Know more:http://wforc.in

About W4C (Wireless for Community)


W4C_orange_logo_1ADigital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and the Internet Society (ISOC) have launched a joint project called “Wireless For Communities” (W4C). The project aims to provide a holistic, community-empowered approach to connecting rural communities to the Internet. The motivation for the W4C project by ISOC and DEF is twofold. One is to totally democratize the availability of connectivity and enable access to information at the will of citizens outside urban centres – and remote rural areas in particular; second is to address the lack of content, product and services originating from rural areas which affects the economy from percolating to the bottom of the pyramid. Pervasive connectivity will ensure that localized content and services are not only encouraged but also facilitated and produced – the sum of which will contribute linguistic and cultural diversity, help build the rural economy and bring the next billions online.

WFORC Videos


The project has three components:
  • Training of Trainers programme
  • Deployment of Wireless Networks in rural locations
  • Conclave/Summit to discuss best practices, lessons learnt, and discussing issues from both a technical and policy perspective
Training of Trainers

Through a structured “Training of Trainers” (ToT) programme, a pool of trainers are being trained to design, deploy and operate wireless networks, and to train community members in the deployment and operation of such networks.

The ToT course covers the following:
  • Communication system and OSI layer
  • Basic networking technologies
  • Cabling, connectors and hubs
  • Internet Protocol, IP addressing, subnetting and sub-masking
  • Networking issues- Gateway, DHCP, DNS, Routing and NAT
  • Wireless Communication System and basic Radio Physics
  • Theory of Antenna and Polarization
  • Network configuration tools and tips
  • Electromagnetic fields and waves and effects, spectrum, propagation
  • Radio mobile, frequency, and signalling issues
  • Wireless device configuration general rules and tips
  • Calculation of link budget
  • Structured troubleshooting theory and exercise, link monitoring,
  • Wireless link survey, planning radio mobile software
  • Grounding, weather and lightning protection for equipment
  • Outdoor installation of wireless equipment
  • Building tower/masts

Deployment of Wireless Networks (Workshops held)
To help kick-start the establishment of community based wireless networks, the project will deploy wireless networks in rural locations across India. The following five locations have been identified:

Wireless Conclave/Conference

The opening up of wireless spectrum and the advent of services using wireless technologies have had considerable impact in being able to connect the previously un-connected. Community-based wireless networks have also done well. Examples include “AirJaldi” in the Himalayas, and various initiatives in Nepal, the Pacific and elsewhere. Yet, there are still some issues with economies adopting and promoting the use of such technologies, and fostering a conducive regulatory environment. These range from spectrum issues, to competition and licensing requirements to convergence issues.
In order to discuss and deliberate such issues, a wireless conclave was organised. The event saw discussions on various issues around wireless networks and highlights of best practices and lessons learnt from deployments and trials in the region and elsewhere. This inaugural wireless conclave was held during the conference part of the 2010 Manthan Awards in Delhi, India from December 17 to 18.

W4C Workshop Images, See more:

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