Design team members: Arthur Lau, Clarence Ng, Ben Whan
Supervisor: Paul Fieguth
Background
The United Nations has identified the global digital divide as the learning division created between developed countries with high computer penetration and internet access and those without. As the connected countries become more technologically advanced the rest of the world is left behind. The One Laptop per Child project intends to address this issue by designing low cost ($100 US) laptops to be deployed in these developing regions, sometimes in environments without electricity or running water. One of the key benefits these laptops bring to the developing world is the learning and knowledge sharing capabilities that comes with an internet connection. While the laptops are equipped with Wi-Fi modems, little work has been done on designing how these computers are to make the paramount “last mile” internet connection in extremely undeveloped areas with no electricity or communications infrastructure.
Project description
This project intends to compliment the One Laptop per Child project by providing a low cost method of establishing an internet connection in remote, underdeveloped areas. The proposed solution involves using long range Wi-Fi technology to share a costly satellite data link between a number of rural villages. This achieves both the goal to connect more villages as well as driving down the cost of connectivity for each village.
Design methodology
Based on feedback from aid organisations, journalists, and industry experts the proposed design is to be self contained, rugged and low cost. Based on these requirements the proposed solution will use low cost commercial router hardware coupled with an amplifying antenna made from a parabolic cooking wok, and will be powered by a small solar panel. Field testing will verify the feasibility of this configuration.