TECHNOLOGY AND INTRANET

Note: For the purposes of this section, any mention of intranet, network or system shall be a reference to the Intranet; The Internet is not a consideration. Readers must assume that if the author does not have the complete expertise to implement the planned Intranet; those experts needed will be contracted to implement the plan. Because of the technical nature of modern networks, this section promises to be brief; what the plan uses isn't as important as what it is attempting to achieve. We wouldn't start analyzing a car engine if we were planning a long trip. We just assume that given proper maintenence, it will get us to our desired goal. Think of a network in the same vein.       This proposal is still just a rough draft version. It will never mention specific numbers, all these facts need to be collected and analyzed properly. It also assumes that proper advanced technology wiil be available for its' use; The reality may be a patchwork, a Frankenstein's monster. The technologies available for this project are many and diverse. The author approves of all connectivity options except one, microwaves. This will be explained later in Enviromental concerns. This leaves us with fiber optics (ATT and Verizon), satellite (limitaions on speed), DSL (same speed limitations), radio wireless (speed and range an issue), cable (expensive to use and setup) and good old fashioned hard connections (network cables). Always keep in mind that a network that doesn't use hard wire connections is always more vulnerable then one that does. In a hard wire network, you have to physically tap that line. All main server centers can get on the Internet trunk via satellite or a feed from a communications provider. In this case, fiber optics is the best choice. Very high speed and incredible bandwidth, it can supply MANY users access, fast access to the Internet through the private network. But that is a minor issue. We need to concentrate on technologies that can tie all areas of a Native nation together, and that every area has the same high speed connections, whether it is for the Internet, Streamed video from the network, online classes (video classes), cultural content programming. Essentially, each tribe should be it's own television provider as well as premium content provider (cable shows), it's own online educational network, it's own telecommunications provider. Once completed, every member of a tribe will have his/her own private telephone number and connects over the network, even to OUTSIDE of the network. This is IP telephony and it allows for MANY connections. And free phone calls, even long distance. This allows memebers of a nation to be in contact with other members, WHEREVER they may be in the world. Worldwide calls still cost. Why? You have to use 'their' lines. Remember? Nobody rides for free.      Once implemented, this network promises to give EACH tribe it's own idenity, it's own telecommunications network. And once ALL tribes are setup, secure (secure as can be hoped for) communications between all of the Native nations will be fast and safe. Think of the whole Native people's network as the Native Internet, comprised of all the different tribe's individual networks. AND always with access to outside of your private network (the Internet). Another benefit of maintaining your own network is that you can block objectionable content from your users. You know, porn and cowboy movies.    This section is deliberately meant to be as non technical as possible. This isn't the time to wonder if the network technologies are available for our use; we have to assume that we will get all of the expensive technologies, the private sector is going to be asked to help, BUT WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Sure, run all the commercials you want on your own networks but not on public televisio, radio or even Internet ads. Who knows what concessions the Native peoples will have to grant; but we will push the humanitarian aspects of the project, essentially telling them to 'pay it forward'. They certainly have the money and resources to do the ENTIRE NATIVE NATION, plus, they can write it off as charitable contributions. And the GOOD WILL created is incredible. Even slimeball corporation exectutives like to sleep good at night. One industry could supply ALL of the resources needed. Any telecomm giant; My thought is to approach one of the secondary players (like Sprint) and say hey, how would you like to move up into the top 2 and make it the top 3? Or one of the ATT's from Europe. They've been dying to get into this locked down, controlled market. Ahem..ATT and Verizon have bought off the FCC, SEC... anything or anybody who regulates their industry. But once we use their resources and are setup, we can forget about them, still thanking them but out of their greedy grasp.

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