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Just recieved a request to talk about the technical reasons that led to Zain subscribers having difficulties in reaching the Zain subscribers. The request is below.

Mrasta Mnoma Boboshanti

Could you care to explain in your blog why Zain subscribers are having a hard time in reaching Safaricom subscribers.

To have a good explanation for this I will have to give you a sample situation in another context. Lets say you are a farmer who deals with paultry. At the moment you have about 50 chicken and your food supplier delivers meals that only fit the 50 chickens every begin of day. Then the following day, you decide to but 50 more chicken to add up your stock and you end up having 100 chickens. On the same day, your food supplier only delivers food for 50 chicken because he never knew you were going to have doubled your chickens. Whose mistake would this be? Its clear, the mistake is yours because you never communicated your chicken stock upgrade to the supplier.

With this context in mind lets take the example of Zain and Safaricom. Initially, Zain had a low subscriber base and this means the initial transmission capacity between Zain and Safaricom subscriber was low. Zain slashed its prices with an intention to up its subscriber base and it did not do a 7 day communication to Safaricom to increase the transmission capacity of Zain subscribers. According to newspaper and news on TV, the communication was done on the previous night and after the prices had been launched to the public. This is a SLA infringment by Zain because as the SLA states, a transmission capacity upgrade needs atlease 6 days to upgrade and 1 day to test. Zain has failed its subscribers and this is no doubt. The offer is termed as a ‘Trial and Error‘.

However, we all have to wait for atleast 8 days for the Network to be up and running smoothly.

I know you all know I once talked about the WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) architecture on an earlier blog. This is a continuation on the blog post and it is written as a request from an esteemed and devoted reader – Michael Namai. Ok. Mike, I hope your mind is fresh and ready for this:

I hope you already know about the theoretical part of the architecture if not then click #here. If yes then let’s continue. I have categorized the blog into different subtitle headers based on the questions you had asked for and Ill be talking extensively on the different needs to setting up the WISP. This is an after basic blog.

MINI BASE STATION

Based on your request, you asked me to write about the ISPAIR mini-BTS that is under the Netkrom products.

There are different Base Station modules under Netrkrom and the type is needed is based on your needs and what you aim to target. In my own opinion you should highly consider the ISPAIR Multi-band Base Station 500 series.

ISPAIR BTS - 500 Series modules

For full description on the above product click here

  • Base Station Antennas

Antennas are important as they are used to boost the sector distance. Installing Antennas should be done professionally as there are so many factors to be considered. See below antenna pictures.

Already installed Antennas

Antennas should be offered with the ISPAIR on request or you can buy them on the black market # contact me for some black market pricing.

  • Base Station Mesh

The Mesh is what holds the outdoor gadgets together and this design is ideally yours. You might want to buy an already existing Mesh or Design your own on the jua kali market. However, there is no relevance in wasting so much money on this as you can always mount it anywhere. As long as it is stable and tight. picture examples;

Netkrom Module on a Straight tower

CUSTOMER PREMISE EQUIPMENT (CPE)

This equipment is installed at the cutomers premise as an access point to your Base Station. There are several types and my advice is either to the 500 series or 510 series. Pictures and link Below

500 Series CPE

Click here for pricing and reviews of this product

510 Series Netkrom CPE

Click here for pricing and reviews of this product.

I advice you to get the 510 series CPE. Since you target a client base of around 200 cutomers, you will need to have 200 of this sets that you can either sell or lease to customers.

COMPUTER AS A YOUR SERVER

A Computer is necessary in the WISP setup because of these reasons:

  • Initial configuration and maintenance of the WISP Base Station

In order for the Base Station to function it has to be configured and set up with the desired access name, passwords and frequencies. For this to happen, you have to install the Base Station access CD on a computer to establish a connection to the BTS. This offers you the BTS software that is used to set up the BTS and manipulate it as desired.

Another reason is for maintenance purposes. LED observation (viewing of hardware lights) is not enough for BTS maintenance and this might lead to incomplete diagnosis. For this reason, you will need a computer so as to view the hardware problems via the software. (The BTS software is able to show you faults and how to diagnose them).

