THE HUNTS POINT COMMUNITY NETWORK

Since 2017, the Hunts Point Community Network (formally the Free Hunts Point Community Wifi Mesh Network) has offered a free wireless Wifi mesh network for the Hunts Point community that is resilient, community-owned and managed by local residents and businesses.


What is a wireless Mesh WIFI Network?

A wireless mesh network is designed so that small devices called “nodes”, which are commonly placed on top the building or in windows, can send and receive data and a WIFI signal to one another without an internet connection.


BENEFITS

  • Additional internet Line at no cost
  • Communication before , during and after a climate event
  • Subsidizes the whole community as mesh network grows
  • Locally grown tech industry

How to Get Involved?

For more information on how to host a node on a Hunts Point business or in a residence or any questions regarding the Hunts Point Community Network project contact, Sharon De La Cruz at [email protected]


HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT

Residents

  • Hosting a node and sharing the connection with your neighbors
  • Attending Community Tech workshops and meetings to be informed about the network
  • Sharing what you learned about Community Technology with your neighbors, piers, and family members

Not-For-Profit Organizations

  • Offering space for Community Tech Workshops
  • Informing community members about the benefits of community wireless
  • Leading campaigns about Digital Justice and related subjects
  • Offering WiFi spaces for community members to have access to the internet
  • Hosting backbone infrastructure by lending rooftop space

Business

  • Donating space to host rooftop nodes
  • Participating in the Community Tech workshops

Everyone

  • Attending workshops
  • Sharing everything you learn about tech and the network with your neighbors, employees, family members, etc.
  • Sharing your ideas, space, money, or time to the development of a community network for your neighborhood

Luis Saula-Guasco Digital Stewards of Hunts Point!

This solution uses both directional and omnidirectional routers set up as Mesh Nodes. Several are linked together with Ethernet cables to bridge parts of the network. Note how the signal routes “around” the difference in height in the buildings by bouncing back and forth between the rows of buildings.