FON seems like quite an interesting idea to me, so I have just put an order in for a router. I am not a fan of the pricing structures for WiFi access when out and about, and this seems like quite a different solution.

Anyone else tempted? Or already on?

Cheers

Cris.

Hmmmmm, looks like it is just me who thinks it's a great idea then?

Cheers

Cris.

I only had a quick look at the site you linked, so would I basically be providing internet access though my existing ADSL connection through this access point to anyone who wants it?

Yes, and in return you can use anyone else's connection that is also on FON. Anywhere in the world. It does get a little more complex than that, but that's the basic idea.

Cheers

Cris.

Ah right, could that violate your AUP with your ISP? I remember reading about people in the states getting bollocked for sharing their connection with everyone.

Also, if someone decides to download child porn using my AP, how do I prove to my ISP (and probably the police) it wasn't me?

You have to log into the system with a FON username and password before you can access the internet, you can view this log on your account page at FON. I am sure at this early stage there are plenty of bugs to iron out, but I plan to give the AP it's own IP (I have 5 spare) and firewall it from my other network and use another NIC in my clarkconnect box too. On top of this I will restrict bandwidth to 128k for example, so no one can rack up huge bandwidth costs for me.

There is much discussion about sharing your internet connection, I think in the UK you can share it with your "neighbour" but I think that is alittle open as a statement. As for your ISP, if mine stops me I will just move to another one. I spent years with BT out of loyalty, and after seeing the light I wouldn't hesitate to move from Zen if they stopped me doing what I want from my internet connection.

Cheers

Cris.

That was my only reservation, I think a community WiFi system is really cool, I'd certainly find it useful. The amount T-Mobile and BT want you to fork out for access in public places is fscking extortionate, those things must pay for themselves within a week.

Ordered their router, hasn't arrived yet.

Mmmm... Just gotta figure out how to split my existing connection between direct-wired and the FON-wireless. I don't trust their firmware for either my internal LAN or any outbound traffic from it. Not to mention that I've got servers running on the line as well, all under a single IP address.

I suppose I could put their router on an isolated second internal LAN here (DMZ style), and configure the main firewall/router to pass their traffic without hinderance. I wonder what ports/services they require to be exposed on the outside?

Mmm..

I'm a bit wary of a service that appears to publish the complete addresses of houses known to be full of electronic equipment. Though I suppose nowadays a burglar could just hit a house at random and be reasonably sure there was going to be a PC or two...

Peter