This was a test event for TheWiFiWagon as it was the first time the new Mesh networking equipment was deployed in a real-world scenario. We were there with DD Practical Leathercraft; The Leather Lady (AKA Dani) trades at the event every year, and it has proven to be very successful. From previous years’ experience, however, we know that connectivity is not always the best in that area.
The timing could not have been more perfect. The new hardware had arrived a few weeks previously and had been programmed and tested at home. But, we needed real-world data and real-world users. We set ourselves up parked on the road and deployed the vehicle-mounted access point, and deployed a further access point in the roof of Danis’ gazebo with a wireless link back to the vehicle. We were able to offer free internet access to the other 30 or so traders in the Soaperie Gardens.
The system performed all weekend flawlessly, with the vehicle-mounted access point being powered via POE directly from the vehicle, and the remote access point being powered via a POE adaptor plugged into an Anchore power bank.