COMMUNITY NETWORKS Meaning and
Definition
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Community Networks refer to communication infrastructures that are built and controlled collectively by the members of a specific community or locality with the primary goal of providing affordable and accessible connectivity. These networks are often established in regions where conventional commercial internet service providers (ISPs) are absent or fail to deliver reliable and affordable internet connectivity. The key feature of community networks is their decentralized nature, as they are owned and managed by the local community.
These networks are typically built upon various technologies such as Wi-Fi, mesh networking, or even wired connections depending on the available resources. Volunteers from the community work together to design, build, and maintain the network infrastructure. This can involve setting up access points, laying cables, or configuring routers and switches.
Community networks play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities. By providing affordable internet access, they enable individuals to access essential online services, educational resources, employment opportunities, and social connections. The collective nature of community networks fosters a sense of local ownership and promotes digital inclusion and participation.
Furthermore, community networks often adopt collaborative governance models where decisions are made collectively and transparently. These networks prioritize principles such as open access, net neutrality, and freedom of expression. In some cases, they become platforms for local content creation and sharing, reinforcing community engagement and fostering local innovation.
Overall, community networks are community-driven initiatives that aim to address the challenges of internet access and empower local communities by providing affordable, reliable, and inclusive connectivity.
Common Misspellings for COMMUNITY NETWORKS
- xommunity networks
- vommunity networks
- fommunity networks
- dommunity networks
- cimmunity networks
- ckmmunity networks
- clmmunity networks
- cpmmunity networks
- c0mmunity networks
- c9mmunity networks
- conmunity networks
- cokmunity networks
- cojmunity networks
- comnunity networks
- comkunity networks
- comjunity networks
- commynity networks
- commhnity networks
- commjnity networks
- comminity networks
Etymology of COMMUNITY NETWORKS
The etymology of the word "community" can be traced back to the Latin word "communitas", which means "commonness" or "public spirit". It later evolved in Old French as "communaute", referring to a group of people living together under shared rules or customs.
The term "network", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "netweorc", which combines "net", meaning "meshed fabric", and "weorc", meaning "activity" or "effort". Over time, "network" expanded its meaning to represent interconnected systems or groups of people.
When combined, "community" and "network" form the phrase "community networks", which refers to groups of individuals or organizations that collaborate and share resources, knowledge, and information for the benefit of a specific community.
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