Cisco senior engineer Jim Forster recently visited SA to promote a book on wireless networking in the developing world, designed as a practical guide for building low-cost networks in developing countries.
"Wireless Networking in the Developing World" was written by a group of network specialists who spent time setting up networks in "difficult places" and is based on the practical experienced gained through this, Forster explains.
The book is available free in hard copy, or can be downloaded from www.personaldemocracy.com, and includes a "wiki" section that allows readers to add their own experiences and views.
The book has been translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic and Hindi, and the writers are hoping to release updated editions two or three times a year.
Forster notes that the book, which explains how to build a network from start to finish, is aimed at individuals who are interested in wireless technology, the Internet and are technically inclined. No high-level technical knowledge is required and the book does not include policy viewpoints, he adds.
"The main issue in the developing world is cost, especially in terms of electricity and infrastructure. The book teaches readers that infrastructure can be built with consumer-grade equipment, as current technology is quite powerful," he says.
"The massive popularity of wireless networking has caused equipment costs to continually plummet, while equipment capabilities continue to increase. By applying this technology in areas that are badly in need of critical communications infrastructure, more people can be brought online than ever before, in less time, for very little cost."
The book was launched on various mailing lists around the world and thousands of copies have already been downloaded, says Forster.
Since the book is an international creative commons endeavour, Forster points out that users are allowed to download the content and even resell it if they wish, provided the original sources are credited.
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