Editing Free network architecture (section)

= Components =

'''Layer 0''' is a collection of standard, 2400MHz WiFi links between FreedomBoxes and client devices. This is the access layer of the network.

'''Layer 1''' is a collection of 5GHz, neighborhood-scale mesh networks. Each Layer 1 mesh contains one [[FreedomTower]], and as many as 2500 FreedomBoxes.

'''Layer 2''' is a collection of 3650MHz, regional-scale mesh networks. Each Layer 2 mesh contains one or more [[FreedomLink|FreedomLinks]], and as many as 250  FreedomTowers.

'''Layer 3''' is a fiber-line implementation of mesh routes between FreedomLinks, and represents the endpoint of the FNF roadmap.

=== Layer 0 – Client Devices ===

The Free Network is designed to work with any computing device. Client devices, such as laptops and desktops, connect via ordinary WiFi to a [[FreedomBox]]. A thin client application allows them access to all the resources of the FreedomBox to which they are connected.

=== Layer 0/1 – FreedomBox ===

The [[FreedomBox]] is, in many ways, the most essential component of the network. It is a small, always-on computing device which acts as a router, server, and data storage device. These devices are inexpensive, in terms of both capital and operational costs. Families and individuals can participate in the construction of the Free Network by owning and operating a FreedomBox. In addition to providing Layer 0 connectivity for client devices, FreedomBoxes participate in Layer 1 networking, constantly communicating with other FreedomBoxes that are in range, and ultimately with a neighborhood FreedomTower.

=== Layer 1/2 – FreedomTower ===

[[FreedomTower|FreedomTowers]], like FreedomBoxes, are owned and operated by those that benefit from them. Unlike FreedomBoxes, however, FreedomTowers benefit entire neighborhoods – communities on the order of five to ten thousand individuals. FTowers perform critical Layer 1 network operations, and help the neighborhood mesh run efficiently. In addition to improving the throughput of Layer 1 connectivity, FreedomTowers participate in the Layer 2 regional mesh. This means that neighborhoods can connect directly to one another, and that material peer-to-peer is not limited in scope to local communities.

=== Layer 2 – FreedomLink ===

[[FreedomLink|FreedomLinks]], first and foremost, are BGP speakers – they peer directly with other Autonomous Systems of the Internet. FreedomLinks will be situated initially in colocation facilities, and eventually in network meet-me rooms. In addition to serving as primary distribution points for Free Network material connectivity across an entire region, they serve as gateways for logical connections via FreedomTunnel. FreedomLinks will have substantial computational capacity, be multi-homed, and peered via fiber-optics. FreedomLinks are the focal point of the Layer 2, regional meshes – as such, they are intended to serve communities of 25,000-75,000. We estimate that there will eventually be somewhere on the order of 1,000 FreedomLinks in the continental United States, though we are going to start with three.