Would it be at all possible to create a network of wireless systems with out the use of a central router? Basically I want to create a network that works off the same principles as some P2P software out there.

For example, say each house on my street has at least one system with a wireless adapter. Using the same principles behind some P2P software would I be able to set up a network on this street with out the use of centralized routers?

Basically I want each computer acting as a client and server at the same time, much in the same way Tor nodes do. Also every so house would have broadband hooked up to their system. So each node would search and scan the network for the closes node providing internet access and use that persons internet.

This is all just theory I'm trying to work out in my head. I don't have a street I can try this on.

Basically what I'm doing is envisioning a kind of network that shares all it's resources with every one else. A sort of distributed network if you will.

Now the number one benefit I can think of such a network is that this network has the potential go grow to the point of completely replacing the Internet all together, thus removing the need for back bones. Then people can stop bitching and whining about who's controlling the internet.

It would also make it hard as hell for governments or companies to track individual users in a completely distributed decentralized internet.

Also, this would eliminate the need for ISP's all together while providing free internet for every one.

The problem is, that such a network produces a lot of broadcast traffic so there is no capacity left for your data.
This may work if you have 20 or less clients.

I suppose we could have individuals, groups, companies, etc, volunteering huge backbone nodes. I'm sure someone smarter then me could find a solution.

It may be that a whole new wireless technology would have to be created to pull something like this off. Instead of Wireless A B or G, it could be like Wireless X.

It has a catchy name and would work with marketing the hardware.

It sounds to me like a glorified ad-hoc wireless network. This type of network is already possible. The one catch I can see is the routing. How would a computer know where to route its Internet connection through? I'm sure it's possible with a clever script or two, but I'm not that good at this sort of thing. Just a thought.

--Dane