<aside> 💡 This section covers technical information around network construction, hardware components, and general architecture

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Engineering philosophy

Networks based on decentralized infrastructure principles shift engineering principles from the few to the many — from the network operators to multi-stakeholder tiered models within those networks, distributing both contractual ownership and the physical infrastructure itself. The end result it to ensure greater availability through more redundant network pathways and that control of a system is distributed amongst a wide group individuals rather than concentrated into small group with a monolithic power structure.

Network Engineering Principles

When building a wireless Internet Service Provider (ISP), certain network engineering principles are crucial to ensure reliability, performance, and scalability. Here are some key principles to consider:

1. Minimizing Single Points of Failure/Building in Redundancy:
   • Critical for maintaining network uptime and ensuring service continuity.
   • Implement redundant paths for data transmission, so if one path fails, another can take over without disrupting the service.
   • Use redundant hardware (e.g., routers, switches, servers) and power supplies.
   • Implement redundant internet connections to ensure continuous external connectivity.
2. Ensuring Every Device is Monitored:
   • Essential for proactive management of the network.
   • Implement monitoring tools to track the performance and health of all network devices.
   • Set up alerts for any anomalies or failures, enabling quick response to potential issues.
   • Regularly review logs and performance metrics to identify and address emerging issues before they escalate.
3. Importance of Proper Hardware Selection:
   • The backbone of a reliable wireless ISP.
   • Choose hardware that is not only powerful enough to handle current loads but also scalable to meet future demands.
   • Opt for hardware from reputable manufacturers with a proven track record in reliability and performance.
   • Consider environmental factors (like temperature extremes, humidity, etc.) in hardware selection, especially for outdoor equipment.
4. Scalability and Future-Proofing:
   • Design the network with future growth in mind.
   • Implement scalable solutions that can accommodate increasing numbers of users and higher data demands without requiring complete overhaul.
   • Stay informed about new technologies and standards that could enhance the network or offer better service.
5. Security Considerations:
   • Implement robust security measures to protect the network and user data.
   • Regularly update firmware and software to protect against vulnerabilities.
   • Employ strong encryption for wireless transmissions and secure authentication methods for user access.
6. Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Management:
   • Essential for maintaining optimal performance, especially in high-demand scenarios.
   • Implement QoS policies to prioritize critical traffic and ensure bandwidth is allocated efficiently.
   • Monitor traffic patterns and adjust QoS policies as necessary to adapt to changing usage patterns.
7. Site Surveys and Proper Planning:
   • Conduct thorough site surveys to understand the geographical and environmental challenges.
   • Plan the placement of wireless transmitters to optimize coverage and signal strength.
8. Backup and Disaster Recovery:
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan.
   • Regularly test backup systems and disaster recovery procedures to ensure they work as intended.

Further Reading

Althea Mesh Network Engineering Best Practices

Customer Premises Architecture

Public WiFi Open Access Points

Gateway Architecture

Relay Architecture