The following is a guest post from Keith Williamson.
Wildernets is alternative firmware for the MP02 that aims to widen the customer base for the MP02 by making initial configuration much easier and adding new features such as Instant Messaging support. So even if you are comfortable operating a SECN 2.X network (as most are on this forum), you may find some of the Wildernets features of interest.
Wildernets is based on the latest version of SECN 2.1 but simplifies both the initial and ongoing configuration making it possible for a user with few technical skills to get the network up and running quickly. In addition to SIP and POTS telephony, Wildernets supports Instant Messaging and local Web content service. Wildernets firmware is complementary to SECN 2.X firmware. It targets a slightly different user base than the traditional VillageTelco user but there is certainly a lot of overlap. Deployment assumptions for SECN firmware have generally included an entrepreneur with the technical “chops” to roll out the network and a user base that may have never had access to even basic telephony services. As we added support for softphone client software on smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the SECN network started to become useful for limited emergency services communications and small groups of users who need communications services in environments that are outside the range of traditional PSTN and cellular services. These users are likely to own smartphones, tablets, and laptops that become much less useful in those environments. With a Wildernets network, these devices become very useful again for calling or instant messaging other people on the network and browsing local Web content. Generally, these users already know the basics of downloading, installing, and using Internet applications on their devices but likely don’t know how to setup networks with IP addresses, netmasks, gateways and application services such as telephony and IM servers. Wildernets goal is to remove that impediment.
For more information check out the Wildernets project page.