David,
Thanks again. The fog is clearing a bit...whoops, another patch ahead.
Your first point, about an external modem, seems misguided, since rharris clearly states-as you quoted him- "a two meg card with an ethernet card and a wireless modem ALL AS ONE UNIT(emphasis mine) which fits into any available slot." Within the limited info MEME has provided us, the CEO backs this up, and says it's a cost saver.
From your second point I gather that neither you nor I know just what Direct Frequency Spectrum IS, or isn't. You speculate that it may be "direct sequence spread spectrum". Until THAT question is answered, much of the rest of the good info. you provided may or may not be pertinent.
Your third, fourth, and fifth points indicates that a lot of repeaters would be needed to supplement the main unit! So indeed RHARRIS, do you know how many "different cells" are needed? Just what is a "cell." If MEME can set up so quickly as implied, it must not be many, no?
I might note here, that Heddy Lamar, as I recall from a very hot story of her life which I encountered as a kid- was fond of referring to her far ranging sexual needs as "Frequency Hopping" I had forgotten that!
Your sixth point concerning foilage and reception and required no. of repeaters clearly applies. Which tells us of a possible serious limitation as to markets MEME could enter.
Your seventh point is answerable. MEME says they own Community Television Frequencies in at least a few markets. I understand these stations only brodcast 15 to 20 miles. This has nothing to do with MEME's internet connectivity tech., so far as I know. Clearly MEME would be sharing bands with Metricom if deployed in the same area. But just what is DIRECT FREQUENCY SPECTRUM, and how would it relate?
In your Eighth point you label the statement that normal rain and storms will not be a problem as ABSOLUTE NONSENSE. It seems to me the word "normal" is an admission of imperfection in extreme conditions, and this is backed up by the "simply reconnects by itself" statement. I don't see that you have a basis here. Perhaps the system IS in fact reliable, except in some extreme storm conditions. Beats me!
Yes, I suspected all along that the Ricochet system was being sold short here. Glad to hear it in fact! I love progress. Still, I think the mis-characterization was probably come by honestly, from old press or posts on Metricom.
RHarris, if your reading, you've covered the deal with Exxon too lightly. The CEO says that the ONE EXXOM FACILITY in which MEME operates, is itself merely a POTENTIAL market for MEME because that facility has some 300 T-1 lines, and MEME has taken over just ONE of them to date. And he indicates this is an opportunity for MEME to gain experience operating the system!
I wanted to clear that up since I know how easy it can be for all of us to extrapolate wrongly and mischaractize unintentionally. I don't need any false hope!(even if I've engaged in spreading it, and I understand I definitely have). If the system works, it'll probably be a news release when and if Exxon allows MEME to actually take over the the place(has to be doubtful right now).
David I need not comment on the rest of the info. in your post, info. within all your points. It is very informative and very appreciated. Sounds like you'll definitely have some fun in S.F. Wish I could learn along with you. Hope you get some answers and post them, good or bad, here. Actually, I hope MEME would simply provide answers ASAP in an honest fashion- then your visit with them could be even more productive- with that much more knowledge in hand ahead of time. I won't hold my breath 'til they do, however. |
