Public access sites have Pentium class client systems running the Windows 95 operating system. The ISP is required to provided a minimum T1 connection to the Internet and multiple T1 lines routed through separate cities for failover. All network routing equipment is SNMP and telnet manageable to provide for basic maintenance without requiring a site visit. A robust network is a key performance objective all Austin Free-Net projects and the network is designed and implemented to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of network management. The overall network design is scalable both in the range of end-user applications supported and in the number of client computers connected.
All routers are upgradeable to handle an increased number of connections at each public access site.
Client systems are capable of upgrades necessary to support anticipated growth in client-based applications. The intent is to maximize the useful life of client systems through upgrades. The Austin Free-Net is currently in the process of seeking software that will enable multiple users of the same public access station to privately read and respond to their email. The electronic mail application will be well-suited for multiple users of the same computer and will be selected through a thorough review process. Downloading of end user mail by the application, as with Eudora, presents an unacceptable incursion into end-user privacy since all mail is locally readable by subsequent system users.