blogs
Poor man's VoIP...
Submitted by yahel on Tue, 2007-04-10 16:07.No doubt - the "killer application" used over our Mesh network is VoIP.
The ability to make high-quality voice (and video) calls over this low-cost infrastructure is mind blowing.
Couple that with multiple Asterisk PBXs which we run, to interface the PSTN and provide futuristic feature-rich telephony and you got people waiting in line to get connected.
At present, other then soft-phones, which requires a computer, a device disliked by many, the 2nd lowest-cost alternative for a stand-alone phone which we use are ATAs.
These ATAs must be also modified to support 12v PoE (they are mostly 5v) and by the end of the day it comes to a rather costly solution for Rural India.
(not to mention the two analog telephones - and people do like these "fancier" speaker phones with caller-ID, etc.).
My mentor regarding low-cost VoIP hardware is the Australian David Rowe.
During his last visit to Dharamsala, we talked much about his remarkable and fresh idea - to develop a low-cost embedded Asterisk...
Naturally, we can't wait to test the first prototypes here on the mounts..
Nevertheless... When it comes to any VoIP system, the major cost factor is the price of the telephones not the PBX not the PSTN interfaces, etc..
I was therefor thrilled, when David emailed me last week about his new $10 ATA idea. 
Needless to say - this is something are welcoming with open arms.
Moreover, please consider this post as an open invitation to become involved - I doubt if David alone will be able to see through such a project, while we, here in Dharamsala can do little more then test and provide feedback.
Some general comments from my side - based mostly on gut feeling at this point:
1. People like feature-rich telephony and surprisingly are willing to pay for it.
So while a very limited RS232 phone should work - possibly it's not going to be adopted as widely as a fancy speaker-phone with a Caller-ID screen, speed-dials and message indicator.
linksys 54g ver6
Submitted by Sandred on Mon, 2007-01-15 21:29.can't use with more than one computer at a time, anyone else with this issue? solutions?
Hi From Shiv- New Delhi
Submitted by outbackwifi on Thu, 2006-11-09 23:34.Hi everyone,
I was sorely disappointed that I couldnt make it to the Air Jaldi summit but I had the pleasure of attending a session earlier with the WSFII delegation here in New Delhi.
CSG Networks :Providing ground logistics for Wireless Community Networking
Submitted by Jagdish Singh on Thu, 2006-11-02 06:46.An interview with Chander shekhar Goyal,Director of CSG Netwrok Pvt Ltd -a telecom system Manufacturer and Integrators at Air Jaldi Summit 2006, Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh
Jagdish Singh : Tell Me some thing about your self ?
Chander Sekhar Goyal: I am currently director of CSG Netwrok Pvt Ltd. and presesident of Rain Technology India Ltd. I have 35 years experience in wireless technology. I have covered HF, VHF,VHF Micro Satellite, dedicated to RF. I want to help the growth of telecommunication industry in our country. We have exhibited our products and services in many countries like Singapore, Tashkent, Alma-Ata. On domestic front we have been regularly participating in trade fairs across different parts of country. We really want all enterprises to grow with help of emerging trends in Wi-Fi connectivity. On our part, we would expect other organizations to grow using these modern Communication tools and CSG, is all set to provide consultancy, system support, good quality products at affordable prices. People, thinking about adopting or integrating, these components, are welcome to discuss any technical issue or problem with our support team.
Jagdish Singh : Tell us about your inclination to venture into this domain of Wi-Fi and your academic background ?
Chander Sekhar Goyal: I am an electronic engineer from BITS Pilani and then I did my master in Sciece from IIS Banglore. I satarted my career from Bharat Electronics. Right from the beginning, I had an affinity towards then mystical world of wireless. I was always fascinated by Wireless ,.For me, It has always been very amazing and fascinated field. It is good to be at Dharmshala, participating in Air Jaldi Summit 2006. It is my second visit here and Mr. Yahel Ben-David, who is incharge of this summit and now friend of mine, is using CSG froducts for Dharmshala wireless mesh network.