  • Mapping  and Maintenance of Client CPEs

Another reason for having a computer is to enable remote access of client CPEs for mapping purposes# mapping is the process of enabling a client CPE associate with the Internet server at the main station. This mapping process is possible after the CPE has been associated with the Access Point BTS.

Maintaining a client is the hardest part of the work and this tests your customer support capabilities. If a customer has link problems you will be able to view and manipulate the CPE remotely from the main side, thanks to the Access Point Software. If customers CPE needs to be disconnected because of payment reasons, you will not have to go to the clients premise and take the CPE, all you need to do is disallow the CPE Mac address from getting internet connection.

There is not need of a special type of computer to do all this work but a strong computer with proper memory is needed. Remember, “If the software goes down, the client goes down” and this will lead to customer frustration which, trust me, I wouldn’t want you to deal with. For this reasons the best computer is needed

On my view, a HP is a good brand and maintaining it is quite easy, it is meant for resilience purposes and the new version of it is good. Click here to view the new HP.

Remember, the computer needs a backup system that backups the software on a timely manner. Backing up saves against loss of data in case of any problems. You can use an external drive to backup your data on a 12 hour basis. #contact me for more on that..hiyo ni kazi ya kando…lol

ROUTER

A Cisco router is a must need product for security reasons. A normal router would allow hackers like us into your system thus making it vulnerable. There are several Cisco router models and even though some have high capabilities, we are only setting our mind on access lists; access lists are used to define the number of IPs that can access the network.

cisco 871 series router

Cisco 871 front View

Several ports on a Cisco 871, the router does not allow scalability so you will need a switch to expand your local network

You can use the Cisco Partner locator page to know a cisco router dealer near you. Clickhere

Click here for this router deal in Kenya

CABLING

A networking cable is needed to interconnect your gadgets. There are several cables and most cables are not certified for BTS usage. Cables I can advice are shielded cat6e cables or an armoured and shielded cat5e cable which is mostly used in a BTS setup. See pictures below:

When choosing a cable ensure it is a shielded type so as to avoid interferences which in turn affects the system transmission.

Cat 5e Shielded and Guarded Cable

INTERNET LINK

If you want to offer internet services to your customers you will need to have a good and dedicated internet link. The link should be at least 512 kbps and an infinite at most. When choosing an internet link ensure you choose an ISP that has built its reputation in the ISP market.

However, If you want to offer point to point or point to multipoint services to your customers, you do not require an internet link; maybe for personal usage.

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

Even though this is categorized under add on features on your WISP setup, it is essential for ensuring loss of data and also protecting your systems from power surges.

SERVER RACK

This is also categorized under add on materials #it is not a primary requirement in the setup. It is simply used to neaten up the workplace and make the environment spacious thus easy troubleshooting and tagging especially of cables.

See Below the complete outdoor setup diagram. Coutersy of Netkrom

WISP Outdoor Setup

I hope this has helped you know the after basic essentials. I know I have not included any pricing but I will do so immidiately my price research comes through. I want to direct you the best deals in town.

I can also be available to assist in the setup as long as you are ready to pay me and carter all expenses # its so negotiable. Cheers!

Late yesterday, after having a long “what’s up” chat with one of my primary school colleagues #Ian Sketch, I found myself in my past life regression; remembering the good old primary school days.

I found it hard to remember the first days of school but one thing was clear about it, it was nothing like my dreams had been. I was rather exited about this new phase of life and learning was not anything to do with the excitement as years later I would come to know. I remember being deposited into a noisy classroom overflowing with over 70 proud graduates of pre-unit; in those days, all kindergarten graduates were assigned to a class known as the pre-unit where they would spend a year making noise simply because they are not old enough to join primary school. Teachers were assigning students to the two streams that made up the first grade: East or West. When my name was called out I was assigned to 1 East or “1 E” as we would call it.

I had no favourite subjects but I sure loved spelling, we each possessed a green 32 page half cut writing books from which words to learn were assigned every day. At the start of every English lesson, we would sit a spelling test, and how I looked forward to it!

Primary school was one big adventure, its joys only surpassed by those of college school. The best part of school was recess – we had at least two of these a day- A mid morning break which was fully occupied by “mandazi” and games like chobo, hop step and jump, rounder and skipping. I remember the entire school gathering in the hall to watch school plays and magic show performances; I never liked this plays and vague shows of making flowers using magic but I took this opportunity to relax my mind away from class. And what of the joys of eating mangoes purchased from hawkers, cut open and filled with red hot chilli pepper, Or the “mama chipo” fries that would take up all our lunch money. Fun was the name of the game, how could I not love school?

