====== First site options ======

When thinking about first "real" hosting sites in Merri-bek, conversations are resolving into two different strategies, which have their own unique characteristics. They can be pursued concurrently at different sites.

===== Site Types =====

==== [1] Super-site ====

This type of site is based on the idea that we will be serving open source apps in a centralised way, ones that are not compatible with LoRes. Although this site might *also* be a LoRes node, the fact that it serves important software (nextcloud, etc), means that if it is down, we lose access. In a sense, this is our local alternative to data-center use. 

Required characteristics of this site are:

  * Dedicated NBN line
  * Room for several computers of various sizes, ideally secure
  * Frequent access

Additional desirable characteristics would be:

  * Existing solar setup
  * Room for a few collaborators to tinker with with the servers
  * Ability to tinker with battery and off-grid setup

Risks for this site are:

  * NBN connection getting inadvertently overloaded (or deliberately DDOSsed). Mitigated by dedicated line.
  * Fire risk if we have batteries (mitigation unclear)

==== [2] Pioneer site ====

This type of site is a small inroad into build trust with local venues, without much risk. Notably, it does not involve serving data over a public internet connection. It does involve connecting as a client onto an existing wifi network, but doesn't serve traffic or expose ports for server. 

Required characteristics of this site:

  * Room for a shoebox sized package
  * Access to building wifi
  * Access to power
  * Occasional physical access

Additional desirable characteristics would be:

  * Existing solar setup
  * Ability to tinker with battery and off-grid setup

Risks for this site are:

  * Fire risk if we have batteries. Mitigation could be enclosing the entire setup in a fire-rated container, and storing outside.

Stealth variant:

This is a variant of Pioneer Site where the entire enclosure is mounted in a secure, fireproof box outside of a venue such as a neighbourhood house. It could potentially also have it's own 5G model to avoid the need for wifi (although that creates ongoing cost).