INTRODUCTION

Now a days it is very easy to establish communication from one part of the world to other. Despite this even now in remote areas villagers travel to talk to family members or to get forms which citizens indeveloped countries an call up on a computer in a matter of seconds. The government tries to give telephone connection in very village in the mistaken belief that ordinary telephone is the cheapest way to provide connectivity. But the recent advancements in wireless technology make running a copper wire to an analog telephone much more expensive than the broadband wireless Internet connectivity. Daknet is an internet service based on the technology from First Mile Solutions(FMS), which was spun-off from an idea, known as DonkeyNet. This idea was featured in the MIT Entrepreneurship Competition in 2002. DakNet offers affordable, asynchronous internet access to rural areas. FMS is based in Cambridge, MA and offers its Wi-Fi based technology to the rural population in developing countries such as India and Cambodia. It uses a store and forward technique through Wi-Fi, which the company describes as "Cached Wi-Fi Intelligence". Daknet, an ad hoc network uses wireless technology to provide digital connectivity. Daknet takes advantages of the existing transportation and communication infrastructure to provide digital connectivity. Daknet whose name derives from the Hindi word Dak for postal combines a physical means of transportation with wireless data transfer to extend the internet connectivity that a uplink, a cyber caf or post office provides .Real time communications need large capital investment and hence high

level of user adoption to receiver costs. The average villager cannot even afford a personnel communications device such as a telephone or computer. Real time aspect of telephony can also be a disadvantage. Studies show that the current market for successful rural Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services does not appear to rely on real-time connectivity, but rather on affordability and basic interactivity. The poor not only need digital services, but they are willing and able to pay for them to offset the much higher costs of poor transportation, unfair pricing, and corruption. It is useful to consider non real-time infrastructures and applications such as voice mail, e-mail, and electronic bulletin boards. Technologies like store- and forward or asynchronous modes of communication can be significantly lower in cost and do not necessarily sacrifice the functionality required to deliver valuable user services. n addition to non real-time applications such as e-mail and voice messaging , providers can use asynchronous modes of communication to create local information repositories that community members can add to and query. To mobilize end-user market creation, a separate organization, known as United Villages (UV), was created by the founders of FMS. The purpose behind the creation of UV was to develop for-profit rural internet service providers using FMS technology.

WHY DAKNET
Real time communications need large capital investment and hence high level of user adoption to receiver costs. The average villager cannot even afford a personnel communications device such as a telephone or computer. To recover cost, users must share the communication
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infrastructure. Real time aspect of telephony can also be a disadvantage. Studies show that the current market for successful rural Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services does not appear to rely on real-time connectivity, but rather on affordability and basic interactivity. The poor not only need digital services, but they are willing and able to pay for them to offset the much higher costs of poor transportation, unfair pricing, and corruption. I t is useful to consider non realtime infrastructures and applications such as voice mail, e-mail, and electronic bulletin boards. Technologies like store and forward or asynchronous modes of communication can be significantly lower in cost and do not necessarily sacrifice the functionality required to deliver valuable user services. In addition to non real-time applications such as e-mail and voice messaging , providers can use asynchronous modes of communication to create local information repositories.

In this shared-use model, much ICT has relied on real-time communications, such as landline telephone, cellular phone, or satellite radio links. These real-time technologies can be useful for immediate interactivity and accessing highly time-sensitive information.. Successful examples include India s PCOs and the Grameen initiative(www.grameenphone com) While successful at providing basic services, the large capital investment in a real-time infrastructure, which requires a high level of user adoption to recover costs. The average villager cannot even afford a personal communications device such as a telephone or computer, let alone a subscription fee for access to the communications infrastructure. Hence, to recover cost, users must share the communications infrastructure. This limits the all-important value added from network effects. A villager who finds no use for a phone is typical, and this is perhaps why so few of the worlds poor have used a telephone. The real-time aspect of telephony can also be a disadvantage: Both intended parties must be present at each terminal to capture the infra structures full value.

