Althea is a decentralized mesh network ISP platform that uses mesh networking and a blockchain-based billing system to create a "marketplace for bandwidth" where customer routers make automated micro-transaction payments in exchange for bandwidth and the active support of a primary network organizer, along with other stakeholders and individuals who assume various roles in operating the network. The infrastructure that makes up the mesh network itself is made up of a combination of individual relay operators coordinated by a main network operator responsible for maintaining the network gateway where customer traffic routes out to the wider internet. Althea represents a paradigm shift away from traditional monolithic ISP models and aims to create a more equitable multi-stakeholder system through the principles of decentralization.
While there are many well-established standards and best-practices for building and operating large-scale ISP networks, it doesn’t take a background in network engineering to know that the way incumbent ISP’s operate is failing to to meet the needs and expectations of their customers. After all, polls of American consumers regularly find that ISP’s are commonly deemed the “most hated utility” while in many ways being just as important as electricity, water, waste management, and other common utilities we heavily rely on.
Althea represents a substantial paradigm shift in ISP network construction and operations both technically and organizationally, departing from many (broken and out-dated) models telecom company’s have considered standard operating procedure for decades, but have lead to incumbent telecoms to become painfully inefficient. Althea, and the developing principles of decentralized infrastructure in general, successfully create a more equitable system compared to the traditional models that have lead to internet services becoming more expensive, lower quality, and not just failed to solve the digital divide, but instead made the problem worsen and widen.
This chapter covers the details of how Althea networks operate, and examine why it is the primary platform we use to build our community ISP’s.
Althea is a decentralized mesh network ISP platform that uses mesh networking and a blockchain-based billing system to create a "marketplace for bandwidth" where customer routers are programed to make automated micro-transaction payments in exchange for bandwidth and the active support of a primary network organizer, along with other stakeholders and individuals who assume various roles in operating the network.
The infrastructure that makes up the mesh network itself is made up of a combination of individual relay operators coordinated by a main network operator responsible for maintaining the network gateway where customer traffic routes out to the wider internet.
Through this separation of ownership and operational responsibilities Althea represents a paradigm shift away from traditional monolithic ISP models and aims to create a more equitable multi-stakeholder system through the principles of decentralization.
With the Althea model being a decentralized multi-stakeholder system everything from the physical operation of the network to the logistical organization and operation of the ISP as a whole is broken down into several different roles.
This provides several key benefits of distributing responsibilities among the various participants and contributors in the network and provides a variety of opportunities for interested parties to become involved in helping the network grow and thrive.
The primary roles in an Althea network break down like this:
Gateways are where an Althea network connects to a fast wholesale internet connection provided by a Tier 1 or Tier 2 bandwidth provider (sometimes referred to as “middle mile infrastructure), that routes customer traffic out to an exit node (more on what an exit node is later). Gateways typically use a fast dedicated fiber connection, but will sometimes use copper (ethernet or coaxial cable), point-to-point microwave connection, a Starlink / low-earth-orbit business station, or some combination therein.
For someone to host a gateway they need to be in a location where fiber, point-to-point microwave, or other such fast connection can be delivered, which involves working directly with a wholesale bandwidth provider. Beyond that they need to have a dedicated space, reliable power, and adequate cooling that can house several routers, switches, servers, and other equipment (most commonly point-to-point and point-to-multi-point wireless antennas) that connect customers and relay nodes that make up the network.
Gateway hosts are financially compensated based on the amount of customer bandwidth they route out to the internet and back.