing, hacking, being creative, trying new things, and learning.

You can get involved in any/all of the following teams by joining us at our weekly convergences in Boston/Cambridge or joining us remotely on our Matrix chat channels.

=== You can help!===
If you care about the Internet, we need you to organize with us. You can help us most by doing any of the following:
* Contacting institutions about becoming neighborhood Internet beacons, or becoming one yourself.
* Organizing and/or hosting events.
* Creating materials to help spread the word.

== Propagation Team ==
Matrix channel: MassMesh Outreach

We're focused on getting adoption out in the real world. Based on the technology available, we form strategies for near-term expansion -- then we get the word out in any way we can. In the past, we've put up flyers in Allston, hosted a design workshop in Roxbury, and done installations in Holyoke and the Boston University area.

We maintain a support desk, and respond to tickets from that platform. At this point, all tickets are requests for installations.

We are exploring becoming a cooperatively owned business entity of some kind, but there is a long way from here to there. Right now, we are primarily focused on organizing our meetings better.

== Development Team ==
Matrix channel: MassMesh Tech

We're focused on building upon Yggdrasil, OpenWrt, and other mesh networking technologies to create a usable product. Our goals are to be end-to-end encrypted and zero-configuration. We've deployed BMX6 networks, created bridges between Yggdrasil and Tor, and done extensive tinkering with Wireguard in the context of the Yggdrasil network.

We build configurations for all of Mass Mesh's supported hardware, and host it on Github.

We are always on the lookout for inexpensive hardware to run our software. Specifically, we are looking for devices around or under $100 that can run [https://openwrt.org/ OpenWrt] or other open distros such as Debian, and contain multiple networking interfaces to reduce the extra cost of adding adapters. Examples include multi-radio devices and small SBCs with multiple network interfaces such as the [http://espressobin.net/ EspressoBin].

We are also keeping our eye on custom hardware like the [https://librerouter.org/ LibreRouter]. If you have experience with small embedded devices or custom hardware, we encourage you to get in touch or attend one of our [https://www.meetup.com/SomervillePirates/ meetings].

For more information about our supported devices, see our [[Compatible Devices|devices]] page.

== Outreach ==

[[File:Megaphone.png|left|125px]]

Our outreach strategy is informed by the practice of design justice in order to intentionally build neighborhood power. Apart from connecting with people during our [https://www.meetup.com/SomervillePirates/ Meetups], we want to cultivate practical knowledge about mesh networking in the working class neighborhoods of Boston.

Our current programs include [https://github.com/dcwalk/performingmesh Performing Mesh], which we have piloted with [https://www.ujimaboston.com/ Ujima Boston]. Our education project is meant to spread the word about our project, galvanize installs, and cultivate political knowledge/discourse.

Growing our install base is another key goal of our outreach program. In order to differentiate our project, we have to approach this process differently than traditional ISPs. Our installation project should be embroiled in the education project, and vice versa.

Contact and Meeting Info

2019-10-23T17:23:07Z

Megakeegman: Megakeegman moved page Getting Involved to Contact and Meeting Info

You can stay up to date with our event schedule by joining the mailing list or one of our several groups on '''Meetup.com.''' Join one of these to receive push notifications when we announce new events.

* [https://www.meetup.com/agaric/ Boston/Cambridge Worker Cooperative Meetup]
* [https://www.meetup.com/Boston-Business-and-Tech-Meetup/ Boston Business And Tech Industry Meetup]
* [https://www.meetup.com/SomervillePirates/ Somerville Pirates]
* [https://www.meetup.com/CommunityOwnershipLab/ Community Ownership Lab]

== Weekly Convergences ==

MassMesh holds weekly convergences across Boston. We are always looking for another good '''free''' venue. If you know of a space we should be visiting, or would like to become a host, please [https://riot.im/app/#/group/+massmesh:matrix.org join our chat] and let us know!

Meeting dates/locations can be found on our [https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=2d998d5dlmm9v3l7uu6f83ekbg%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York Google Calendar] and also on [https://www.meetup.com/SomervillePirates/ Meetup.com].

