Village Area Network, Bohechio
Michael L. Best, Leandro Burnes, Marco Escobedo, H. Shakeel · 2001
A Village Area Network (VAN) is a pervasive wireless digital network providing fixed and mobile information and communication services to rural developing communities. The goal of a VAN is to provide services and capabilities that enhance the economic development of rural village communities, as well as raise living, medical, and educational standards. A VAN was deployed in April of 2001 throughout the rural community of Bohechio, located in the Dominican Republic. Centered around a LINCOS multipurpose community telecenter, the VAN covers a radius of 1000 meters, cost less than $30,000 USD, and provides access for mobile and fixed wireless devices and services at internal speeds of 11 Megabits per second. Preliminary results suggest that the VAN provides a platform for applications that can improve agriculture, entertainment, employment, medicine, and education in the area, as well as provide basic internet access (browsing and email) and telephony for residents of the community. Research is ongoing into innovative education systems, agricultural support environments, voice communication systems, and low-cost antennas.