Hi, I was reading about Negroponte's one laptop per child. Now that is the USA / western / nuclear family concept. I would be happy with one laptop/computer per family.
Now, if we added 50 million computers to India at Rs 5000 to Rs 9000 each we would not need connectivity to the internet.
Please contribute to our discussion on the google group "open-mobile".
Charitable inclinations do not give 50 million computers connected via mesh (free) networking to India.
Here is a note on mesh computing from one laptop per child.
Erach 2.9 Wireless Mesh Network Interface The wireless network interface used by CL1 operates as a conventional WiFi (802.11b/g) interface, yet provides several unique features crucial to the laptop's goals. Unlike traditional wireless networking, where laptops only communicate with network access points, the CL1 supports wireless mesh networking, where laptops may relay network packets for other laptops, greatly extending the reach of any network access points. In order to encourage a mesh network, the CL1 network interface is also designed for low power operation as a mesh node, even when the laptop is powered off. The mesh networking protocol is currently a variant of the upcoming 802.11s mesh networking standard. The CL1 will support 802.11s, when ratified, through a firmware upgrade. The current protocol and the 802.11s may be simultaneously supported at this time. Unlike traditional laptop wireless networking interfaces, the CL1 wireless mesh networking interface includes a processor capable of forwarding packets and maintaining mesh routing tables, independent of any other laptop resources. The network interface is notified when the main processor is entering/exiting suspend mode and it is capable of notifying the embedded controller that a network event requiring attention (such as a packet destined for the laptop) has occurred. While it is possible for this interface to operate even when the laptop is completely powered off, firmware currently limits operation of the network to when the laptop is either powered on or suspended. For operation in 802.11b mode, the RF output power is 17 dBm (+/- 1.5 dBm), with a receiver sensitivity of –87 dBm. In 802.11g mode, the RF output power is 13 dBm (+/- 1.5 dBm), with a receiver sensitivity of –72 dBm. Figure 2.9: External Antenna