* '''First Tuesday''' - Industry Lab, Somerville
** 10 minute walk from Red Line (Central)
* '''Second Tuesday''' - Democracy Center, Cambridge
** 5 minute walk from Red Line (Harvard)
* '''Third Tuesday''' - Encuentro 5, Boston
** 5 minute walk from Red, Green, Orange Line (Park Street)

{{Note|For a better idea of what we're up to, check out our [[Meeting Minutes]].}}

=== Hosts ===

Without our weekly hosts, we would be homeless. A big '''thank you''' to all of you!

<gallery>
File:IndustryLabLogo.png | '''Industry Lab''' @ 288 Norfolk Street, Cambridge
File:CuroverseLogo.png | '''Curoverse''' @ 212 Elm Street, Somerville
File:DemocracyCenterLogo.png | '''Democracy Center''' @ 45 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge
</gallery>

Main Page

2019-10-23T17:16:46Z

Megakeegman:

MassMesh is a volunteer-run grassroots project that aims to create a community-owned wireless network that provides secure and censorship-resilient internet access at a low cost. The purpose of this wiki is to provide you with all of the informational resources you need to set up your own custom router and join the mesh.

Making positive change requires solidarity, so please get in touch with us if you have any interest in setting the internet free! Whether you are interested in installing a mesh node, joining our team of volunteers, requesting a demonstration, or even just having a conversation about mesh networks, we want to hear from you.

We have provided all of the information on this site for free because we care about the well-being of all of our communities.

Learn more about what we are doing using the links below.

== Instructional Materials ==
<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Mesh Network Setup]]: A step-by-step guide to setting up your own mesh node.

; [[Compatible Devices]]: A list of tested devices with their cost and detailed setup information.

</div>
== Getting Involved ==
<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Volunteer Projects]]: Here's what we're working on, and what we could use your help with!

; [[Contact and Meeting Info]]: Information on how to get in touch with us online and in person.

</div>

== Free/Open Source Tools ==
* Yggdrasil Network - visit [https://yggdrasil-network.github.io/ yggdrasil-network.github.io]
* Wireless Community Networks - visit [http://communitytechnology.github.io/ communitytechnology.github.io]

Main Page

2019-10-23T17:11:21Z

Megakeegman: /* Resources */

MassMesh is a volunteer-run grassroots project that aims to create a community-owned wireless network that provides secure and censorship-resilient internet access at a low cost. The purpose of this wiki is to provide you with all of the informational resources you need to set up your own custom router and join the mesh.

Making positive change requires solidarity, so please get in touch with us if you have any interest in setting the internet free! Whether you are interested in installing a mesh node, joining our team of volunteers, requesting a demonstration, or even just having a conversation about mesh networks, we want to hear from you.

We have provided all of the information on this site for free because we care about the well-being of all of our communities.

Learn more about what we are doing using the links below, or stop by one of our [[Getting Involved|meetings]] to say hello!

== Instructional Materials ==
<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Mesh Network Setup]]: A step-by-step guide to setting up your own mesh node.

; [[Compatible Devices]]: A list of tested devices with their cost and detailed setup information.

</div>
== Getting Involved ==
<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Volunteer Projects]]: Here's what we're working on, and what we could use your help with!

; [[Contact and Meeting Info]]: Information on how to get in touch with us online and in person.

</div>

== Free/Open Source Tools ==
* Yggdrasil Network - visit [https://yggdrasil-network.github.io/ yggdrasil-network.github.io]
* Wireless Community Networks - visit [http://communitytechnology.github.io/ communitytechnology.github.io]

Main Page

2019-10-23T06:18:02Z

Megakeegman:

MassMesh is a volunteer-run grassroots project that aims to create a community-owned wireless network that provides secure and censorship-resilient internet access at a low cost. The purpose of this wiki is to provide you with all of the informational resources you need to set up your own custom router and join the mesh.