Myths and Truths

Myth: The village telephone is the best model for poor communities. Truth: Giving everyone access to digital messagingvoice mail, digital documents, email, and so onis better than installing a community telephone. Rural information and communication technology (ICT) is typically introduced asa communications channel that the community shares. Whether through a public call office (PCO) or a public computer kiosk, users are introduced to ICT as shared utilities with a technically literate operator acting as an intermediary. I

FIRST MILE SOLUTIONS

First Mile Solutions (FMS) specifically tackles the problems of high cost and limited access through its Village Area Network technology which includes DakNet, a novel, lowcost technology.1 0 DakNet integrates inexpensive Customer Off- The- Shelf (COTS) hardware components, opensource software, and FMSs proprietary software to create an asynchronous Internet hub and spoke system. Computers at the hub are connected to the Internet in real time,
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while computers at the end of the spoke are connected asynchronously. Traditional transport mechanisms such as cars, motorbikes, buses, or even donkeys transport data between the hub and spoke.

WIRELESS CATALYSTS
Advances in the IEEE 802 standards have led to huge commercial success and low pricing for broadband networks. These techniques can provide broadband access to even the most remote areas at low price. Important considerations in a WLAN are Security: In a WLAN, access is not limited to the wired PCs but it is also open to all the wireless network devices, making it for a hacker to easily breach thesecurity of that network. Reach: WLAN should have optimum coverage and performance for mobile usersto seamlessly roam in the wireless network Interference: Minimize the interference and obstruction by designing the wireless network with proper placement of wireless devices. Interoperability: Choose a wireless technology standard that would make the WLAN a truly interoperable network with devices from different vendors integrated into the same. Reliability: WLAN should provide reliable network connection in the enterprise network.

Manageability: A manageable WLAN allows network administrators to manage, make changes and troubleshoot problems with fewer hassles. Wireless data networks based on the IEEE 802.11 or wifi standard are perhaps the most promising of the wireless technologies. Features of wifi include ease of setup, use and maintenance, relatively high bandwidth; and relatively low cost for both users and providers.

ADHOC NETWORKS
An ad-hoc wireless network is a collection of wireless mobile hosts forming a temporary network without the aid of any established infrastructure or centralized control. Ad-hoc networks require a peer-topeer architecture, and the topology of the network depends on the location of the different users, which changes over time. In addition, since the propagation range of a given mobile is limited, the mobile may need to enlist the aid of other mobiles in forwarding a packet to its final destination. Thus the end-to-end connection between any two mobile hosts may consist of multiple wireless hops. It is a significant technical challenge to provide reliable high speed endto-end communications in ad-hoc wireless networks given their dynamic network topology, decentralized control and multi hop connections.

The main parts are as follows HUB KIOSK HUB It is a common connection point for devices in a network. It is used to connect segments of a LAN. It contains multiple ports. Packet at one port copied to all other ports-all segments see all packets. When the vehicle passes near an internet access point the hub- it synchronizes all the data from different kiosks using the internet point connection. KIOSK It is a booth providing a computer related service such as ATM. In each village there is kiosk. It requires a user interface that can be used without training. It enable user to enter and display information on the same device. Either directional or omni directional antennas are located at each of the kiosks or hubs.

NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
Daknet offers data to be transmitted over short point-to-point links. It combines physical and wireless data transport to enable high-bandwidth intranet connectivity among kiosks (public computers) and between kiosks and hubs (places with reliable Internet connection).Data is transported by means of a mobile access point, which automatically and wirelessly collects and delivers data from/to each kiosk on the network. Low cost WIFI radio transceivers automatically transfer the data DAKNET stored in the MAP at high bandwidth for each point- toconnection.

SPECIFICATIONS
Max speed 11 MBPS Max Encryption - 128 bit WEP Discrete channels - 3Max range @full throughput - ~30 ft Natively compatible - 802.11b, 802.11g Potential user - Entry level and home networks
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HOW DAKNET WORKS

A simple store-andforward WiFi system, using a government bus as a central linkage. The bus contains a simple WiFi installation and server, and when in range of one of the outlying information kiosks it synchronizes data for later processing. DakNet is a patented wireless package that does away with base stations. DakNet offers a costeffective network for data connectivity in regions lacking communications infrastructure. Instead of trying to relay data over long distances, which can be expensive, Daknet transmits data over short point-to point links between kiosks and portable storage devices called Mobile Access Points (MAP).Mounted and powered on a bus or motorcycle with a small generator MAP physically transports data between public kiosks and private communications devices and between kiosks and a hub (for non real time internet access). Low cost WiFi radio transceivers transfer data stored in MAP at high bandwidth for each point-topoint connection. Daknet has thus two functions: These steps repeat or all the vehicles carrying MAP, thus providing a low cost wireless network and seamless communication infrastructure. Even a single vehicle passing by a village is sufficient to carry the entire daily information. The connection quality is also high.

