As the lead developer for the Commotion Wireless Project, Josh King draws on his years of experience performing technology work at non-profit organizations to develop and implement free and open source software to promote freedom of communication, community organizing, and social justice. Josh is the Lead Technologist at New America's Open Technology Institute, has co-organized the International Summit for Community Wireless Networks, and has his roots in the tech development and organizing around the Indymedia movement. He lives in Washington, DC.
Commotion is a project that helps communities use cheap wireless hardware and open-source software to build their own network infrastructure. These networks can help spread cheap internet access, as well as provide a powerful alternative to traditional networks through providing local services, local ownership, and resilience. At this workshop, one of Commotion's developers will walk participants through the process of organizing, designing, and building their own networks. Additionally, we will talk about the technology behind community networks, and the rich history of such networks throughout the world.