Making positive change requires solidarity, so please get in touch with us if you have any interest in setting the internet free! Whether you are interested in installing a mesh node, joining our team of volunteers, requesting a demonstration, or even just having a conversation about mesh networks, we want to hear from you.

We have provided all of the information on this site for free because we care about the well-being of all of our communities.

Learn more about what we are doing using the links below, or stop by one of our [[Getting Involved|meetings]] to say hello!

== Resources ==
<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Mesh Network Setup]]: A step-by-step guide.

; [[Compatible Devices]]: A list of tested devices with their cost and detailed setup information.

; [[Getting Involved]]: Join one of our regular meetings and special events.

; [[Teams]]: Here's what we're working on, and what we could use your help with!

</div>

== Free/Open Source Tools ==
* Yggdrasil Network - visit [https://yggdrasil-network.github.io/ yggdrasil-network.github.io]
* Wireless Community Networks - visit [http://communitytechnology.github.io/ communitytechnology.github.io]

Main Page

2019-10-23T06:16:49Z

Megakeegman:

MassMesh is a volunteer-run grassroots project that aims to create a community-owned wireless network that provides secure and censorship-resilient internet access at a low cost. The purpose of this wiki is to provide you with all of the informational resources you need to set up your own custom router and join the mesh.
Making positive change requires solidarity, so please get in touch with us if you have any interest in setting the internet free! Whether you are interested in installing a mesh node, joining our team of volunteers, requesting a demonstration, or even just having a conversation about mesh networks, we want to hear from you.
We have provided all of the information on this site for free because we care about the well-being of all of our communities.

Learn more about what we are doing using the links below, or stop by one of our [[Getting Involved|meetings]] to say hello!

== Resources ==
<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Mesh Network Setup]]: A step-by-step guide.

; [[Compatible Devices]]: A list of tested devices with their cost and detailed setup information.

; [[Getting Involved]]: Join one of our regular meetings and special events.

; [[Teams]]: Here's what we're working on, and what we could use your help with!

</div>

== Free/Open Source Tools ==
* Yggdrasil Network - visit [https://yggdrasil-network.github.io/ yggdrasil-network.github.io]
* Wireless Community Networks - visit [http://communitytechnology.github.io/ communitytechnology.github.io]

Main Page

2019-09-24T15:59:17Z

Megakeegman: Undo revision 1426 by Megakeegman (talk)

MassMesh is a project that aims to create a community owned and operated mesh network, providing low cost internet access, security, and censorship / disaster resistant communication. Learn more about what we are doing using the links below, or stop by one of our [[Meetings|meetings]] to say hello!

== Resources ==

<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[Getting Started]]: A step-by-step guide on setting up a mesh node.

; [[Devices]]: A catalog of devices and compatibility with the mesh software

; [[Outreach]]: Details about our outreach program, and resources to use for furthering our agenda.

; [[Events]]: Find information about our meetings and how to attend

; [[Projects]]: Here's what we're working on, and what we could use your help with!

; [[Media]]: A collection of user-created media to promote MassMesh

; [[Recommended Reading]]: Read me! These are really helpful for understanding.

</div>

Main Page

2019-09-24T15:25:58Z

Megakeegman:

MassMesh is a project that aims to create a community owned and operated mesh network, providing low cost internet access, security, and censorship / disaster resistant communication. Learn more about what we are doing using the links below, or stop by one of our [[Meetings|meetings]] to say hello!

== Resources ==

<div class="archwiki-main-page-columns">

; [[How To]]: A step-by-step guide on setting up a mesh node.

; [[Devices]]: A catalog of devices and compatibility with the mesh software

; [[Outreach]]: Details about our outreach program, and resources to use for furthering our agenda.

; [[Events]]: Find information about our meetings and how to attend

; [[Projects]]: Here's what we're working on, and what we could use your help with!

; [[Media]]: A collection of user-created media to promote MassMesh

; [[Additional Reading]]: Read me! These are really helpful for understanding.

</div>