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Solar Powered Wireless Means Backcountry Internet For Eco Geeks. |
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| By Michael d'Estries in Green Living, Green Products | August 20, 2007 | ||
So you’ve got the backwoods hobbit house, the flexible solar panel for charging your laptop, and a wind-powered chimney for everything else. Problem is, you’re three acres away from the nearest wireless signal and you’d love to actually get some work done. Up until now, there weren’t many options — besides some homebrew kits — for making it all come together. Thankfully, a company called Meraki has introduced a $549 router/repeater kit powered by solar and capable of forming a WiFi mesh network with other units. Not only does this thing stand up to rain, snow, sleet, wind, hail, and direct sunlight, but it also optionally allows you to charge for people to access your network — including the ability to run ads and other clever marketing.
Right now San Francisco is currently the test market for these solar WiFi networks. Backed by Google, Meraki is making some serious waves in distributing wireless to the world. This innovation will be especially useful for setting up networks in developing countries a good distance away from electricity or network access. The solar kit will be available sometime in late 2007. Stay tuned.
(Check out this video of Danny Seo showing off the Meraki Solar Kit on CBS)
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Meraki Finally Releases Solar Powered Repeaters » GroovyGreen.com - Start Today :: Save Tomorrow said,
[...] Back in Summer 2007, I gushed over wireless hardware provider Meraki and their announcement of a solar-powered repeater. There are several scenarios — from college campuses to farms — where expanding wireless coverage is limited based on access to electrical outlets. Unfortunately, Meraki’s product wasn’t quite ready for prime time and I was left wondering if it would ever see the light of day. [...]
Holiday gift list from Art Threat | Art Threat said,
[...] tickets to see the fabulous Femi Kuti 7. The Wire Complete Seasons Box Set (released last week) 8. Solar-powered wireless relay station to help you get out of the city but stay connected 9. From the NFB: The Norman McLaren Box Set [...]