CORFUNET: A MESH NETWORK PROVIDING WIRELESS SERVICES AT METROPOLITAN LEVEL

Abstract.

This paper discusses the technology and commercialization challenges of a research initiative intended to establish a wireless metropolitan network for the city of Corfu. Key wireless mesh networking issues are discussed and value for the potential service providers and users of the network is specified. The network development builds on advanced features of wireless mesh networks, like multi-channel and multi-radio operation, connectivity to a fixed network infrastructure through multiple links and general purpose applications support, which overcome many of the limitations that are currently imposed by wireless ad-hoc networks. The proposed network is designed to provide apart from broadband Internet access a number of sophisticated services to the citizens, tourists and business visitors of the island. To assure viability and expansion for the CorfuNet initiative, the present study discusses scenarios on two alternative business models, namely the collaborative and the single provider models, differentiated on the basis of the network’s owner.

Key words: Mesh networks, metropolitan, wireless, ad hoc, Corfu

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