Jagdish Singh: Tell us about your clients base or diversity of users spectrum, who are using these technology and CSG products?
Early Reflections :AirJaldi Summit 2006
Submitted by Jagdish Singh on Wed, 2006-10-25 03:05.Hi,
After attending, firs two days of AirJaldi Summit 2006, at Dharmshala on 23rd and 24th Oct, 2006, I have just reached at home at Chandigarh.
I must congratulate Air Jaldi Team for organizing such a wonderful and life time enlightening event.
Address by Dr. Richard Stallman, father of Open Source Movement, was quite inspiring and an eye opener in various aspects.
Added to this,presence of young old man David R Hughes, Colonel (Ret) USA, was enough to fuel the motivation of all with single line "If you can connect up by wireless from Everest, you ought to be able to connect up
anywhere"
Interactions with Tracey Lauriawlt,from Canada working with community around through ICT,, Electra from Germany-imparting knowlege about small but cost effective FM Radio Transmission Circuits among community members and Thomas Thaler - a Radio Journalist, from Australia were worth the experience.
And from the very start of Summit, at the gate of Upper TCV, Kaku , Chai Wala was there to greet all, with his traidmark Tea and smile.
Kaku was the last person, who gave us departing tea without taking money and asking when you will come back..
So was Munshi Ram, Care Taker at H.P.P.W.D -Guest House, Dharmshala, who readily served homely food, during our stay there..
The Inveneo Communications System
Submitted by kaycee on Sat, 2006-10-21 00:22.Officially launched in March 2006, the Inveneo Communications System is an integrated set of information and communication technology (ICT) products and software developed to foster information sharing and interaction within communities around the world who have little or no access to electricity or communications.
The Inveneo Communications System is a low-maintenance, solar-powered personal computer (PC) and communications system that integrates what designers describe as reliable hardware and secure, easy-to-use, open-source software.
The system is designed to resist dust, moisture and heat. It is powered on a high-capacity battery (12V DC) to ensure consistent operation, even when power sources such as solar, hydro, wind, or a bicycle generator are unreliable.
Source:http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2006/trends-293.html
Replicating Dharmasala Wireless Mesh at village sites in District Solan-India by New Year
Submitted by Jagdish Singh on Sun, 2006-10-15 07:41.Hi,
I am excited to core about my participation in AirJaldi Summit 2006, to be held at Dharamsala, India, from October 22-25.
Keenly waiting for the final details.
I am a free lance web developer with skills in LAMP or FOSS. In the past, have been associated with science related promotional activities among students communities.
Hope to see you all at Dharamsala...
After participation I wish to replicate Dharmasala Wireless Mess at some village sites in District Solan-India.
All sort of help is solicited with due acknowledgement in advance.
USB WiFi
Submitted by manuka on Fri, 2006-09-08 04:55.Greetings form New Zealand. I'm the mad scientist behind USB based "Poor Man's WiFi" => www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz , but have only just run across TibTech & looming conference. Happy to be involved at this late stage, perhaps even running a workshop.
looking out for a Sysadmin job
Submitted by ragu on Fri, 2006-08-18 14:44.Saw this call for a Sysadmin from TibTec. Hope to work for TibTec and in the
meantime have to follow up my ham radio license renewal issue. Maybe try to
experiment Packet radio using the home-brew modem and baycom sometime from one
of these remote locations!
WSFII delegation visit to TibTec.
Submitted by yahel on Fri, 2006-06-16 23:47.WSFII team visited Dharamsala.
Yesterday morning we said our goodbyes to three honorable guests from WSFII who came to help with the preparations and planning for the AirJaldi Summit in October.
Bjarke Nielsen ____________ Fred Pook and Arun Mehta
Bjarke Nielsen from the Djurslands International Institute of Rural Wireless Broadband had presented the most amazing project which he led in Denmark. Seems like Dharamsala has a long way to go, but we got lots of inspiration and it seems we are on the right track.
