.In September-ish 2008, RussellSenior bought a couple Alix boards (from PC Engines) to play with. One got turned into an AlixStumbler and the other got used as a router at OneWebDay2008. Having played with the Alix.2d3, he found it has some nice properties and would make a decent router/gateway device. He also began to consider the downsides of the current NuCab infrastructure as it remains deployed in about 25 nodes around town.

In December, he put out a call to raise the funds necessary to make a bulk purchase of 30 of these devices to completely replace the existing NuCabs. As of the end of 2008, the drive has raised over $1800. The total cost of 30 devices would be approximately $5200. We additionally have some cash in our checking account to help fund the purchase. In order to leave ourselves with a cushion of cash, we minimally still need to raise another $700 or so. More, of course, would be better.

The AlixCab can accommodate the following features:

• Three ethernet ports:
  • WAN
  • Public LAN (connect to existing APs)
  • Private LAN (possibly prioritizing Private traffic)

• NoCatAuth captive portal software (stable, most users are comfortable with)

• OpenVPN tunnels
• OLSR (to connect the disparate networks via the VPN tunnel)
• SNMP network performance monitoring
• QoS?

• <insert-desired-feature-here>

The Alix.2d3 is about twice as capable, CPU-wise, as the standard NuCab. It uses much less electricity, between 4 and 6 Watts, compared to about 60 for the NuCab (a savings for the node host of nearly $40 per year in electricity). It has no moving parts to wear out. It occupies much less space (about 6 x 6 x 1 inch).

Anywho, that's the general idea. Input, technical and financial assistance are welcome. Contact RussellSenior or post to the mailing list. Thanks!