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Land based wireless communications are trivial to track and authoritarian governments already do so. A better solution could be satellite based communications.
by alecco 16y ago
Land based wireless communications are trivial to track and authoritarian governments already do so. A better solution could be satellite based communications. Or directional microwave/laser.
It's a very hard problem.
- rst 16y agoBut satellites would also likely be controlled by entities subject to government pressure. (Perhaps a different government than the one in control of the local territory, but whichever, it won't always be in sympathy with the people on the ground.) Tight-beam directional laser is an interesting idea, but does require a fair amount of advanced setup and calibration. And the base stations would still be vulnerable to detection if they're transmitting to something else that isn't tight-beam, like mobile handsets. Perhaps balloon-based relay stations in the stratosphere, or solar-powered drones, which could be deployed without the expense of a satellite launch? It is indeed a very hard problem. EDIT: Further discussion, both on base stations and alternatives (packet radio, and the severe limitations thereof) here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2158111 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2158111