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Note: the NAN project is no longer actively maintained. Have a look around, but there isn't much here anymore... -John

Welcome to the home of The NAN Project. NAN (Neighborhood Area Network) is similar in concept to LAN, only smaller in scale. This project is fairly new, so there's much to come here in the future. Of course, we're looking for suggestions and comments, so why not join the mailing list?

This project is dedicated to educating the world about the power of community networking. NAN is the idea of networking several houses in a neighborhood in one small-scale implementation of a LAN, and connecting that network to the Internet through one leased line.


Join the nnet mailing list: Sorry folks, due to a lack of interest, I've shut down the list. If anyone would like to see it brought back, lemme know. If enough people are interested, I'll bring it back...

A quick note about Linux:

Many of our network plans utilize the operating system Linux. Linux is the operating system of choice for The NAN Project, due to it's speed, reliability, networking capabilities, and scalibility. A 486 with 16 megabytes of RAM is sufficient for most of the projects discussed here, so Linux is really the only OS to consider.

Learn about Linux:

About the Project:

Here's the basic idea:

  • The average Internet user connects on a 28.8 modem.
  • High-speed networking is widely availible, in many areas of the country.
  • With a little effort, everyone in your neighborhood can be on a high-speed network that you design, with a little help from the resources provided here.
  • The NAN Project is the result of ongoing work by it's few team members to provide the internet community with a resource for building community networks.

What you need to do to get started:

  • Find out what sort of high-speed lines your ISP has to offer
  • Hold some sort of neighborhood meeting, and convince others that this idea will work for them. Be sure to mention that for approximately the same cost per month, they can have much faster, much more reliable Internet Service.
  • Get approval from all neighbors interested
  • Note that if you plan on crossing any streets or public areas with cabling, you'll need permission from your local government. Read the Technicalities page.
  • Make sure there aren't regulations set fourth by your local government that prohibit this sort of thing. (Chances are, you'll run into a lot of friction while trying to set this type of thing up.) Running cabling house to house may be considered providing a telecommunications service, which may require special permits, and may require you to abide by certain regulations. Be sure to check with local authorities before starting any of this.
  • Learn what tools and resources you'll need right here.
  • Start building your network!

Networking resources:

  • How-To Documents:

  • Some potential network plans and diagrams-- These are all the same basic idea, but they all have slightly different configurations:
    • Plan 1 - A general formula, including the idea of DHCP, in-house hubs for multiple client machines, as well as fiber convertors, for long-distance networking.
    • Plan 2 - Targeted at a city or suburban block situation
    • Plan 3 - Skematic of an existing Neighborhood Network
    • More to come in the next few days...

    The NAN Project meets on a private IRC server to discuss the project. Below are logs of the meetings, intended mostly for those members of NAN who weren't able to attend.

  • Other documents on this site:
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