Point To Peer

=The Theory=

We propose that the development of a peer-to-peer internet and communications infrastructure, delivered essentially at cost, is feasible today. It is merely a question of organization to get it implemented. Regulatory and structural barriers are likely to crumble via wide, popular support.

=Existing Problems=

Today, the internet and communication backbones are controlled by centralized interests. This does not favor a long-lasting democratic environment for human communication.

=Proposed Way to Apply the Theory=

We aim to test our theory (feasibility of P2P, physical communication infratructure) by building the infrastructure for peer, decentralized internet.

The core of a peer-based internet system proposal is the building of a physical infrastructure, where internet service is delivered at-cost. Such an infrastructure may be implemented most easily via a network of wireless towers. User nodes store content in a distributed fashion.

Key technical issues are:


 * 1) Development of communication and storage protocol based on peer-to-peer strategies
 * 2) Storage on peer computer nodes
 * 3) Building of wireless emitter/receiver nodes
 * 4) Building towers
 * 5) Powering wireless nodes

Key social issues:


 * 1) Organize a large support base of future user owners simply by concerted effort and by sustaining focus
 * 2) Attempts to stop this by the centralized power system can succeed only if people support the centralized power system, with its higher costs for internet and communications systems. This is unlikely to happen by simple dollar and cents arguments.
 * 3) Breakthrough application of User Owner concept.

=Related existing work that verifies feasibility=


 * Paul is working on a protocol for decentralized communication.
 * Marcin is working on solar energy production, circuit fabrication, aluminum production.
 * Sam can align a wide support base for getting the proposal funded directly by stakeholders.
 * Natural law: all empires crumble after some time

Development Team

 * Marcin Jakubowski
 * Sam Rose
 * Paul B. Hartzog
 * Keith Smith

Infrastructure

 * PeerNet

=Related existing data or facts that support theory=


 * The User Owner concept
 * Various un-money, free internet, free communications, and related efforts
 * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXyVqk3EbwE

Examples - please fill in here

 * Freenet
 * Guifi.net (Spain, +15.000 free nodes interconnected)
 * http://melbourne.wireless.org.au/ - a free community broadband network, using inexpensive off-the-shelf wireless network hardware.
 * I believe they have been working on storage and communications protocols for some years. Mark Elliott 16:15, 30 March 2008 (PDT)
 * Wireless Africa
 * SeattleWireless.net

=Existing constraints and barriers to deployment=


 * Costly off-grid energy systems
 * Regulatory issues in communication infrastructures
 * Land base for setting up towers
 * Peer to peer communication protocol
 * Peer to peer data storage
 * Cost of erecting towers
 * Opposition from centralized interests

=Facts and data that support arguments against=

Centralized control of information efforts include lawsuits of the Motion Pictures Association, Recording Artists Association

=Relevance to OSE core values=

Decentralized and effective provision of needs is essential to OSE's philosophy.

=Implementation=


 * 1) Development of communication and storage protocol is a tractable problem
 * 2) Capitalization may be obtained readily by involving a large number of internet users, paying perhaps $25/year or whatever the at-cost price may be
 * 3) 1 node every 10 miles, or every 100 sq miles (ex: 30,000 nodes for 3M sq miles of the USA
 * 4) Assume 10M initial subscribers- $2.5 billion in startup revenue available
 * 5) Each node has $100k allotment available

=Strategy=

Cost reduction for a project of this magnitude is feasible. $100k/node provides for feasibility using off-shelf technology. However, we want to go for open source components to assure maximum value. I propose we use $1-10M to develop open source, at-cost production facilities for hardware:
 * wireless nodes - via CNC routers
 * mobile, onsite aluminum production for towers from on-site clay - feasibility has not been evaluated
 * open source protocol and code
 * open source solar concentrator or OS PV production (ribbon PV is an immediate candidate)
 * storage battery production - sealed lead acid
 * power electronics - inverter and power conditioning for tower

=Project Status=


 * Zero Hour began at 5 PM, Wednesday, February 26, 2008
 * Initial business plan to be drafted by March 26, 2008
 * Due diligence required: dedicated email list, publicity via networks
 * Dedicated webspace; opensourceecology.org volunteered at present
 * Refined business plan to be drafted by April 26, 2008
 * Due diligence required:
 * Economic feasibility of mobile aluminum smelting unit
 * Economic analysis of node hardware fabrication
 * Economic analysis of solar energy production
 * Economic analysis of energy storage production
 * Final business plan to be drafted by May 26, 2008
 * Technical development period: June - December 1, 2008
 * Fundraising, PR, begun December 1
 * Deployment begun January 1, 2009

=Feedback=

We welcome your feedback on any points of this project. -The Neomanagement

=More info / Links =
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesh_networking
 * MeshKit - Building & Sustaining Community Mesh Networks
 * Wireless Mesh DIY guide
 * Wireless Networking in the Developing World Book
 * Documents - Presentations WirelessU.org