Although my most pleasant memories of primary school are those of the numerous extra-curricular activities I engaged in with my peers, I really enjoyed learning and was always gratified when I made it to the next class during our final end of year examination. I positively hated studying for the Mock and the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams which we sat at the end of eighth grade. I started studying for the exams in Seventh grade which did not exactly pay off… lol. But I did get admitted to one of the best high schools in Kenya # Cardinal Otunga High School; at least I had it on my wish list.

I wasn’t sad at all to graduate from primary school because I was looking forward to greater adventures in high school though much things significance the good old primary school days. It has helped me live morally, achieve excellence and build a harmonious life. I seem to have succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.

Thank You,

#Victoria Primary School

Victoria Location

Victoria Primary School Location - Kisumu. Courtesy of Google Maps

Hi Chandi, got your question, heres your answer.

So many torrent sites seem to favour the logged in user and they do this so as to drive as much traffic as they can. Based on the research i have done, check out this site and see what soaps you like and download the torrent files for .. wait for it… FREE!. yes for FREE without need to sign up. Click here –>torrentreactor
. You can check the series/ tv shows link on the navigation panel or simply search for your soap on the search bar.
Hope i solved your register worries. nkt

Bringing back the 80s

The Kenyan constitution just got through and the country is greener than before. A lot of employees are working hard without employer motivation, thanks to the green illusionistic adrenaline that got pumped into us during the referendum, just wonder how many days will pass until our African senses come back. (In reality, we never work hard for free not even I can). Anyways, this was one of most peaceful elections and all thanks goes to Kenyans for not making the mistakes we made in the 2007 elections. I highly hope Africa uses us as an election template. (I know I didn’t vote but I promise to vote twice in the 2012 elections…Lol!)

It’s been quite a while since I physically attended a church session, kudos to the free Wi-Fi signal I tap from my neighbor and live streaming that lets me watch sessions from the comfort of my bed. I was seeking some faith adventure and this played a huge role in my decision. On arriving there, It wasn’t hard to note the amount of technological transformation the church had undergone. The presence of surveillance cameras on the gate slabs made me think they could “trace the devils presence around the church walls” (foolish thinking, I must say). It was quite uncomfortable but what the heck, the session begins and I see the pastor open up his mini laptop, the bible just got a replacement and when he asks for the Wi-Fi password I’m thinking he needed to Google a script… Oh! This is truly the bad side of technology. As the church gets to the end, we are given brochures about several upcoming projects and I note “donate via PayPal”, I can’t help but think “it’s always about the Benjamin’s”. As if that is not a knock out, churches nowadays integrate their websites with affiliate programs like ad sense and Amazon associates.

How I wish we could bring back the 80s

Mo hawk is back, how hard to get attention than have a red one. Have a fabulous week all my peeps and keep on borrowing from the 80s, some old school magic works.

As promised, I was to give you details on the several dealers:

MikroTik Hardware

Orison Tech
Nairobi, Kenya
Router board components, assembled systems
Tel: +254 (0) 20 8002378
Write e-mail
Unified Concepts Ltd
Nairobi, Kenya
RouterBoard components, assembled systems
Tel: 254 20 2795100
Write e-mail
Logisol Africa Limited
Nairobi, Kenya
Router board components, assembled systems
Tel: +254 20 4453992
Write e-mail
Eastra Solutions
Nairobi, Kenya
RouterBOARD components
Tel: 020-8002006
Write e-mail
Netkrom WISP Base Station

Visit click here for more details

ill be researching on more micro base stations.

The Wireless Internet Service Provider System (WISP) is an integrated Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) system of connecting customers to the Internet.

Wireless data links take place of dedicated leased lines where the leased line connection is not possible or too expensive. Basic requirements for using wireless data links are:

• Customers are located within 15 miles or 24km radius around the central site.
• Direct Line of Sight between Customer location and the central antenna.
• Use of the 900MHz, 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz or 5.8GHz frequencies (Unlicensed Band) according to the local regulations. In some countries obtaining a special license might be required.
• Use of the 2.3MHz to 2.7MHz, 3.4 to 3.6MHz and 4.9GHz frequencies (Licensed Band) according to the local regulations.