As the MAP equipped vehicle comes within the range of a village Wi-Fi enabled kiosk it automatically senses the wireless connection and uploads and downloads tens of mega bytes of data.

DAKNET IN ACTION
Villagers in India and Cambodia are using Daknet with good results. Local entrepreneurs currently are using DakNet connections to make eservices like e-mail and voice mail available to residents in rural villages. One of the
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As it comes in the range of Internet access points (the hub) It automatically synchronizes the data from kiosks using the Internet.

Daknets early deployments was as an affordable rural connectivity solution for the Bhoomie-governance project. DakNet is also implemented in a remote province of Cambodia for 15 solar- powered village schools, telemedicine clinics, and a governors office. Daknet is currently in action in many places. They are, Bhoomi initiative in Karnataka SARI (Sustainable Access for Rural India) project of Tamilnadu Ratnakiri project in Cambodia

connected to the Internet through a satellite, and 14 others schools are connected through the e-postman system. Data is transported by five motormen, each of whom covers a different route. Application Context Internet accessibility complements the computer classes students were already taking. Originally, students only learned how to type and use Microsoft Word and Excel. Connecting schools to the Internet allows students to learn how to use e-mail and conduct web searches. Many schools have established a pen-pal system with other schools, which motivates students to practice writing and e-mailing in English. Many donors also communicate to the students through e-mail. Challenges The schools have experienced few technical problems with the hardware .hands-on time to explore and practice is limited. Social Benefit Providing rural communities with Internet access is a baby step in bridging the digital divide. Learning how to use the Internet at the primary school level helps students to overcome the intimidation of using new technology. It also decreases the negative impacts of physical isolation, as they are now able to receive daily news and explore the world outside their village through web searches. Tele Medicine

APPLICATIONS AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIP

AAfC supplements the government- mandated curriculum with additional teachers that teach English and computer classes to the most gifted students. AAfC/JRF was FMS first client to experiment with the innovative applications of the DakNet technology. The following applications and analysis of DakNets potential social benefits reflect AAfC/JRFs experience. While Internet access has been reliable, each application must overcome specific challenges. Since applications complement the technology, these challenges directly affect demand for DakNet. EDUCATION Use of DakNet DakNet infrastructure was used to connect rural schools to the Internet. One school is

DakNet infrastructure established through the rural schools to implement telemedicine. Villagers can ask the computer teacher to email their symptoms to a medical clinic
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instead of paying an actual visit. Doctors at the clinic then choose the most urgent cases to treat. Close to seventy percent of the patients that are referred to the telemedicine clinic utilize DakNet. Application Context When patients arrive at the telemedicine clinic, local doctors provide foreign doctors with precise descriptions of patients illnesses. These descriptions contain written explanations, digital pictures, or even digitized X-rays. Any useful information that can be transferred electronically is added to a patients profile .

the rural poor as a potential market for relevant applications to generate demand for DakNet End-users do not have the disposable income to use the Internet for non- essential activities. The clients willingness to pay for DakNet services is directly related to whether the applications replace an existing activity or satisfy an important need. Merely having Internet access is not enough. Application drives the demand for the of partnerships FMS positions itself as a provider of infrastructure and standard services such as e-mail, asynchronous websurfing, and Voice Message over IP. Since it does not Directly interact with the end-user market, it needs to build local partners. Successful bottom of the pyramid ecosystems are typically decentralized and leverage the expertise and entrepreneurial spirit at the local level. Local partners have both a deeper knowledge of the populations needs and the capacity to manage local operations. In addition to running access points, local partners must also make sure that MAPs are treated with care and reach all access points in a timely manner. This can be a relationships with clients and partners A major risk to revenues is that rogue clients and partners will cut FMS and UV out of the loop. For example, FMS could be cheated out of maintenance fees and UVs agreements with local rural ISPs could be violated. The technology is designed to make clients and partners dependent on FMS and UV. If they cease to cooperate, FMS and UV have the capacity to bring the network down. In addition to this
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CHALLENGES OF DAKNET
The main challenge is to have doctors commited to the project due to lower payscale. There are also the Challenges. FMS Initial deployments have revealed many challenges, from actual deployment of the penetrating the BOP market. The following section highlights actual ICT demand from the end-user market Entering the BOP market is risky because very little is known about this market segment. Even if it is true that, as some studies suggest, people in rural areas spend three to five percent of their income on communications, FMS will still need to take market share away from traditional incumbents such as personal visits, radio, phone communications, television, and newspapers. This transition in spending patterns will not occur overnight. In addition, it is difficult to determine the optimal pricing strategy and - more fundamentally - whether the trend showing

