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Unit 9: Wireless MAN Systems

requiring packet radio transmissions to be in the form of AX.25. However, details of AX.25 Notes
encapsulation rules vary from country to country.

Self-Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
7. .................................... is the communications protocol used for packet radio.
8. A .................................... is a standard for two computer systems to communicate with each
other, somewhat analogous to using a business format when writing a business letter.
9. For .................................... speed packet (starting at 9600 bps), special radios or modified FM
radios must be used.
10. A .................................... contains a modem, a computer processor (CPU), and the associated
circuitry required to convert communications between your computer (RS-232) and the
packet radio protocol in use.



Case Study Wireless MAN for Rural Development

ravara Village IT Project (PRAGATI) is a classic example of how new technology
can narrow the digital divide. Thanks to this project the rural communities
Pof Ahmednagar district in Maharastra are able to compete with their urban
counterparts…wirelessly. by Akhtar Pasha
Promoted by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Delhi; the PRAGATI project aims to
connect a hundred villages in Ahmednagar covering a population of more than 2.5 lakh
with a wireless MAN solution (WMAN). When completed, it will empower the rural
population and improve their quality of life. The seven lane program will help the villages
in establishing local IT centers, dissemination of information regarding government
schemes, marketing of agricultural products, healthcare, education, agro processing and
economic development.
Convergent Communications was selected for implementing the wireless solution as
they had executed most of the NIC’s projects in the past. After initial talks with Pravara
Group, NIC and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the project was kicked off
in 1999. It was executed in two phases. In Phase I, Convergent connected 13 sites using a
WMAN. Institutions were networked and connected to the Internet using a 64 Kbps VSAT
connection. During Phase II, the wireless solution was extended to six other remote sites—
Shirdi, Satral, Kolhar, Rahata, Babhleshwar and Loni. The remote sites use an 11 Mbps pipe
shared between six locations.

The project is expected to bring a host of benefits to the farming community. The villagers
can communicate with agricultural experts at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (a knowledge center
for farmers) and gain knowledge on better agriculture methods and storing and packing
their products. The wireless solution will also be useful in tele-medicine and keep abreast
with new government schemes.
Infrastructure blues
Arun Nale, System Administrator, Shirdi Sai Rural Institute, said, “There was no proper
telecom infrastructure. A leased line was not feasible as most of the electromechanical
exchanges did not support data transmission. Lack of proper roads created hurdles in
transportation of equipment during Phase I.
Contd...

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