What is Aredn?
Aredn stands for ‘Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network’ and operates on the 2.4Ghz (13cm) and 5Ghz (5cm) bands where ham operators hold secondary use privileges. Aredn uses low-cost commercial grade hardware that is reprogrammed with Aredn firmware, this removes some channel and power limitations. RF connections are made by placing antennas on towers, tall buildings, or other structures, creating a Point to Point (PtP) infrastructure. The high frequency used by Aredn requires a clear line of sight path to make proper connections. Links of 10~30 miles are possible with proper height and a clear path. Some sites will offer a Point to MultiPoint (PtMP) connection by deploying several antennas with a wide beamwidth to cover a large area. Individual users can connect to these locations to access the network. Speeds can range up to 600Mbits/sec or more, however 5~20Mbits/sec is more common for end users. Aredn uses Optimized Link State Routing Protocol (OSLR) to maintain a list of nodes and how to reach each one. If a node/link fails, OLSR will determine if another path to reach your destination is possible. Some nodes can use internet access to link locations that cannot obtain an RF connection via tunnels, assuming internet is available at both ends.
What is FLMesh?
FLMesh is a loosely connected network of Aredn Nodes in Florida, envisioned by Sean (KD4WLE) and Gerard (WT0F). FLMesh has 2 SuperNodes that connect Florida to the rest of the Arden Network, along with 2 main Tunnel Servers that allow remote mesh nodes a method to connect to the rest of FLMesh if they are unable to obtain an RF connection. FLMesh also offers several services, the most common are VoIP and MultiUser Chat systems. You can also find Packet Gateways, Winlink Messaging, WebCams, Mesh Mail servers, Web Servers, and the likes within the network. You can also use Aredn to link repeaters or route brandmeister traffic over Arden to an Internet gateway.
FLMesh and BCAT
BCAT (Brevard County ARES Team) is currently building out a mesh network in Brevard County with a presence in Mims, Titusville and by the end of February will also have sites in Melbourne and Palm Bay. BCAT will use this network to expand it’s digital footprint in Brevard and surrounding counties, providing linking to an expanding repeater network, packet bbs’s and their backbone network, CAD dispatch and asset tracking, VoIP services, and many other useful tools. Current locations can be found on Goggle Maps.
Inquiries for tunnel access, equipment requirements for personal nodes, or other technical questions should be directed to Sean Haga (KD4WLE) via email at seanhaga@kd4wle.net or BCATinfo@n4tdx.org
The BCAT/FLMesh is a dynamically changing network, for the most current location and channel information, please visit out Google Maps page for the locations and settings.
