Internet access is a right. Registration is free: no payment is made when you register.

Technology

How the connection reaches your home

Bridge is technology-neutral. The group picks what works best for its place, budget and terrain.

The backbone: one good connection

The group buys one high-quality link for everyone. Options include:

  • Starlink
  • Fibre
  • Radio link
  • VSAT
  • LTE / 4G

The last mile: from hub to homes

  • Mesh Wi-Fi for close homes
  • 2.4 GHz point-to-point radio for longer hops
Internet source
↓
Bridge hub
↓
Mesh Wi-Fi
+
Point-to-point radio
↓
Homes

Planning guideline

Which technology for which distance?

Distance from hubLikely technology
Up to ~200 mMesh Wi-Fi
~200 m – 1 kmOutdoor mesh
~1 – 3 kmDedicated point-to-point
3 km and beyondSecondary mini-hub

These are planning guidelines, not guarantees. Terrain, obstructions, antenna height, interference, regulation and equipment specifications must still be assessed on site by a Bridge technical officer.

Browse networking devices in the shop

Network design

Plan the network before buying equipment

Bridge technical officers use a map-based planner: every member home is a point, the hub is the root, and moving the hub instantly redraws distances and the suggested technology for each home, so alternative hub sites can be tested before anything is installed.

Secure by default

WPA3 where supported with WPA2 fallback, strong passphrases, changed default admin passwords, regular firmware updates and network segmentation.

Shared fairly

Contributions are managed centrally so one member's late payment does not automatically disconnect the group.

Resilient

Groups can record a backup connection, and outage procedures keep members informed.