Thanks to a favourable topography, Venezuela already had some long range WLAN links, like the 70 km long operated by Fundacite Mérida between Pico Espejo and Canagua. To test the limits of the WiFi technology, it is necessary to find a path with an unobstructed line of sight and a clearance of at least 60% of the first Fresnel zone.

While looking at the terrain in Venezuela, in search of a stretch with high elevation at the ends and low ground in between, I first focused in the Guayana region. Although plenty of high grounds are to be found, in particular the famous "tepuys" (tall mesas with steep walls), there were always obstacles in the middle ground. My attention shifted to the Andes, whose steep slopes (rising abruptly from the plains) proved adequate for the task. For several years, I have been travelling through sparsely populated areas due to my passion for mountain biking. In the back of my head, I kept a record of the suitability of different spots for long distance communications. Pico del Aguila is an outstanding place for long distance communication. It has an altitude of 4100 m and is about a two hour drive from my home town of Mérida. For the other end, I finally located the town of El Baúl, in Cojedes State. Using the free software Radio Mobile

Thanks to a favourable topography, Venezuela already had some long range WLAN links, like the 70 km long operated by Fundacite Mérida between Pico Espejo and Canagua. To test the limits of the WiFi technology, it is necessary to find a path with an unobstructed line of sight and a clearance of at least 60% of the first Fresnel zone.

While looking at the terrain in Venezuela, in search of a stretch with high elevation at the ends and low ground in between, I first focused in the Guayana region. Although plenty of high grounds are to be found, in particular the famous "tepuys" (tall mesas with steep walls), there were always obstacles in the middle ground. My attention shifted to the Andes, whose steep slopes (rising abruptly from the plains) proved adequate for the task. For several years, I have been travelling through sparsely populated areas due to my passion for mountain biking. In the back of my head, I kept a record of the suitability of different spots for long distance communications. Pico del Aguila is an outstanding place for long distance communication. It has an altitude of 4100 m and is about a two hour drive from my home town of Mérida. For the other end, I finally located the town of El Baúl, in Cojedes State. Using the free software Radio Mobile