This state is a true test for any network. Power surges and constant flapping between on and off. One of the benefits of our system is that there's no configurations stored on the devices; this all sits on our authentication servers in the UK. It's therefore simple if equipment is destroyed to get the network up and running again. But it was holding up just fine :)
While the power was out we headed to the water tower, on which you'll find an access point serving the Ubuntu campus. I hadn't realised we'd actually be climbing it. Oscar shot straight up the rusty ladder that ran straight up the centre of the tower to an iron trap door at the top. I followed him as dirt fell from his shoes into my face - the safety cages had been re-purposed and by the time I reached the top, my hands were aching.
At the top, we were rewarded with an unbelievable panoramic view of Macha and the surrounding hills. The torrential rain had stopped and we could see for miles and miles. Flat, green, and tree lined land, with a few houses dotted here and there, Greg, Oscar and myself stood for ages enjoying the peace and quiet. We even had Internet up here!
After descending, we headed back to Macha to check the network and discuss a few last details. It wasn't long before I had to leave and there were many goodbyes to say. Sorry to all of you that I missed. It was sad to leave the team but I was happy with our progress and I'm sure I'll be back soon to see them again.
My flight to Lusaka was at 15:00 and we headed off to the airfield to pack the plane - a full flight, we had to hurry as a storm was closing in. En route we stopped off at a recently cleared piece of land, approximately 500 hectares (about the size of Wales). They're planting 1,000,000 Jatropha trees to provide a bio fuel for the local generator. Each tree on average will produce approximately 1 litre of oil twice a year. Leaving plenty surplus to power local vehicles etc.
Taking off with the rain behind us, we were on our way to the Flying Mission in Lusaka where I would be staying for the night. I had a meeting at 16:00 to discuss a possible implementation of the Linknet / PolkaSpots Wi-Fi Service in the Zambian Mission.
We landed in a downpour and I was greeted by Richard with whom I was meeting. We sat for 2 hours talking about the hotspot system and how it worked. PLugging in a controller, Linknet Number 2 was up and running! At the Mission, the biggest problem wasn't bandwidth but a monthly usage cap. Exceeding this limit means not just a slight reduction in service but a total exclusion and a hefty fine to reinstate it.
With the PolkaSpots system, guests can buy vouchers to help finance the project and the mission can be sure that the bandwidth limiting controllers and quarantine queue stop a single person blocking the connection for a month. What's more, those with a Linknet Wi-Fi account from Macha can use their login details in Lusaka and vice versa.
After 10 days living with bugs, cold water, a bucket as a shower (I'm not complaining, I loved it), the sight of an indoor toilet and hot shower were too much. A night of luxury before returning to London the following day.
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