The visit was very productive and we are looking forward to continue the cooperation as soon as our guests return to their homes.
Here is a short quote from Bjarke's report on the visit:
Bjarke's full report can be found here:Report
TibTec at Wireless cities 2006 - Finland.
Submitted by yahel on Mon, 2006-06-12 00:30.Yesterday I got back from a short (too short) visit to Oulu, Finland.
I was invited to present our AirJaldi Mesh project in the Wireless Cities 2006 Conference.
The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly. The Finns and their guests from around the world showed lots of enthusiasm about the Dharamsala project and the potential of wireless ICT to the aid of developing nations.
© Photo: Partanen Ville.
We are looking forward to future cooperation with the university of Oulu who had already donated equipment to TibTec, thanks to Prof. Ojala.
It seems that we are expecting a substantial delegation from Oulu to participate and assist with the AirJaldi summit in October – Welcome !
First BoD meeting of the Tibetan Technology Center.
Submitted by phuntsok on Wed, 2006-05-24 23:05.Yesterday - May 23rd, 2006 The Tibetan Technology Center (TibTec) held its first board of directors meeting. This was a historic moment for the exile Tibetan community as TibTec is the first registered Tibetan ICT (Information and Communication Technology) company.
Mr. Thupten Dorjee (1st from right) and Mr. Yahel Ben-David (2nd from right) are directors with the later serving as the CTO (Chief Technology Officer).
Tibetan Technology Center (P) Ltd. is a not-for-profit venture supported by Tibetan Children’s Villages.
Mr. Dhondup Namgyal, has been appointed the customer support manager (and also a part time accountant).
Spring IT Courses at the TTC by Frank Koch
Submitted by frankkoch on Wed, 2006-05-24 11:09.Tashi Delek Friends
It's time to say byebye. My last day has come in Dharamsala. On Saturday, July 1st, I will be leaving to the Sera Mahayana University in the south of India.
Thank you very much for all the kindness and cooperation during my classes. I had a wonderful time in Dharamsala and it was an extraordinary experience for me.
I like to thank Yahel, Phuntsok and Donam from the Tibetan Technology Center for the organisation of my classes and all the extra help. It would not have happened without your effort!
All the very best to everybody and stay tuned regarding computing.
Frank
Hot day in Dharamsala.
Submitted by yahel on Sun, 2006-05-07 00:42.
Today was the hottest day, this year. We chose this day to install two antennas: The first was at a very remote, yet very holly Hindu temple! Anyone who spent some time in India knows how unusual things can become in this vast and colorful country. Today was no exception; in recent years this Hindu temple, strategically located above Dharamsala, had become the home for Mr. Shankar, a Hindu priest from Japan. The locals refer to him as “Japani Baba Ji”. I decided to call him “Digital Baba Ji”. Shankar, came from Japan armed with wireless laptops, which he plans to use for educating the local villagers about Internet and its uses. Three days ago Shankar appeared at our office (TibTec) with an entourage of locals from the small village near that temple. They where very direct, asking for Internet connection at the temple. We felt this is too special and unique to let it go. The locals seemed to have much faith in their “Japani Baba” and he seemed to be a very motivated, positive person. Shankar said that when he goes back to Japan, his friend - an Australian Baba, will come to replace him so that the technology education will continue. We plan to ask some local politicians to visit them at the temple, and to monitor the progress there. No doubt that our Mesh subscribers are becoming more diversified.
The 2nd site where we installed a new router today, was on the roof of Phuntsok’s house. This was the first out-of-the-lab installation of our new dual-radio router. With two antennas, one directional beaming McLoad and one omni to cover the nearby nunneries and aid institutes – future subscribers.
Air Jaldi Summit - Dharamsala - October 2006.
Submitted by yahel on Thu, 2006-04-27 20:02.
Air Jaldi Summit
Dharamsala’s Tibetan Technology Center Partners With International Experts to Present the ‘Air Jaldi Summit’ And Extended Training Workshops.
