This system is operating on indoor and outdoor public access points in and around Homestead, Bitterbrush and Cassal Roads in the Edelweiss community located about 7 miles west of Winthrop, WA.  The system is free to use and is running without encryption on a Meraki mesh network of access points.  The main nodes (200mW) are about 20 feet above the average terrain on an 8 dB gain outdoor omni-directional antennas.

The network now requires you to sign-in once each day that you use the network.  If you don't have an account; create an account. The account is free and their is no financial or secret info needed.  I recommend that you create your account now,  before your visit, let me know the Email address that you used to sign-up for that so that I can approve it's use on this WiFi network and you are good to go.  It's problematic if you need access but can't get online because you haven't been approved for our WiFi.

If you have a gaming console, VoIP phone or other specialized device that you would like to use on the network but one which doesn't work with our splash page/log-in screen, please let us know.  I need your MAC address in order to work around the splash page.   The MAC address looks something like this:  "00:17:f2:3f:e9:a6" without the quotes.  I ask that you be considerate of the finite bandwidth, especially on peak use holidays and other periods as everyone shares the Internet connection.

This system is primarily used internally by the owner.  However a significant portion of the bandwidth is set aside for the benefit of the part timers in Edelweiss who don't have full time access to the Internet from their homes/RV's/tents. 

I would appreciate it if you would send me an Email of introduction.  It would be nice to know who you are, where you are and that you simply are a nearby neighbor.  I do not have any access to your credit card data or other personal info if you optionally provide that to Meraki.  All I get from Meraki is your Email address on file with them and your MAC address when you connect.  Enough information so that I can control your access but not loot your bank accounts.  By knowing who/where you are in Edelweiss, it's possible on down the road, we might be able to expand this Meraki network to provide a wider area of coverage, increase the bandwidth and provide other handy stuff for use here in Edelweiss.

For now, please play nicely.  Bandwidth has been limited to about 100k-250k during this testing period.  Servers, peer-to-peer clients or other bandwidth intensive uses are discouraged and will get you banned.  That is what is meant by playing nice.  VoIP services should be useable.

I'd appreciate connection reports, your location, email, a name to help me out with coverage issues.  Not much to ask for for the use of a free connection.

If you wish more bandwidth or more information, you may Email me.

OLD NEWS:  I have been able to buy more Merakis on the used market and will continue to deploy them as long as they last.

Legacy Information:

NEWS: [Update: Open Mesh Conversion not implemented]  Beginning in April 2009, I will be deploying Open-Mesh repeaters.  I strongly encourage you to buy at least one repeater for your home or other structure and place it in a location that sees the nearest repeater well but will also allow other neighbors to see your repeater(s).  While this is entirely optional, it will help the system grow without me funding the entire system and network costs.  While I am happy to help the network grow for the benefit of all, I really can no longer fully underwrite the system growth.  Meraki repeaters have gotten far to expensive now and Open-Mesh is only $60 for their premium unit, the OM1P.  Part-timers are not expected to have full-time internet service in their homes but they certainly could buy a repeater in trade for those costs.  Full-timers should have their own service and it would be a kindness extended to the greater community, if you participate.

If you have Internet service already, I'd encourage you to deploy a repeater for your back-up benefit as well as add additional bandwidth to the overall system.  I will manage everything on the network but you may keep these repeaters from seeing or sharing devices on your network if you wish.  They will not cause any loss of security if you are concerned about an open WiFi device.  The repeaters only use some of your bandwidth and you can set any share percentage your wish.  Check out open-mesh technology or Email me.  If you are willing to put a repeater on your Internet-connected LAN, I'll buy a repeater for you as it still benefits the overall community.  I only have a few more Meraki's on hand, so future growth will the new Open-Mesh repeaters.