Components

The project has major four components:
1. Training of Trainers (ToT) programme
2. Deployment of Wireless Networks in rural locations
3. Workshop/conclave to discuss best practices, lessons learnt, and discussing issues from both a technical and policy perspective
4. Replication & Expansion of W4C Programme to South Asian countries

Training of Trainers

Through a structured “Training of Trainers” (ToT) programme, a pool of trainers is being trained to design, deploy and operate wireless networks, and to train community members in the deployment and operation of such networks.
The ToT course covers the following:
• Communication system and OSI layer
• Basic networking technologies
• Cabling, connectors and hubs
• Internet Protocol, IP addressing, subnetting and sub-masking
• Networking issues- Gateway, DHCP, DNS, Routing and NAT
• Wireless Communication System and basic Radio Physics
• Theory of Antenna and Polarization
• Network configuration tools and tips
• Electromagnetic fields and waves and effects, spectrum, propagation
• Radio mobile, frequency, and signalling issues
• Wireless device configuration general rules and tips
• Calculation of link budget
• Structured troubleshooting theory and exercise, link monitoring,
• Wireless link survey, planning radio mobile software
• Grounding, weather and lightning protection for equipment
• Outdoor installation of wireless equipment
• Building tower/masts

Deployment of Wireless Networks

To help kick-start the establishment of community based wireless networks, the project will deploy wireless networks in rural locations across India. The following five locations have been identified in the initial phase:-
1. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh
2. Sonapur, Assam
3. Tura, Garo Hills in Meghalaya
4. Tilonia, Ajmer in Rajasthan
5. Kolhapur, Maharashtra
6. Tehri, Uttarakhand
The first deployment was carried out in Chanderi in October 2010 in conjunction with the Training of Trainers workshop.

Wireless Workshop Conclave/Conference

The opening up of wireless spectrum and the advent of services using wireless technologies have had considerable impact in being able to connect the previously un-connected. Community-based wireless networks have also done well. Examples include “AirJaldi” in the Himalayas, and various initiatives in Nepal, the Pacific and elsewhere.
Yet, there are still some issues with economies adopting and promoting the use of such technologies, and fostering a conducive regulatory environment. This covers a range from spectrum issues to competition and licensing requirements to convergence issues.
In order to discuss and deliberate such issues, a wireless conclave was organised. The event saw discussions on various issues around wireless networks and highlights of best practices and lessons learnt from deployments and trials in the region and elsewhere.
This inaugural wireless conclave was held during the conference part of the 2010 Manthan Awards in Delhi, India from December 17 to 18.