Click For the complete Press-Released.
Dharamsala – April 28th, 2006 – Today the Tibetan Technology Center (TibTec), a world leader in wireless mesh network development, announced that it will host the Air Jaldi Summit on wireless technologies in Dharamsala, India in October 2006. TibTec has partnered with the Djursland International Institute of Rural Wireless Broadband (DIIRWB), the European leader in community-based WiFi development, and will join the World Summits on Free Information Infrastructure (WSFII) to deliver a conference and extended wireless training workshops in October. The conference proper will be held from October 22nd through 25th in Dharamsala, India. The training workshops will span a two-week period directly after the conference. Further details on the workshops will be supplied in a separate press release.
“We’re delighted to host such a significant event”, said Phuntsok Dorjee, Chief Information Officer with the Tibetan Technology Center. “Over the past year we’ve put in a tremendous amount of work to make the Dharamsala community mesh network a reality. Technologists in the international community are beginning to take notice of the original work that we’ve done here, and they want to come and learn from us. We couldn’t have done this without the confidence and support that we’ve received from TCV, and we’re very grateful for that. The Air Jaldi Summit will be of tremendous benefit to the Tibetan community, especially our young technical experts. This is a very exciting and empowering time for us”.
Mr. Vickram Crishna visits the Tibetan Technology Center.
Submitted by phuntsok on Mon, 2006-04-17 17:31.Hi friends,
We were very happy to have Mr. Vickram Crishna from Mumbai at our Tibetan Technology Center. It was wonderful having him at our Center. Vickram is a great supporter of our Dharamsala Mesh Project. The team of TibTec took him for a tour of our antenna sites at LHA, Indru Nag and Norbulingka Institute.
>>The team at Indrunag site, From left: Dhonam, Vickram, Phuntsok, Aurelien.<<
Vickram also visited TCV campus and with the Executive Director and Principal of TCV School and later on the day visited Norbulingka Institute . We enjoyed his company and want to thank him for making this trip. We look forward to future cooperation with Vickram ji.
Spring IT courses offered by TibTec.Org
Submitted by yahel on Fri, 2006-04-14 22:49.
***Please see Prof. Koch's forum for timetables of his classes ***

Thanks to Prof. Frank Koch from The Zurich University of Applied Sciences Winterthur (ZHW).
The Tibetan Technology Center can now offer some very interesting IT courses throughout spring 2006.
For further information about the offered courses, please see Prof. Koch's forum: http://www.tibtec.org/drup/?q=node/49
apache server
Submitted by pemazomkyi on Tue, 2006-03-28 16:28.hello everyone,
I have one apache server on LAN. Apache is install on XP Pro and i have some web page on it. I can view the page from local server. How can i access that page from another computer on network. i tried by doing http://server's IP of LAN but i couldn''t do it.
Can any one tell me how to solve that problem?
thanks
Pema
2006’s first DITG gathering
Submitted by yahel on Thu, 2006-03-16 16:07.
Last week all local members of DITG joined together for a tea party at Bhagsu.
Thanks for Summit-Adventures for hosting us at their restaurant.
A special thanks for Yael, for baking a home-made cake for the guests.
The Hon. Thupten Samdup had made important remarks and had revived the spirit of DITG activism. It was very exciting to see everyone together and listen to Sam’s very encouraging talk. Yahel & Phuntsok, gave a report about the progress of the Mesh project and the Tibetan Technology Center, as well as shared some of its future plans with the members.
We are looking forward for the next gathering.
Thanks everybody for coming!
Yahel & Phuntsok.
AMD 50X15
Submitted by Limor Alouf on Wed, 2006-03-08 20:15.OOPS my mistake.. The set target is 50% by 2015.
AMD's work
Submitted by Limor Alouf on Wed, 2006-03-08 20:09.AMD recieved the 2005 Equality Award Laureate from the Tech Museum.
