IVWireless.net

Mission Statement

To create a wireless community in Isla Vista using the 802.11b wireless standard.

What hardware is Required to connect

To connect to the network all that is needed is a 802.11b wireless card. 

Don't have one? get one here.

How to connect to the network

To connect to the network, please do the following:

1. The network name to use is "IV" (without the quotes, and all upper-case).
   • Note: Do not use any other name besides "IV"; if you do, you may get someone else's wireless access point (with poorer reception), or no access at all.
2. The type of network is "802.11 Adhoc"
   • You may also need to select an option of the form "peer-to-peer group", "allow IBSS", "802.11 Adhoc", or "Ad Hoc" (not "Ad-Hoc Demo"). (The base station is actually running in IBSS mode, rather than true BSS mode.) Note that "Ad-Hoc Demo" mode will not work, and should not be used.
     (If you're using an Apple Powerbook with an "AirPort" card, you should set your card to use "Computer-to-Computer" mode - which is apparently the same thing.)
3. Turn off WEP encryption.
4. In your network TCP/IP 'control panel', you should not enter an IP address. Instead, you should check the "Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server" button. Nor do you need to enter a DNS server. (The base station should have DHCP and DNS servers.)
5. If you're using an "Intel PRO/Wireless" LAN card, you should check the "Send long preamble headers" checkbox. (This box is unchecked by default.)
6. you may need to run winipcfg in order to release an older IP number. 

note: if you cannot connect to the wireless network you are probability too far from the nearest access point and will need to host.

What hardware is Required to Host

To host to the network all that is needed is some sort of router, this can either be a PC or a dedicated box, and 802.11b card and a Cable, DSL, or some sort of connection.

• note: If you are close enough to another wireless network (access point) you can share that connection. 

With a PC

1. 802.11b wireless card
2. Computer
3. Ethernet card.
4. Cable or DSL

Without a PC

1. 802.11b wireless gateway. you can get one here.
2. Cable or DSL

How to Host on the network

To host a 802.11b wireless gateway, please note the following:

1. The network name to use is "IV" (without the quotes, and all upper-case).
2. No WEP encryption will be used as this is a community network.
3. The type of network is "802.11 Adhoc"
4. If you are using the wireless gateway or similar device enable DHCP.
5. If you are using windows ME or windows 2000 you can use the built in internet sharing to support a limited amount of users.
   • in windows 2000 under Network and Dial-up Connections right-click on Local Area Connection and goto the Sharing Tab then check Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection
   • in windows 98/me you will need to goto the windows CD and find the Internet Sharing Setup and run it. Then like windows 2000 enable sharing.
   • under linux you can set it up like this.

Optimize your range

1. Higher is better, if you are on a two story try putting it there.
2. Better yet, build an antenna and put it on the roof.
3. Walls are bad, try to get near a window. Don't place your modem in the middle of your house.

For information about 802.11b visit these links

802.11b Networking News
802.11 Planet

Other Free Networks

Guerrilla.net
Personal Telco
SF LAN
Seattle Wireless
NYC Wireless
NoCatNet

Other Wireless Communities

After you setup a Host or Need Help

Please Email: [email protected]

Let me know about your interest, progress, or questions.