How to Start a Wireless ISP

The following material is meant to help you with what steps are necessary to start a Wireless Internet Service Provision System (WISP). Under WISP we understand an integrated Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) system of connecting customers to the Internet. High-speed wireless datalinks are used to provide Internet access on a point-to-point and point-to-multipoint basis for companies, governmental organizations, schools, universities and other institutions having Local Area Networks (LAN).

First of all, you should answer the main question:

Do you have a permanent (256kbps or faster) Internet connection?

If your answer to this question is YES, then you can proceed with your plan of becoming a Wireless ISP and follow the suggestions given in this material.

Should your answer be NO, then please understand you must first have a dedicated Internet Connection.

Those, who have internet access, can start finding answers to following questions:

Q1: Do you expect to have the necessary customer basis for a Wireless ISP System in your area?

A: Generally speaking, you should consider the WISP just like permanent leased line connections to the customers, but at a higher speed and lower cost. Please read about What is a WISP, and what not*.

*What is a WISP, and what not? The Wireless ISP System is a fixed wireless service between the central node and the client. It is not a mobile service, at least in most of the cases, because:

— Direct line of sight is required between the central node and the client, and

— Low power radios and high gain antennas are used for the wireless links. The Wireless ISP System is a land service operating as a Metropolitan Area Network with cells of 15 miles or 24 km. radius. It is not a Satellite ISP System. The Wireless ISP System is a bi-directional service, where both the client and the central node is sending and receiving data. It is not a transmitter – receiver system, every node does both tasks.

Q2: What are the regulations and rules for using the Licensed and Unlicensed Frequency wireless data communication equipment in your country?

A: In most cases you will need to get a permission to use the Unlicensed frequency (900MHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz), but sometimes a license might be necessary for providing wireless service and use Licensed frequency.

Q3: Is the setup of wireless connections technically possible?

A: The system operates on a point to multi-point basis, and consists of a base station and several client nodes within 15 miles or 24 km. radius around it. The client nodes connect to the base unit over wireless links. Therefore, direct line of sight* is required between the client antenna and the base station antenna in order to establish the wireless connection.

*Direct line of Sight between two points is ability to see from one point the other point without any physical obstacles, like trees, leaves of the trees, branches of the trees, buildings, walls, roof constructions, hills, forests.

For longer distances, there can be problems with ensuring the line of sight due to the Earth curvature. For example, direct line of sight can be ensured between two points located between each other at a distance of 40km, if they are risen at 17m height. Please use the Distance Calculation Utility provided by Google Earth

Q4: What would be the best location for the Base Station?

A: You should consider a high location for installing the central antenna, so that all your client antennas could see the central antenna without any obstacles, i.e., they should have direct line of sight with the central antenna. Some suggestions for best locations of Base station antenna could be:

• Top of a high building somewhere in the city
• Top of a building located on a hill
• high tower (TV or some communication tower)

It is very important, that you can find such a location, where the Base Station antenna and the Base Radio Unit can be installed closely, e.g.,

• antenna on the roof of a building and base unit in the attic,
• antenna on a communication tower and base unit in a weather-proof box attached to that tower.

Although a low loss cable is used for connecting the antenna to the Base Radio Unit, its length should be as short as possible to avoid signal loss. The cable length should not exceed 9m without an amplifier. Do not plan to have longer cables, or to substitute low loss cables with some lower quality ones – your system won’t work!

Also, you will need to organize 110V or 220V power to the base unit, UPS is recommended

Q5: What equipment and preparations are needed for the Client Site?

A: For client site you will need to consider where to mount the directional parabolic grid antenna, where to put the wireless router and how to connect it to the client’s LAN and to 110V or 220V power. Again, you should find a place for the router, where the distance to the antenna is minimal. You should better consider using a shorter antenna cable and extend the LAN’s cable [PoE] to the place where you install the Switch or router.

Typical locations for the client antenna are:

• middot roof of the building, antenna attached the pipe holding TV antenna, or a specially installed pipe for your antenna,
• wall of the building
• window frame, antenna mount attached to the window frame of a room, where the wireless router is located.

