INSULAR Technlogies

International Networking System for Universal Long distance Advanced Radio

faq

The aim of the pilot projects is to demonstrate the potential of INSULAR Technologies and to test the communications protocol and software applications.

Although the system can be tested with two nodes - we feel that it is important to test a multi-node network. Point to point systems have already been tested and proved to be workable in various situations. Therefore, we feel it is important to have at least four nodes allowing a diversity of test applications, conditions and users.

We suggest that each of the four HF nodes is configured as follows:

Node 1:

This node is connected to a sub-network of VHF Packet Radio users. This will enable the network to be utilised by users who are already using radio to communicate data and the test the protocol to communicate with the node using spectrum that does not necessarily have the same characteristics as HF and test the scalability of the sub network. For example, this node could allow twenty localised packet radio users to connect with an international network.

Node 2:

This node will enable users to connect to it using telephone modem dial-up. So, people can connect to the whole network via their modem and computer like dialing up to an internet service provider. Once connected - the user will be able to exchange data with services and users available on the whole network.

Node 3:

This node will act primarily as an internet gateway. That is - it will enable any user of the network to exchange data with the internet user base.

Node 4:

This node will act as a portable and autonomous node - which can be used for experimental applications and demonstration purposes. For example - the node could be situated at a festival or event to demonstrate the whole INSULAR, or located in isolated environments to test out the 'long-distance' aspect of the system.