FreeSpaceOptics

Free space optics
Opensource Free space optics(FSP) from Ronja is the most cost effective device for the creation of a hotspot between multiple houses instead of MeshNetworking. The Ronja has range of 1.4km and throughput of 10megs. Depending on the latency, IR device repeater nodes can be created. Lets presume there are 400 houses in a CommunityBlockNetwork. Create as many FSP hotspots as possible. The more hotspots the less DsLam and MeshNetworking nodes will have to be installed reducing the cost of the network considerably. Link these hotspots with a TelephoneNetworkRollout in such a way that the cabling run is minimized which in most cases would mean the cabling connects the CentralOffices orthogonally across the roads.

I haven't yet looked how they shape the IR beam but a magnification lens on the receiver and parabolic reflector on the Tx side will increase the range and reduce power consumption.

This topology would specifically not be implemented by Neotel and Telkom because they would loose control over the network. South Africa is wasting billions or rands in the laying of fiber lengthwise with the roads so that the Telco's can maintain control.

opensource led drivers
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RONJA * http://ronja.twibright.com/transmitter/building_pcb.php * http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Free_machine