technical solution, UV needs to detail carefully the agreements it makes with its partners. This is an extremely complex task, especially when dealing with non- US weather- related barriers Ideally, FMS installs the MAP onto an existing transportation method, such as the public bus in India or the coffee delivery truck in Costa Rica. Doing so keeps costs to a minimum. Unfortunately, buses and even ordinary postmen are not always present in remote areas and hiring dedicated e-postmen is an additional cost the client would have to bear. This was the case for AAfC/JRC, which had to subsidize the cost of local motor-taxi men to transport the data daily. In either case, the transport mechanism needs to be able to endure difficult climates. In Cambodia, for example, the motormen have a difficult time during the rainy season. Motormen have taken falls and broken antennas, an covering the same routes can take two to three times longer, raising the price of gas by 150%

say, it was too expensive to purchase a satellite for every school. DakNet infrastructure was also more difficult to steal and vandalize than satellites and wireless base stations. If all fifteen schools had been connected to the Internet via satellite, it would have cost38 USD 260,376 for the first year.39 Using FMS only cost USD 39,979 (at that time, FMS did not charge for its software). FMS used the school that was already connected to the Internet as a central hub. The other fourteen schools were divided into five routes,each of them serviced by a motorman. Motormen are the postmen hired locally that ride their motorbikes between the central hub and surrounding schools.

FEATURES OF DAKNET
Since it avoids using phone lines or expensive equipment, Daknet provides one of the lowest-cost accessibility solutions in the world .In addition to low cost the other feature of Daknet is its ability for upgrading the always-on broadband connectivity .As the village increases its economic means the villagers can use the , software and user interface to enjoy realtime information access. The only change is the addition of fixed location wireless antennas and towers, a change that is entirely transparent to end users, because they need not learn new skills or buy new hardware and software. With multiple MAP buses, a low cost wireless network and seam less communication infrastructure gets created.

DAKNETS COST ADVANTAGE: A REAL EXAMPL E

FMS first major client was American Assistance for Cambodia/Japan Relief Fund (AAfC/JRF), an NGO based in Cambodia that has built over 250 schools. AAfC/JRF first approached First Mile Solutions in 2001 connect its schools to the Internet. Many schools were already equipped with computers and printers powered by solar panels. However, only one school,37 using a donated satellite, was connected to the Internet. Satellite technology was the only way to connect schools without telephone lines. Needless to

STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE

Adoption of DakNet technology will depend heavily on the usefulness and relevance of related applications and the villagers ability to use
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them despite low levels of education and literacy. Since FMS and UV have made a conscious decision to focus on creating a small set of core tools instead of creating many different applications, they must indirectly support application developers or form strategic partnerships with existing application developers that have an interest in entering the market. Securing locally relevant applications will be important because different countries have different needs and use different languages. In their initial stages, and UV are considering running pilot projects with established ekiosk operators running successful applications.

CONCLUSION
low deployment cost and enthusiastic reception by rural users has motivated dozens of inquiries for further deployments. This provides millions of people their first possibility for digital connectivity. Increasing connectivity is the most reliable way to encourage economic growth. The larger goal is to shift the policy focus of the Governments universal service obligation funds from wireless village telephones to wireless adhoc networking.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Daknet provide seamless method of upgrading to always on broadband connectivity. As a village increases its economic means, its inhabitants can use the same hardware, software, and user interface to enjoy real time information access. The only change is the addition of fixes location wireless antennas and towers. If the mobile access points are replaced with fixed transceivers real-time connectivity is possible. Thus more sophisticated services, such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is enabled which allows normal real time telephony. Instead of using wifi, wi-max or e-video can be used. Wifi can affected by interference from mobile phones and Bluetooth devices which will reduce the transmission speeds.