Here in WA, Australia we have/had a local meshnet for quite a while and it ran for years. I can't remember the name of it (it was called WALocalNet or something) but it worked out quite well.
You should checkout the global meshnet map, <a href="http://atlas.projectmeshnet.org" rel="nofollow">http://atlas.projectmeshnet.org</a>. You can add your node and help organize a meshnet in your area.
For anyone reading this that is interested in news on how this goes, but doesn't have sysadmin skills, nor access to a building, I added a simple newsletter signup field to the page.
Like desireco42, this instantly reminded me of BBSes and the days of FidoNET. While running point-to-point wireless would certainly be fun, there are infrastructure limitations (namely, roof access) that may make this project hard to achieve.<p>I'd much rather see a revival of a network of BBSes using POTS lines. FidoNET went to hell decades ago but the protocols and software are still worthy. It would be fun to use Fido tools (mailers, tossers, editors) to create a fun, off-the-Internet electronic forum.<p>This probably sounds crazy to most of the younger crowd, I'm sure. I just wish that those who grew up without modems could experience the joy of hearing your phone line ring and watching your BBS answer and receive some mail from someone on the other side of the world. The messages were routed from peer to peer by folks who were willing to pick up the tab to make long distance (and international!) phone calls.
If only Super Wi-Fi could become a realty, mesh networks might become much more usable over large areas (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Wi-Fi" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Wi-Fi</a>)
WasabiNet is a mesh wifi network cooperative dedicated to helping bridge the digital divide in a low-income section of South St Louis<p><a href="http://gowasabi.net/" rel="nofollow">http://gowasabi.net/</a>
check out thefnf.org, they are currently trying to organize the different mesh networks.<p>In Spain we have the guifi project www.guifi.net/en which works in infrastructure mode, but we are migrating to a new system called qmp and which is mesh based. This firmware is 100% auto config, and works natively over IPv6. The project came from the www.battlemesh.org hacking sessions, where they created the batman protocol.<p>If anyone is looking at building a mesh network, check tout these systems. They make it so much easier (and cheaper) then it used to be.
I live in chicago and meet one of their requirements. Unfortunately I don't have access to the roof of a 5+ story building. I could probably put one in the 7th floor of a west loop office though.
I am looking at website, I always thought this would be excellent way to communicate and if I can contribute somehow, I will. I see you are looking for people in higher buildings.<p>Mesh reminds me of the BBS scene I really loved, and kind of puts you in contact with your neighbors.
Know your OTARD rules for antenna placement (occupant's rights for satellite / TV / wifi equipment):<p><a href="http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule" rel="nofollow">http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule</a>