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Last month the Internet Society, in conjunction with Escuela Latinoamericana de Redes (EsLaRed)* held a workshop at the University of West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, for Caribbean technologists interested in building wireless networks.   Wireless technologies are recognised as a cost-effective way to provide Internet access in developing regions. Equipment costs are falling while performance is increasing, making it possible for local and community-managed networks to be deployed and maintained at relatively little cost. Training local people who have a basic technical background and are interested in building networks plays an important role in achieving the deployment and sustainability of wireless broadband initiatives. The workshop consisted of five days of lectures and practical exercises. The twenty-seven participants were enthusiastic electrical engineering or computer science professionals, many from UWI campuses in Jamaica and Barbados. One participant was a faculty member from the Université d’Etat d’Haïti – the Internet Society arranged for him to attend to equip him with the knowledge to train engineers on his return. The practical element of the training involved establishing a new, live broadband wireless link for St. Davids RC School in Kelly Village, located seven kilometres from the UWI. Participants found this ‘hands on’ approach particularly helpful, however establishing the wireless link between UWI and St. Davis School proved to be a complex exercise. Obtaining a clear line of sight between the two ends, a fundamental requirement for microwave links, was difficult due to the presence of surrounding structures. The team solved this challenge by attaching one antenna directly to the edge of the roof of the UWI building and by fixing a six-metre pole to a water tank structure at St. Davis school.   The link was formally opened on Friday 11th June, and was energetically received by the St. Davis school pupils who were excited by the educational material now available to them online.   * Special thanks go to the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the Network Start Up-Resource Center (NSRC), and Network the World, which made in-kind contributions of equipment, technical expertise, and training materials that played an important role in the success of the event. Christian O’Flaherty
Regional Development Manager
Internet Society