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.

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)

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).