They might look at the infra structure you created at the center to help them achieve the target of 50% at 2050
Project Overview:
AMD's initiative to enable affordable Internet access and computing capabilities for 50 percent of the world population by the year 2015. With world population estimated to reach 7.2 billion people in 2015, and the current Internet penetration at approximately 15 percent, there is tremendous potential for 50x15 on a global scale to bring billions of people into the digital age. These individuals do not have access to the vast amount of information, education and productivity the Internet and computers provide. AMD is determined to reshape those numbers with various products and solutions.
Problem Addressed:
The Internet plays such a fundamental role in our lives today that for many of us, imagining the world without it is nearly impossible. We rely on the Internet to enhance communication, education, productivity, business, entertainment and much more. But today, only about 15 percent of the world's six billion people have access to the Internet and the economy it is helping to drive. This not only prevents people in high-growth and developing regions from realizing greater educational, social and business opportunities, it also limits the opportunities for their country's economic growth and participation in the global economy.
Technology Solution:
AMD has developed the Personal Internet Connector (PIC) -- a low-cost, consumer-friendly, managed device that will put technology into the hands of first-time users in high-growth markets around the world. The innovative technology in the PIC provides an affordable way for families across the globe to have access to the Internet. The PIC contains basic productivity tools (such as a word processor and spreadsheet), and the ability to view images, multimedia files and standard format documents. With Internet connectivity, it also facilitates Web browsing, instant messaging and e-mail capabilities. Tech Award Laureates
award nomination
Submitted by Limor Alouf on Wed, 2006-03-08 19:11.You might want to look at the following:
Nominations for the 2006 Tech Museum Awards: Technology Benefiting Humanity are now open. For more information and nomination forms, visit www.techawards.org.
Limor
The Dot.Net article is now available online.
Submitted by yahel on Wed, 2006-02-22 10:35.The text for the "Exile Files" article is now available online
(without the nice photos).
"Goolag" News
Submitted by phuntsok on Tue, 2006-02-14 15:49.
Pictures of the SFT Dharamsala's demonstration at the main square in McLeog Ganj...http://photobucket.com/albums/f369/krasskatt/20060214SFTprotest/
More info at: http://noluv4google.com/article.php?id=801
The Kalachakra is over:
Submitted by yahel on Tue, 2006-01-17 20:27.One of the technological achievements during the teachings, was it’s simultaneous translation into 5 languages. We have built 5 sound-proof booths for the translators: Each booth was equipped with a TV monitor displaying a live-feed of H.H. The Dalai Lama's Face, Headphones with H.H. Voice and a fan (to ease the terrible heat). In addition, each booth had a microphone which was fed into a professional sound-mixing console.
Freddy at the sound console - ©Photo by Yahel.|
English_____96.0 Mhz Chinese____103.0 Mhz
Amdo________88.0 Mhz Russian_____91.8 Mhz Italian____107.0 Mhz
| VHF Broadcast antenna
|
Thousands of FM receivers where distributed to the crowds. The professional setup enabled crystal-clear translations to be heard over 1km away from the teaching site. Due to the immense heat, some people chose to stay away from the teaching site, while listening to the teachings on their FM radios, seated in the fancy Chonor-House restaurant or other cooler location of their choice.
We hope that the professional setup at this event will raise the quality standards for future translations of H.H. Teachings in India.
Uplink truck – for live TV broadcast over satellite1st report from Amaravati - KALACHAKRA 2006
Submitted by yahel on Sat, 2005-12-31 21:43.For details about the Kalachakra initiation see: http://www.dalailama.com/page.22.htm
|
Temporary cellular antennas - Unfinished Buddha statue in the background. |
Pioneers from TibTec team arrived at Amaravati on December 27th to help the organizing committee with technical related issues. The following day we have setup a WiFi Internet access for use by the many laptops of the staff. The network is encrypted using WPA2 to prevent any unauthorized access. Total bandwidth to the Internet of 2Mbps, is provided by BSNL. "Kalachakra" Cell-site ID |
More temporary, low height, cell sites. | Airtel's temporary cell-site |
When planning the Kalachakra about six months ago, we feared that the available cellular networks in the small town will collapse due to the high sudden load. I’m happy to say that the local cellular companies learned about the event and all started to erect temporary cell-sites last week. Andra Pradesh is covered by six cellular companies. Five GSM operators: Airtel, Hutch, Idea, BSNL, Tata-indicom and one CDMA operator: Reliance. At present there are 18 additional temporary sector antennas which where added for the Kalachakra event. Airtel added two cell sites around the teaching area and they also give away free SIM cards for Kalachakra visitors; all you need to buy is a pre-paid recharge coupon.
