Microgrants/Wifi solution

Wifi solution

Overview

This question was raised by English Heritage as they may be able to host an event on an interesting site but might not be able to supply wifi in some historic locations. If WMUK were to supply a (realistic) technical solution this might make an simple format for local edit-a-thons more re-usable. We might need to test out possible solutions first as an event where 12 people turn up with laptops would be a disaster if the connection speed were super-sucky-slow (which is my understanding of how the majority of such mobile kit performs).

Budget

No idea, open to options on the potential solution which might be a hire as needed rather than capital requirement. Tentatively £100 capital plus £15 connection fees per event.

Expected outcomes

The ability to run edit-a-thons or other types of interactive workshops (such as in-house preparation) hosted by GLAMs who have difficulty supplying free wifi or where such a solution may be an important back-up plan.

Who

I'm working with GLAMs on future events as a de facto Ambassador (Ferrero Rocher not included) in advance of a register for these sort of things. Fæ 22:40, 15 February 2011 (UTC)

Discussion

Support. We need portable wifi or knowledge of how to rent it for a weekend. Victuallers 23:51, 16 February 2011 (UTC)

In general, this is a great idea, but we need to narrow down the technical possibilities. I think there's two cases:

1. Where there's a network connection/ethernet available, we could make use of a wireless router to share internet between participants
2. Where there's no network connection, but there is a good 3G mobile phone signal, we could use 3G dongles or a 3G router to provide internet access

Which of these is most likely, and would be the best to provide for? Or is there a third option? Mike Peel 20:52, 17 February 2011 (UTC)

Wireless repeaters are a third option where there is Wifi, but its too weak to be reliable or covers only one end of the building. These look very cheap, (10-30 pounds) but never installed one. Victuallers 08:23, 22 February 2011 (UTC)

Setting up the WMUK infrastructure for this sounds like a very good idea, but this doesn't seem to be going anywhere right now, so I'm archiving this without prejudice - please feel free to unarchive it if this becomes active again. Mike Peel 23:24, 11 October 2011 (UTC)