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  Public Packet Infrastructure, NYC Mesh, and Althea

  Posted by DrRon Suarez on December 5, 2024 at 12:02 pm

  Similarities and Differences Between Public Packet Infrastructure, NYC Mesh, and Althea Similarities

  • Decentralization: All three approaches emphasize decentralization as a key principle. Frankston’s Public Packet Infrastructure (PPI) aims to move away from the centralized control of traditional telecom companies. Similarly, NYC Mesh is a community-owned network designed to bypass traditional ISPs and empower local communities. Althea, with its blockchain-based system, also facilitates a decentralized network where individuals can buy and sell bandwidth directly.

  • Focus on Affordability: All three aim to provide more affordable internet access. Frankston argues that the PPI model can eliminate the “digital divide” by removing the concept of a “tollbooth” for internet access. NYC Mesh aims to provide affordable internet to all New Yorkers by leveraging community resources and volunteer efforts. Althea’s micropayment system and dynamic routing help reduce costs and make internet access more affordable.

  Differences

  • Scope: Frankston’s PPI is a broad conceptual framework for restructuring internet infrastructure to be a public good like roads and sidewalks. NYC Mesh is a practical, localized implementation of a community-owned network operating in New York City. Althea, while also focused on providing internet access, is a more technologically complex system that incorporates blockchain technology and micropayments to facilitate a decentralized market for bandwidth.

  • Technology: Frankston’s PPI is more of a policy proposal and doesn’t specify particular technologies. NYC Mesh primarily uses wireless mesh networking technology, while Althea combines mesh networking with blockchain technology, smart contracts, and a native DEX to manage payments and incentivize network participation.

  • Payment Models: Frankston’s PPI envisions a system where the internet is funded as a public good, much like roads and sidewalks, implying a shift away from subscription-based models. NYC Mesh relies on community support, donations, and volunteer contributions to fund its network. Althea utilizes a blockchain-based micropayment system where users pay for bandwidth on a per-byte basis, enabling a dynamic market for buying and selling bandwidth.

  Key Points of Difference Between NYC Mesh and Althea

  • Payment Structure: NYC Mesh operates on a membership and donation basis, with options for building-wide fiber connections. Althea employs a per-byte micropayment system, allowing users to dynamically pay for bandwidth used.

  • Technical Complexity: NYC Mesh primarily focuses on establishing wireless connections, with an emphasis on community involvement and support. Althea utilizes a more complex system involving blockchain technology, routing protocols, and smart contracts to manage the network and payments.

  • Scalability and Reach: NYC Mesh is a localized initiative within New York City, aiming to connect specific communities. Althea, with its global and decentralized infrastructure, has the potential to reach a wider audience and expand to a larger scale.

  • Blockchain Integration: NYC Mesh does not utilize blockchain technology in its operations. Althea, on the other hand, heavily integrates blockchain for managing micropayments, incentivizing network participation, and enabling features like Liquid Infrastructure.

  In essence, Frankston’s PPI is a broad vision for internet infrastructure. NYC Mesh represents a community-driven approach to providing internet access in a specific location. Althea offers a more technologically sophisticated system using blockchain to create a decentralized and potentially global market for bandwidth.

  DrRon Suarez replied 3 weeks, 4 days ago 1 Member · 0 Replies

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