Hello All,
This is an idea for those who are into embedded linux systems. The concept is to create wireless internet access in taxis, cars and buses. The options available today are the wireless data cards or mobile phones or FWP phones attached to individual laptops. But what happens when more passengers want to access the net and everyone may not have a data card. So we need a black box that acts as an interface with the phone's ( net service provided by the transporter) usb cable and the network interface of a Wireless AP.
I don't know if any ready made phone is available with a direct network interface and a built-in ppp dialer but the simple way out would be to use an old pc or laptop as the interface and share that connection at its ethernet port. However that would make it too bulky and power consuming.
The other approach would be to have something like the ADSL modem that is a network interface and a pppoe dialer bundled together. In our black box we need a usb interface that can detect different wireless phones, a pppoe dialer to make a connection and a network interface to connect to the W AP. Everytime the connection breaks, it will automatically redial.
The cost of a dialup session for RIL internet is 50p/minute so Rs. 30 for an hour. That amount can be divided among the passengers and they benefit by being online without a data card. Local buses and taxis can use FWP phones and long distance luxury buses, taxis will use mobile phones as the network device. For buses, more phones and devices with W APs can be added as per demand, for better bandwidth.
Everyday, the gaps between no signal areas is closing in and we will get almost seamless net access across the travel region.
Regards,
Rony. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com