[plug] FAQ - alpha release

[Hook]

> Beau Kuiper wrote:
> > iiNet is actually a very confused and strange company. So much so I am
actually
> > suprised anything gets done there. I always dread communicating with
them. They
> > actually use linux a fair bit for their equipment (their cityspan client
side
> > box is a small linux box).
>
> Our connection is through iiNet. I haven't needed their help much, but
> when I have (e.g. to get the name of their NTP server) they've been
> pretty helpful. I haven't tried any Linux-specific questions on them,
> though.
>
> Is anyone here using CitySpan, and if so how reliable is it, and how
> consistent are the speeds in inclement weather? We're on a 24-hr modem
> link, and are not in an ADSL-capable area, so CitySpan crosses my mind
> (although it would make my wallet cross) every now and then. That the
> box is Linux-based sounds promising.

Remember that CitySpan doesn't cover all of Perth either ! The coverage maps
are available from the iinet web site somewhere I think (shout if you need a
pointer and I'll try & find out tomorrow), and basically cover Freo to
Cannington, the CBD and a couple of areas north of the river.  I think there
there are 5 or 6 base stations, and you have to be within line of sight, and
a few kms to be able to use it.

In some ways it may be better than ADSL - the in and out bandwidth is
symmetrical, and although you share a 2 Mb pipe, at the moment there
shouldn't be that much congestion.  Susceptability to weather is a good
question though.

Paul