How it works

Norfolk Open Link is the first large scale community wireless network of this type in the UK to use lamp posts to host over 200 access points.

The network features more than 200 small Telabria APM 300 aerials, fixed to existing street furniture and buildings, mostly lampposts so that no masts have been needed.

Each aerial has a 250m to 300m reception radius.

The aerials feed signals back to 'backhaul' sites which then link back to County Hall up to the project's 40mb internet link.

In the coming months more rural locations in the South Norfolk District will be added to the network, making Norfolk Open Link the first network to combine rural and urban locations.

The output power of wireless networks like Norfolk Open Link is very low (0.1 watts) and, as the equipment is not held against the user's head, there is very little exposure to radio wave energy.

A study carried out by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), for the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) found that at times there can be greater background radio intrusion from television and radio transmissions than from wireless network access points.

Manufacturers of wireless network equipment design their products to operate within the safety guidelines created by the NRPB, for further information please visit the following website www.hpa.org.uk/radiation

As a precaution, all Norfolk Open Link aerials have been sited high on lampposts and buildings so that they are at least 30cm from the user.