Packet RadioPacket Versus InternetThis is not really the right question, but some think that Community WiFi WAN or Broadband make Packet pointless or obsolete. In fact the systems are not mutually exclusive for complementary. It is true that if you ONLY use packet for DX Cluster (DXC) and you get Broadband you may never use Packet again. Especially if the Packet system is of poor reliability and only 1200 Baud.
Comparison Internet The Internet allows any traffic and can be from 20K (Dialup) to 512K (Broadband) for Users. The cost is anything from € 10 per month (few calls on free dialup ISP) to €350 per month (two way satellite access, always on). It is not easily used mobile without serious extra costs (WAP GSM, Nokia Communicator, Laptop or PDA GPRS, 3G etc). In event of any crisis or disaster it can be "switched off" by Governments or fail rapidly. Localised failures in Ireland are quite common. Comparison Packet The Packet network is also in theory worldwide (yes even on Limerick 2m 1200 Baud you CAN go worldwide) and in countries with more relaxed licences connected to Public Internet. In Ireland almost all packet is 1200 Baud. But 38.k bps and 1.2Mbps speeds exceeding poor dialup and entry level Broadband are inexpensive to install. Many parts of the Packet network, even some in Ireland are linked via the Internet. Packet is free (ish). (Someone pays the electricity and cost of Repeater hardware and insurance!). Packet can work mobile on VHF/UHF and even HF with a minimum of power and no extra costs. Given time and money input, Irish packet failures are rare. Many of the links and repeaters are battery backed and do not depend on Internet, phones, or ESB. Worldwide Packet (especially on HF) is not easily or quickly "turned off" by Governments. It is much more resiliant to disaster than the Internet. Technical Constraints "Internet Access" is not likely to be at much higher than 1Mbps to ordinary users for at least 10 years. Possibly less than 10% can even get Broadband. Eircom's "Trigger Program" to update exchanges to Broadband has been proven to be a PR excercise. Possibly over 40% of Eircom lines can't even support Dialup at EU acceptable quality (speed, errors and frequency of dropped connections). Packet is only 1200 Baud in Ireland today, but 38.4K is possible now (over ten years ago) on 2m and 70cm. An amazing 1.2Mbps is relatively cheap and can be deployed on 1.25GHz, The 5.6GHz and 10GHz Amateur bands can support upto 200Mbps Duplex economically, often at greater range than WiFi. Even the 54Mbps WiFi is typically only 1Mbps or less on a 4km outdoor link. Q15X25 does over 2500 bps on HF and can be used with sound card on 2M SSB today. That technique, using DTT compliant COFDM would give 2Mbps "Multipath Immune" in small badwidth on 70cms using off the shelf £50 PC PCI card for Receive! WiFi/WLAN At 2.4GHz and thus near line of sight it is nowhere near a replacement for 2m / 70cm or even 1.25GHz 1.2Mbps PSK. For an omni link of a Km a 4ft (120cm) Colinear is needed (£70). MMDS dishes can be used, but only at Chimney height fixed point to point link up to about 5km. Very few people are getting "cheap or free" Broadband with it despite the hype. Even if a fixed WiFi link does give you Broadband, did you give up HF when you got a mobile phone? A WiFi point to point link could be good to link some Digipeaters (usually they are too far apart), or more usefully a Server in the home QTH to a mountain top Digipeater site. Even voice for IRLP can be linked to Repeater from Home based broadband connection. WiFi & Broadband Some sums show that maybe 10 people could share a normal Broadband connection to get "good" always on Dialup speed. Newer dedicated Wireless systems for Broadband exist. These are not retail office WiFi units put in a plastic box behind an MMDS Dish! Satellite Broadband is very expensive and has huge latency problems. The only feasible "Wireless" Broadband where Eircom won't deliver on copper are the Commercial Licenced Wireless Broadband suppliers with "proper" kit. Conclusion We might as well give up FM and SSB voice radio and use PMR446 and GSM phones as give up Packet and use the Internet. The Irish Packet system desperately needs upgraded, but WiFi and / or Broadband Internet are not the alternatives, but complementary network systems. Comparing WiFi and Irish packet is like comparing a Superhet FM radio with a Crystal Set. Comparing WiFi and what OTHER people are doing (with packet) is like comparing AM CB (WiFi) and HF SSB (packet). |