We are connecting Ypsilanti and Beyond

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Ypsilanti is building a free wireless network.

With a Meraki repeater, you can be a part of it. You can connect to the network, improve its strength, increase its reach, and help provide access to others.

The Meraki Mesh Solution

(Info courtesy of Meraki)

Meraki's mesh networks cover dramatically more geographic area and users than previous generations of wireless networks by relying on sophisticated mesh routing technology to increase range and network capacity.

Interference-aware Mesh Routing

Instead of relying on a single large antenna to cover every user, each radio in a Meraki network cooperates to find the best path to carry a user's traffic to the Internet. As they operate, every network re-evaluates thousands of routing paths every minute, resulting in amazing reliability and network capacity. Meraki's intelligent mesh routing means every repeater you add extends the reach of the network and makes the mesh more reliable by adding additional links.

Scale to Thousands of Simultaneous Users

Field-tested by real-world customers who successfully cover dense apartment communities through entire cities, Meraki's networking platform provides high quality of service to thousands of simultaneous users without missing a beat. Intelligent traffic queuing and packet prioritization, combined with the ability to add an unlimited number of additional network gateways, means your network's capacity can continue to grow with demand.

Plug-and-play Setup and Configuration

Every Meraki system works out of the box, without requiring sophisticated site-surveys or command-line setup. Our hosted back-end system automatically configures every router as part of your network, and the web-based centralized management shows you how everything is working through a simple, intuitive interface that can be securely used from anywhere in the world.

Seamless Automatic Updates

Once your network is plugged in, Meraki's automated systems ensure everything is kept up to date, from statistics to router software updates. As we develop new features and security updates, they automatically appear on your network — no reboots or notifications required.

How do I connect to the network?

Look for Wireless Ypsi among your computer's list of available wireless networks.

How do I install my Meraki repeater?

Installing a Meraki Mini repeater is easy and doesn't require technical know-how. Simply follow the instructions included in the package and your repeater should be working within minutes. The ideal mounting has line of sight to a number of other buildings or places where people are likely to use the network. Windows usually work best.

Installing a Meraki Outdoor is only slightly more complicated. Follow the instructions included in the package and let us know if you have any problems. Outdoor repeaters are most effective on balconies or rooftops. Everything you need to mount the unit is included in the package.

Will it work on different operating systems (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, etc.)?

You can access the Wireless Ypsi network whether you're on a Mac, running Windows, Linux or using another operating system altogether.

Will it work for all browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.)?

Yes! Wireless Ypsi gives you access to the Internet, but the network doesn't require you to use any particular browser.

How fast is the connection?

Users typically see anywhere from one to one and a half megabit of bandwidth. Meraki mesh networks are inherently reliable. If someone unplugs a repeater, the system automatically re-routes itself to another repeater in the area to provide seamless service. However, the system will only work reliably in your neighborhood if enough individuals join Wireless Ypsi and host repeaters. As more of your friends and neighbors sign up, your internet access will become more consistent and reliable.

How secure is the network?

Wireless Ypsi provides the same level of wireless security as other open wireless access points (e.g. wireless hotspots in airports or hotels, home networks, coffee shops). The network is based on the IEEE 802.11b/g standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs). WLANs, which enable "over-the-air" communications, may be subject to unauthorized interception and are not inherently secure. We cannot guarantee the privacy of your data and communications while using Wireless Ypsi. We strongly recommend you practice safe Internet usage when using any wireless network:

When sending or receiving private or sensitive information on the web, e.g. for Internet banking, be sure to verify that everything is done over a secure, encrypted tunnel such as SSL (https:// will appear in the url rather than http://). Use only trusted websites We support most customer provided security solutions such as virtual private networks (VPNs), personal firewalls and anti-virus software. We encourage all of our users to use such software and keep it up-to-date.

Can other people access information on my computer through the network?

No. Client-to-client communications are not allowed on Wireless Ypsi. Information that is sent over the wireless connection could be subject to unauthorized interception and is not inherently secure. Please see the suggested best practices laid out under "How secure is the network?" above.

Why do you need my address?

We only require your address if you would like to help us by hosting a Meraki repeater and help boost the signal and spread the network. Once it is set up at your location, the device will be added to our network map. You do not have to log in or provide any information in order to use the network.

Should I do online banking or shopping on the network?

We cannot guarantee the privacy of your data and communications while using Wireless Ypsi. We strongly recommend you practice safe Internet usage when using any wireless network:

When sending or receiving private or sensitive information on the web, e.g. for Internet banking, be sure to verify that everything is done over a secure, encrypted tunnel such as SSL (https:// will appear in the url rather than http://). Use only trusted websites. We support most customer provided security solutions such as virtual private networks (VPNs), personal firewalls and anti-virus software. We encourage all of our users to use such software and keep it up-to-date.

Have any additional questions?

Check out our frequently asked questions page for more information.