Q6: How to install and configure the central site with the base unit and omni-directional antenna?

A: When the place has been found for the omni-directional antenna and for the base unit, the antenna should be mounted and cable connected to the antenna and to the base unit. Connectors outside the rooms should be protected using weatherproof rubber material tape to avoid moisture coming into the connectors. Ordinary electrical tape should be put over the rubber protecting tape. Electrical tape alone does not protect the cable connections hermetically enough. Within a few months moisture will be inside the cable connections, and the quality of your system will be degraded.

What concerns the minimum required configuration of the base unit, you should choose the frequency your system will be operated at, the basic data rate, and the system identifier. Only clients having the same radio settings will be able to work with your base unit. More options for configuring the base unit are explained in the manual for it

Q7: How to install and configure the client sites with the wireless router and directional antenna?

A: The directional antenna should be mounted vertically polarized, since the base unit (omni-directional) antenna is vertically polarized. The same rules as described above are applied for connecting and protecting the cables. The antenna should be pointed directly to the central antenna. Performing link test between the base unit and client router should do final adjustment.

Q8: What are possible TCP/IP network configurations for the WISP system?

Usually the client LANs may have the TCP/IP protocol running with unregistered IP addresses. You may leave the addresses as they are and take one free address from the client’s network for the Ethernet interface of Wireless Router. Alternatively, you may provide the client with a subnet from the network addresses that you have as an ISP. The Ethernet address of wireless router is default gateway for all hosts on the clients LAN.

The Wireless LAN is another TCP/IP network, since it is separated from the client networks by routers. An IP subnet should be assigned to the hosts on the wireless LAN including the wireless interfaces of all client routers and the base unit, one address to each of them. The following should be considered when setting up default gateways for all client routers and the bridge.

• If the wireless network is connected to your network, i.e., the base unit’s Ethernet port is connected to your/ISP’s network cable, then the default gateway is that host/router, what is used for your network. Note that the base unit is a bridge and not a router, therefore it does not serve as a TCP/IP gateway. See the possible setup diagram.

• If you use one of the wireless routers as a gateway to connect the wireless network to your/ISP’s network, then use the radio interface’s IP address as the default gateway for all client routers and the base unit. See the possible setup diagram.

Use traceroute and ping to test how well you have done the TCP/IP configurations. Read textbooks and RFCs once more if you have forgotten the basic things about IP networking and routing. But remember, that nothing will help you to get pings going between two hosts and further, if you have problems with the radio connection. It’s just like if you have cabling problems, you cannot ping.

I will be reviewing some of the best WISP solutions on the next blog

WILBER WE MUST MAKE IT BIG IN LIFE: Oftentimes, people who aren’t fulfilling their destiny will try to discourage you from fulfilling yours. They may not do it intentionally, but they’ll tell you what you can’t do and how things won’t work out. They’re quick to remind you of all your impossibilities. Your relatives, co-workers and friends may try to talk you out of your dream, but that’s because God didn’t put that promise in them; He put it in you. You have to remember that other people don’t determine your destiny; God does. He holds your destiny in the palm of His hand. If you will keep believing, God will not only bring it to pass, but He will do more than you can ask or think. Wilber, don’t let someone else’s unbelief keep you from believing. Don’t let other people talk you out of your dreams. It’s time to get into agreement with God. He says you are well able. He says you are equipped. He says you are qualified. He says you are anointed, called and appointed to fulfill every dream and desire He’s placed in your heart!Wilber you must be wondering if i have become some pastor today,wonder no more because i strongly believe now i just did some tremendous things which in some days ago i could not believe i could……..Great day and God bless buddy.

Essentially, A relationship is meant to be full of support, trust and ‘love’ (quoted coz I’m not sure it exists). Anyways, we operate in a system where friendship is the focal point of everything and as depicted by my 3am blog, the bogus part of a relationship is not the startup but the maintanance part.

Anyhow, here go my rules:

Loosen Up
I’ve got into arguments just because of glancing at girls that walk by us. Its not like I’m trying to sleep with them or something related to that. Lets me put it as appreciating Gods work as a fine curve artist. Besides, he needs the credit.

