[Expo-tech] Tattyhut Network: RIP

[Wookey]

On 2023-08-06 10:41 +0000, Charlie wrote:
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> Good morning nerds,
> 
> The TCLAspire3 Netbook currently used to bridge the Gasthof WiFi with the tattyhut network is pretty much entirely dead. It requires a manual `fsck` to boot at all,

That's unfortunate. It's done a decade so not too bad I suppose.

> and the network configuration often repeatedly solicits new DHCP leases until it claims ownership of the entire 192.168.2.0/24 network as secondary addresses.

That could presumably be fixed?

> Rebooting it requires a nerd to stand on a stool in the tattyhut for fifteen minutes...

You could move it...

> I propose the following specification for its replacement:
> - An all-in-one router
>     - i.e. integrated WAP and LAN switch
> - With a SIM card slot and 4G LTE compatibility
> - A SIM Card with PAYG data - Three will do unlimited data for one month at £35.00
>     - https://www.three.co.uk/pay-as-you-go/payg-data-packs
> - External antennae
>     - Better reception and ability to upgrade them to improve RSSI if needed.

That seems a reasonable plan. I did look for something that had that
spec (without the SIM slot) but failed to immediately find anything
that also ran an open OS. We need that because we need to run the
gasthof connection script to bring up the external aerial interface,
and this isn't necessarily something the standard firmware will let
you do.  

> The following router comes up as the cheapest matching this spec on RS Components:
> https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/routers/2558431?gb=b

Does this run OpenWRT? 

We do have a backup 4G network gadget in the red networking laptop
bag, so if things really are knackered it might be possible to put a
SIM in that and use it instead of the gasthof. It's in the bag for
exactly a case like this. The router config would have to be changed
to point at it instead of the netbook.

> Other routers (and PAYG data SIMs) are, of course available. But I would suggest that at least a router with integrated 4-port ethernet LAN switch would be wise - cheaper ones often have a single ethernet LAN port or none at all. I would also advise to steer clear of NetGear. Trusted brands: D-Link, TP-Link, Ubiquiti, MikroTik.
> 
> Authority to speak on this subject comes from professional experience as a network test engineer.
> 
> Thank you for your time.
> 
> Charlie
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pub EdDSA 256/2ADBC62E 2022-04-22 tca at xle.sh <tca at xle.sh>
> sub  ECDH 256/D1A88FC3 2022-04-22
> 

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Wookey
-- 
Principal hats:  Debian, Wookware, ARM
http://wookware.org/
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