New Wireless Node at the Bennington Museum

On December 11, 2005, Long Trail Wireless installed a new
wireless node at the Bennington Museum, by affixing a long range antenna
to the outside of the building. The installation allows for free
internet service for anyone within the coverage area, which is directed
towards the center of town and reaches as far as Panda Garden on Main
Street. Having a wireless node is a way for the museum to become even
more accessible to the public and share their bandwidth with others.
Visitors will be able to bring their laptop to the museum and enjoy the
research library, the café, or even the outdoor pavilion when weather
permits.
The theory behind wireless networking, or WiFi, is that internet
is available free to everyone in the community. Local individuals or
businesses can host a node and donate some of their bandwidth to the
project. As more nodes are installed, the area of coverage will increase
for wireless users.
Long Trail Wireless is a volunteer group that installs nodes in
public places such as parks and coffee shops. In 2005 founders Ron
Hausthor and David Pearson launched a plan to cover Bennington with
wireless access. With a small group of volunteers they have succeeded
in bringing several nodes to town that allow internet access in both
Bennington and North Bennington. In addition to the Bennington Museum,
Long Trail has received commitments from other area businesses for
installation in the near future. For more information visit
www.LongTrailWireless.org.
The Bennington Museum is located at 75 Main St.
Although the museum galleries are closed for renovations until the end
of February, the research library will still be open by appointment.
Events will also be taking place. For information on events during this
time, visit the website at www.benningtonmuseum.org or call (802)
447-1571