At 05:25 PM 24-09-2006, George Henry wrote:
Semantics aside, I pointed out that at least one of those NGOs (the American Red Cross) has poured tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars into a commercial satellite internet solution, likely rendering our efforts to eventually meet that same want, obsolete.
I've operated the Red Cross system VSAT system. It's good, 2 or 4 Mbps service with a DHCP server or fixed IP address available as part of the radio package. They use the service [1] to extend the data network supporting the in-house IP telephone system and computer system and [2] to operate land mobile base stations remotely. Works very well, once it's going. (Let save third party traffic and cyphers for another time.)
At the same time, the Red Cross system is anything but nimble. Deployment from a limited stock of equipment can take days for shipment (problematic into disaster areas) and hours to get into service. With some pre-assembly, once on site, a good crew of two well trained technicians can get one of the Red Cross VSAT stations on the air in an hour or two. Finding the well trained technicians is another problem.
In essence, the Red Cross' major issues are quantity, transportation, and training.
Hams usually have big advantages in all three areas.
If all we can deliver is short lead time 250 kbps service for 18 hours a day, they'll be very happy, indeed.
73, art..... W4ART Arlington, VA
Life is short. Be swift to love! Make haste to be kind! - Henri Frederic Amiel, philosopher and writer (1821-1881)