FreedomNode
The FreedomNode is a wireless router which acts as an intermediary between the "neighborhood-scale" mesh network and a "building-scale" WiFi network.
The scope of the FreedomNode will overlap with the FreedomBox in some situations, in which case some hardware might be able to fill both roles.
Software
For an operating system, FreedomNodes will probably run OpenWrt. If the hardware resources are available, pfSense might be preferable.
Possible Hardware
TP-Link TL-MR3020
Very small low power travel hotspot. Designed to share 3G uplink from a USB dongle. 400MHz Atheros AR7240, 802.11b/g/n, 4MB Flash, 32MB RAM, 1x ethernet port, 1x USB host port, powered by miniUSB port. Multiple almost-identical versions of this device exist. $40 (from amazon).
TP-Link TL-WR703N
Not to be confused with the TL-WR702N, which has insufficient Flash and RAM for most firmware
Very small USB-powered travel router, intended to be used as WiFi hotspot for multiple devices and/or sharing a 3G USB dongle's internet connection. Not yet FCC approved for the US and thus not yet as readily available as the cheaper 702 model? Price around $30 (overseas?)
32MB RAM, 4MB Flash, 1x USB 2.0 Host port, 1x USB device port (for power), 1x Ethernet port, Atheros AR9331 chipset.
Ubiquity RouterStation Pro
This device is End-of-Life and no longer in production
Reliable bare-board router. Does not come with wireless radios by default, has 3x (!) miniPCI slots (not PCIe). 128MB RAM, runs OpenWRT, Atheros chipset, 3x gigabit ethernet LAN ports, 1x ethernet WAN. Retailed for $80 (without radios).
Resources
- Chili project page
- SolderPad Project
- Mailing list discussion on hardware platform (June 9th, 2012)
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