WindFi: Renewable Energy Wireless Basestations

For rural communities that are located far from a high-capcity telephone exchange, one or more ‘WindFi’ basestations may be used to provide connectivity. WindFi enables scalable wireless networks to be deployed quickly, using self-sufficient basestations operating on renewable energy with a variety of radio interfaces and Point-to-Point (PTP) and Point-to-Multi-Point (PTMP) links. 

Basestation Design

WindFi basestations are designed to achieve 99.98% reliability, operating entirely on renewable energy (or hybrid if electrical grid power is available). Wind, solar or a combination of sources can be used to tailor a deployment for any environment. Wireless access is realised by P2P hopping backhaul links and P2MP customer last mile access. The radio options include a choice of low power wireless standards and MIMO chipsets offering a variety of air interfaces running with standard or modified MAC layers. A low power Linux based basestation controller provides intelligent remote monitoring and control.

Using open source software and GIS, the WindFi basestation enables a whole new business model based on cooperative community ownership.

Installation and Deployment

WindFi basestations are quick and easy to install and deploy, with no permanent foundations or permanent electrical power supply required…