Zim WiFi:Project Overview

Project Background

The Wireless Open Source and Refurbished (W.O.R) computers project, is an implementation that is seeking to provide fast and cheap Internet connectivity into schools using a mix of low cost technologies (refurbished computers, open source software), low cost wireless access (ISM 2.4 GHz frequency band) and low cost policy enablers (discounted education e-rate for Internet access).

This is a pilot project, working on the premise that any computer in a school must be necessarily connected to the Internet if the ICTs in education model is designed to enhance teachers and learners educational experiences. Whilest the physical access to ICTs is a precondition for this to happen, the solution should also be affordable in terms of costs, available in terms of consistent broadband connectivity and appropriate technologies that can deliver such a promise.

Project Location

This pilot is located in the Highfields suburb of Harare and is targeting the secondary schools in the location. Two schools Mhuriimwe Secondary School and Kwayedza Secondary School have been identified for the initial pilot roll out. If additional funds become available the project will select an additional two schools for the Internet connectivity solution.

Technical description

The intention is to provide last[first] mile and last[first] inch wireless connectivity into schools. The last[first] mile connectivity (see [Zim_WiFi:Technology| physical network diagram] ) is a common implementation amongst all the schools as the link between the school and the base station will be delivered using the ISM frequency band.

The last inch solution however will be different for each school. For the schools without a wired Ethernet LAN, a wireless LAN using WiFi 802.11b/g standard will be deployed in the computer lab. For those with a wired LAN the wireless data internet connectivity will be provided through a Linux box (Ethernet hub) that is distributed to the networked computers.