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SOWN(at)HOME Node FAQ

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What is a SOWN[at]HOME node?

A SOWN[at]HOME node is a Meraki Mini flashed with OpenWRT Kamikaze v7.09 and SOWN's very own bespoke firmware. These units are distributed to those living around the city and use the internet connection they are connected to to expand the SOWN wireless coverage.

How do I get a SOWN[at]HOME node?

You can make a request for a SOWN[at]HOME node by going to our node request page. To qualify to host a node you must live within Southampton (nearer the university the better) and be a student (who does not live in halls of residence) or staff member at the University of Southampton.

How does a SOWN[at]HOME node work? (Simple answer)

A SOWN[at]HOME node must be plugged into an ethernet port on your home network. Once switched on the node will connect back to the SOWN network using a tunnel through your ADSL connection. This will then allow any SOWN user to connect to the SOWN network through the tunnel. It will also allow users to connect directly to Internet directly through your ADSL router.

How does a SOWN[at]HOME node work? (Supplementary)

  • The node requires access to the internet via an "always on" ADSL connection.
  • The node requires an ethernet connection to your network via a switch/hub/router port.
  • The node requires the following OUTGOING ports open. 
 80: http
 443: https
 5000-5110 Inclusive: The Tunnel to SOWN (it will only use one of these but each node 
           is on a different one)

In a normal ADSL configuration all outgoing ports will be allowed but incoming ports will be blocked to stop people accessing computers on your network. SOWN requires no incoming ports.

  • The node gives out SOWN IP addresses. 
 Providing your home network is not 10.13.0.0/16 this will work.
  • The node blocks access to your internal network.
  • Yes you can put it on it's own VLAN.
  • If you have a DMZ I would recommend putting it there, but you don't need to specifically set one up as the node does this.

How much bandwidth will the SOWN[at]HOME node use?

Each SOWN[at]HOME node has a program script that the restricts the amount of bandwidth the node can use. This is generally set up about a quarter of the total ADSL connection bandwidth but can be reduced if necessary.

How much are the monthly downloads of the SOWN[at]HOME node going to be?

This will depend on your location but probably no more than a couple of gigabytes a month. If anyone is using you connection excessively SOWN can taken action to restrict their use.

I have connected my node how can I check it is working correctly?

Firstly Connect to your SOWN[at]HOME node wirelessly. It will have the SSID: [SOWN]-HOME. Once connected load up a web browser and load up a web page (e.g http://www.google.co.uk). If this page loads up or redirects to a page that gives you a SOWN login screen your node is functioning correctly.

When I try to connect to a node I get the error message: "Limited or no connectivity", What should I do?

If this is your own SOWN[at]HOME node, switch it off for 5 seconds and turn it back on. The node may take up-to a minute to start-up completely. If this does not seem to solve the problem contact SOWN at sown[ at ]soton.ac.uk or use the Contact Us page.

If this is not your node please email SOWN at sown[ at ]soton.ac.uk (or Contact Us page) at your next possible convenience and we will try and resolve the problem. If possible please tell us the MAC address of the SOWN[at]HOME node your were trying to connect to. Otherwise could you tell us the rough location you were in.

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