05-28-2004, 07:00 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,186
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WiFi and the Art of Yak Husbandry
"Yak farmers in the mountains of Nepal are using wireless internet technology to keep in touch with their families. They are taking advantage of a wi-fi network set up in a remote region of the mountain kingdom where there are no phones or other means of communication.
"It is the result of a campaign led by local teacher Mahabir Pun, and backed by volunteers and donations, to bring the internet to an isolated part of the world. 'Yak farmers are using the network to buy and sell livestock, and exchange vetinerary tips,' said Mr Pun. 'After we had the network, we could talk to the people taking care of the yak and ask them if they had problems, for example if they needed medicine or food or if they had any messages for their families. They can send messages via e-mail and also they can do it through NetMeeting video conferencing software, so they can also talk.' Mr Pun [also] said they were now looking at ways of using the WiFi network for distance learning as there is a shortage of qualified teachers in the area." In addition to exchanging tips on proper yak care, the villagers are using their internet access to sell authentic Nepali handicrafts, raise funds for their school, and yes, even participate in forums.
So how does all of this work? "Pokhara is the nearest city to the villages, this is where we set up a server that connects to the internet. The server also provides the internal mail system for all the villages. On top of the building that houses the server, we have a radio pointing to Relay Station 1 which is 22 miles away. Relay Station 1 sits atop a mountain at 11,000 ft. One antenna points to Pokhara to pick up the signal from the server, while two other antennas point to Village 1 and Relay Station 2, respectively. There is no electricity on the mountain, so the radios are powered by two solar panels and a wind generator.
Relay Station 2 is located high in the Annapurna Mountain Range at the Khopra Yak farm (12,000 ft). The relay station has three radios: one connects to Relay Station 1 and the other two transmit to Villages 2, 4 and 5. There is no power at the yak farm, the radios are powered by wind and solar power. Tikot was the last village to be connected. Teachers and students can access the network from a computer in the main office. From there, the signal travels roughly 36 miles to the server in Pokhara!"
I'd originally picked up this story because I thought it could be funny, but I ended up being flat-out impressed. The whole enterprise is an extraordinary achievement, and a true testament to how much can be done with so little. My brightly colored knitted cap is off to the farmers, villagers, and volunteers around the world who made it possible for me to share this story with you. 
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05-28-2004, 07:52 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 469
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Wow! that is flat out awesome! I agree, look at what they are gaining with so little.
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05-28-2004, 08:28 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 263
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Amazing, just love to see how tech stuff comes together with HUMAN IMAGINATION and makes life easier at rough places, they're in easier touch with the world now, it's not hard to think about all the things that will improve over there.
Thanks Pat for telling, I think people elsewhere should know about this and sure there'll be other places to work with.
Regards.
__________________
MacBook Pro 2.53-250-4. iPhone 3G-8
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05-28-2004, 08:38 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 51
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This just shows what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it. Amazing what they accomplished with so little!
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Ecks
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05-28-2004, 09:15 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 164
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I am very impressed. I take for granted that high tech needs to be surrounded by a similar support infrastructure, such as power sources or buildings. What they have done is quite admirable.
I've been looking to move out of state recently; I wonder if the same thing can be done in Iowa? :wink:
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05-28-2004, 11:16 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 270
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That is a great article. You can move to that village and get connected to there internet access and use a satellite to watch The Soprano�s. Technology is changing the world.
Sean
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05-29-2004, 02:48 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 165
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by cmchavez
I wonder if the same thing can be done in Iowa? :wink:
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<sarcastic>
There are certain limits to any technology... I wouldn't expect that level of sophistication in Iowa for many many years. :wink:
</sarcastic>
On a related note, I'm too far away from the CO to get DSL; Cable internet isn't in my area yet (but will be in "two weeks"); so I'm left with fixed wireless...
With it I get not only all my highspeed needs, but I've also cut the cord of my local telco and am using Vonage for VoIP telephony...
Imagine, using wireless internet technology, people can call anywhere in the world with voice (maybe even video) for cheap... and have choices!
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05-29-2004, 07:06 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 118
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Quote:
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You can move to that village and get connected to there internet access and use a satellite to watch The Soprano�s. Technology is changing the world.
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Technology is changing the world indeed!!! The question is in which way...
I love the fact that they now have access to knowledge & up to date information. I also love the fact that they can communicate with the outer world and perhaps get access to emergency services etc when they need it.
On the otherhand one wonders if in the middle of all that peace and serenity whether they really need to be watching The Sopranos... The world has so few places left untouched and marred by logos of one global brand or another (you pick one... any one) we should really treasure them. Just a humble opinion from a well travelled person. No flame war intended here.
Thanks
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05-29-2004, 08:16 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 469
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I agree with you k_kirk. I think this would allow those few people to continue to live this lifestyle while also improving their lives. Good point.
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05-30-2004, 05:06 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 481
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:shocked!: Now that's what I call really COOL and useful technology :shocked!:
I guess if one searches hard enough one can find a geek anywhere. (I wonder if MS will request a .yak TLD :rotfl: ?)
Jeff-
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