What are community networks?
A community network is a non-profit (usually) computer
network set up to serve the needs of a particular community. Networking
equipment typically includes a server, a modem pool, telephone
lines, optional dedicated lines, and communications software.
Residents can dial up the network using their own personal computers
or public access terminals at a library or other community center.A feature of community networks that sets them apart from commercial or private networks is their emphasis on the local community: they provide information of interest to local residents and strive to reach a broad base of users with free or low-cost access. They are maintained by local residents--often on a volunteer basis--and funded by user fees, local government, donations, or grants. Networks may also be established by libraries, universities, or other local organizations.
Typical services of community networks are community bulletin boards where users can read and post announcements, job listings, discussion groups on a variety of topics, email, continuing education classes, library catalogs, information about local government, news, and local school information. Community networks may or may not provide access to other networks or the Internet; even email services may be limited to the local network. Some networks have a city home page on the World Wide Web and use it to promote economic development or tourism. Because community networks reflect the needs of the local community, each network will have unique characteristics.
| Free-Nets | Free-Nets are community networks that are affiliated with the National Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN), a non-profit organization working to bring public networks to communities all over the world. NPTN provides assistance to communities wanting to establish a network: it offers information on organizing the project, fund-raising, selecting hardware and software. Once the affiliate goes online, it pays an annual fee to take advantage of "CyberCasting" services offered by NPTN. ("Free-Net" is a service mark registered by NPTN.) |
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| Rural Information Networks (RIN) | NPTN won a grant from the NTIA to assist rural communities wanting to establish community networks. The grant allows NPTN to select 30 rural communities (10 have been selected) to bring online. NPTN says other communities can duplicate the Free-Net system placed in the communities selected for the grant for $15,000 or less. |
| Local Information Utility (LIU) | A LIU is a community network built by a library, college, school, business group, Internet service provider (such as a telephone company), or a combination of these organizations. The local network connects to a regional network. The LIU model is envisioned by CICNet, a consortium of eight midwestern universities providing Internet connectivity for the region. |
| Neighborhood Bulletin Board Services | In her thesis, Anne Beamish describes a neighborhood bulletin board as a smaller-scale community network run by an individual out of his/her home. |
| Internet Cooperatives | A non-profit Internet coop is owned by members who share the costs of maintaining dedicated Internet service. Members may then act as resellers of Internet services. Coops are geared toward providing cheaper direct Internet access to businesses and other organizations, not necessarily toward making the Internet accessible to everyone in the community. The Colorado Internet Cooperative Association is not a rural organization, but it is a model followed by other coops. |
| Toasternets | A Toasternet is a cooperative network built to provide members with cheaper Internet access; it takes advantage of less expensive hardware and software to keep prices low. The key word is "cheap," which is where "toaster" fits into the name. Read a better definition of "Toasternet," or see an example. |
| Civic Networks | "Civic network" is often used as a synonym for community network, but it implies a network that facilitates citizen participation in government. The Center for Civic Networking encourages local governments to participate in community networks because of the benefits of networking. |
| Public Access Networks | Public access networks encompass a variety of networks available to the public. The Morino Institute categorizes public access networks as having either a community focus or a special focus. Community networks as described in this web site would have a community focus; special focus networks include library networks, education networks, health information networks, and the like. |
Communities
On-Line: Community-Based Computer Networks, a thesis by Anne
Beamish, provides a thorough definition of community networks,
descriptions and demonstrations of features of several networks,
and discussion of challenges and opportunities for communities who
set up network. The thesis is interesting reading for anyone
considering setting up a community network.
New Community Networks:
Wired for Change has abstracts of the book by the same name.
Author Doug Schuler's study of community networks also includes
guidelines for developing a community network.
Community
Computer Network Surveys, also by Doug Schuler, is a list of
descriptions of community networks provided by the networks themselves
in response to the survey.
The Community Networking page
from the School of Information at the University of Michigan
includes an overview of research on community networks.
Community Networks:
an On-line Guide to Resources reflects the research of author
Paul M.A. Baker into community networks, especially in Virginia.
This site has many links to topics related to community networks.
Where do you want to go? Click on a sign!
Community Networks in Rural Areas home page*
*Resources for rural community networks*
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