More technical updates from the Kalachakra site coming soon…
"The Exile Files"
Submitted by yahel on Mon, 2005-12-26 22:21.
*** NEW *** The text is now available online (without the nice photos).
An interesting article about our project was published in UK's leading Dot.Net magazine: http://www.netmag.co.uk/features/default.asp?pagetypeid=2&articleid=43318
Thanks to Oxblood Ruffin - www.hacktivismo.com for the story and ongoing support.
A nice review/comment about that article is already available online at:
"How inspiration from Little Lhasa can sort out your network" http://blog.networkproportal.com/?p=16
Cholla repeater site - now solar powered.
Submitted by yahel on Fri, 2005-12-09 18:47.Tibetan Technology Center’s antenna installation team, this morning installed two solar-panels for the Cholla repeater.
The expedition led by Phuntsok Dorjee, returned safely, after a successful installation.
They brought back many photos, taken by David Bolshoy.
The photos indicate the team did a very good job.
Other then two broken slate roof-tiles, there where no damages.
Dhondup Namgyal, Technology Center’s Installations manager, on the fragile slate roof.
© Photo – David Bolshoy.
Two more eventful days in Dharamsala.
Submitted by yahel on Fri, 2005-12-09 15:31.Yesterday, we replaced one of the antennas on the main Upper-TCV
mast. The new high-gain flat-panel antenna (18dBi) is now giving excellent signal to TCV-Gopalpur and Norbulinkga.
|
The new dual-antenna mast at Upper-TCV. |
Antenna enemy – Gray Languor monkey - 100Kg. |
While we where working on the roof, I got a sudden attack of pain in my toe. I hardly made it home, yet the pain was just getting worse. I used Skype to call Dr. Barry La. who leaves below TCV and gets Internet connectivity via the Mesh. Dr. Barry, immediately diagnosed the problem as a
Gout attack. Thanks to the high-speed Internet, the Dr. was able to find what locally available drug would best help me and to confirm that this medication will not interfere with other medicine which I’m taking. 10 minutes later, I got the medicine to my home. The pain was unbearable until about 4am, when I finally fall asleep. In the morning, the antenna team appeared at my door. I was not well enough for the climb to Cholla tower, but we decided that I can drive the bike as far as IndruNag tower, and they will continue alone from there. We drove 3 motorbikes up the semi-motor-able road to IndruNag. Lead by the expedition leader Phuntsok La, the team continued toward Cholla while I stayed behind to replace the solar-panel of IndruNag. The new 35w panel, should support a Mesh router and an Access-Point for 24 hours.
TCV Gopalpur is online !
Submitted by yahel on Mon, 2005-12-05 22:30.After a long day of hard work, we got TCV Gopalpur school on the wireless Mesh today.
TCV Gopalpur is a very remote locaiton.
Until today the only connection was using a phone line and a 14.4kbps modem.
There are about 60 computers on campus which are connected to the Internet as of today.
(C) Photo - Yahel Ben-David.



Recent comments
2 years 51 weeks ago
3 years 3 weeks ago
3 years 8 weeks ago
3 years 8 weeks ago
3 years 8 weeks ago
3 years 10 weeks ago
3 years 12 weeks ago
3 years 20 weeks ago
3 years 21 weeks ago
3 years 22 weeks ago