Making me forget my own
There is nothing as disturbing as she wanting you to drop your friend. Keep in mind, this are friends you had even before she was part of you. Ditching my friends won’t make this better and it adds up the lonely atmosphere that I already thing I’m getting into. All you (yes you) need to do is be appreciative of his best and worst friends. Matter of fact…… No, i dont want to start it. (Point already driven)

Hiding the past
Make the past visible and clear and this should be done on the initial stages of the relationship. Remember, the world is turning so are our past (I think Karma operates this way) and eventually the ‘cat will be out of the bag’ (hope i got that expression right). An example is you having a thing with a girl and its been like 6 months into you. Happens she has already dated your friend. its a KO on spot. ( a little mike tyson blow wont hurt!) ha..ha… Anyways be open.

Spying on Him
Oh..Oh.. Here we go, she contacts Cheaters to spy. One thing I believe in is doing something for a reason and if he/ she plays you then find out the reason why before employing movie tactics on an actual relatinship.. thats acting my dear.

Arguments over Instincts.
On my own research (not so broad research) I have noted a lot of arguments arise due to instincts.This is usually a core factor and all I can advice you is to get facts right and make the talk worth. An african like me cannot waste time talking about pure fiction. Get your facts right and come… Ill have time for that.

Anyways, this are just some of the reasons that drive me off and i welcome any comments and statements regarding this. feel free to add your own relationship rules. Cheers and keep the relationship healthy.

Note: This rules may not necessarily apply to your relationship but they sure do work around me.

It has been quite a long journey career wise for me; from being a student programming assistant to a Network Engineer and now a Regional Team Leader in the telecommunication field. At 21, this is more than a dream – thanks to the college sleepless nights, my employer but above all, thanks to God. Despite having an up tilted career, I’ve had a downfall on my personal relationships and i don’t give it a lot of thinking coz it don’t add any valut to my bank account or does it? So whats really new?

I have to say, I’ve pretty much changed since i got this job from living im my mama crib to paying my own rent in one of the best estates in Kisumu, from popping into taxis to driving a middle class car (I’ve been driving for one year now and I ain’t got a licence matter of fact, I ain’t even thinking of getting one. God, dont i jus love this town!). Anyways, today ill be give a pic detailed focus on my housing. You know, kinda like an amarture version of MTV cribs. To start off, I have to say that I aint that rich but im damn ahead of my agemates so if you on the same bracket just know that I did not get this from scratch, I’ve been working on sleepless nights and now I’m so high, not even a bullet can hit me from the sky. Heres all about my housing.

It’s located at the following coordinates; S: 00 04 25, E: 34 46 47 so if you thinking of dropping a bomb, I have made it alot easier for you. Its funny, I’ve always liked this place since long because of the level of security and the amount of privacy it offers; you dont even got to know who lives next door (They have big gates, stupid watchmen and fierce dogs). Apart from all this, the living standards are raised and cheaper than the hoods. Anyways, Im still planning to upgrade my in house goodies for some more comfort. For now this is all I have to show.

One of my favourite places in the house is the living room and what makes it tick has to be the cream leather seats. I got this deal from a furniture guy who was given a contract at my job place. He made me this for a total of 625 dollars; the set includes a two sitter sofa, a three sitter sofa, a sleeping couch and a leg table. He uses what he calls a grade B leather; I dont know what that means but they sure are good. Here is a snapshot of the two sitter.

sitting is that sofa is way better than having an orgasm. i just love it.

Because of my work I don’t spend a lot of time in the house, but a house is never complete without a screen and a Personal Computer. I’ve been thinking of getting a flat then eBay my current Samsung screen so if you wanna be ahead of the bargain, jus throw a comment with your email and i will get back with my proposed pricing. Here the shot

As a man, spending time in a kitchen is out of topic but I’m proud to say this. I spend like 1/4 my free time here because of the cooking tutorials I download, However unsuccessful it becomes one day I’ll reap my seeds.

please don’t judge, i hate myself right now

My bedroom is the best place in the house. Not only because of the action but It’s where I join the blogospher. My bedroom theme is sort of out this world but this picture does not seem to suggest that.

its quite the theme ‘outta space’

So thats all the pics I got for now. My home office is still being worked on an as soon as it gets any better ill show the pics. Cheers to all and below is me in my very worky mood. Cheers!