Practical aspects of broadband access for rural communities using a cost and power efficient multi-hop/relay network

Wireless radio links present one option for rural broadband where population is sparse and many of the existing technologies such as optical fiber or broadband via DSL are not economical due to rugged/mountainous terrain. In this paper, we present a broadband test bed running in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and discuss its feasibility for broadband access. In addition to a 5GHz network, the test-bed also provides an overlay UHF white space network sharing the same infrastructure. We argue that the proposed system is based on a network of energy self-sufficient radio relay nodes that makes it a robust and independent medium to support broadband communication in rural settings.