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Free the Net San Francisco
Is the network really free?
Absolutely! There is no charge for people who use the San Francisco network, and we are committed to keeping it that way. Our network is built on a sustainable model of shared access and will always be free.
What parts of San Francisco are covered?
Free the Net began in the Mission and has been growing outward ever since. We are extending the network at a rapid pace and plan to bring coverage to the entire city. See a map >
When will service get to my area?
If your neighborhood isn't covered yet, rest assured that we're working on it! We'll be expanding the network over time, so if you don't yet have access to the Free the Net signal, we'd love for you to sign up and let us know you are interested in joining when the service comes to your neighborhood.
How can I help build this network?
Free the Net is a community-built network. Meraki provides the technology, but we rely on people to help build and grow. There are a number of ways you can help:
- If you can see the Free the Net signal, sign up for a free repeater to boost your signal.
- Volunteer to host an outdoor repeater on your roof or balcony. The outdoor units help spread the signal throughout your neighborhood and are critical to the growth of the network.
- Spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors to sign up at http://sf.meraki.com.
- Check out the network map and keep yourself up-to-date on our progress.
Do I get paid?
We depend on community volunteers to host our repeaters. Meraki does not pay these volunteers.
When I signed up I couldn't see the signal, but now I can. What should I do?
After you sign up, you should receive an email containing a unique link to confirm that you can see the Free the Net signal. We only send repeaters to volunteers who have confirmed that they can see the signal so it is important to check often for Free the Net among your available wireless networks. Make sure to confirm by clicking on the link in the email as soon as you see Free the Net and we'll send you a repeater right away!
What is the grey bar at the top of the screen?
For more information about the Meraki Toolbar, click on "Help & Options" on the toolbar itself, then "View Help & FAQ".
Do I need a repeater to connect to Free the Net?
No. Anyone who sees the Free the Net signal can use the network to access the Internet without any login. A repeater will help strengthen the network, but is not necessary for Internet access.
Is this legal?
Absolutely! Free the Net works with service providers that allow the sharing of broadband access.
How can I receive a repeater if I can't be home to sign for a package?
Meraki Mini repeaters are mailed through USPS and come in compact packages that are designed to fit through mail slots that are at least seven inches wide (most in the city are larger). If you would like to receive your repeater at an address other than where you intend to use it, please make a note in the comments section when you sign up.
It is important that you enter the address where the unit will be used when signing up the so that we can correctly locate your repeater on the network map. If you have already signed up but are just now requesting a repeater, please send us an email letting us know where you would like the unit shipped.
Technical Questions
How do I connect to the network?
Look for Free the Net among your computer's list of available wireless networks. If you're having a hard time finding the Free the Net network, take a look at our connection instructions.
What is the difference between a gateway and a repeater?
A gateway is a Meraki device that is directly connected to a Meraki-sponsored DSL line. A repeater is a Meraki device that repeats the wireless signal but is not directly plugged into an Internet source.
How do I install my Meraki repeater?
Installing a Meraki Mini repeater is easy and doesn't require technical know-how. Simply follow the instructions included in the package and your repeater should be working within minutes. The ideal mounting has line of sight to a number of other buildings or places where people are likely to use the network. Windows usually work best.
Installing a Meraki Outdoor is only slightly more complicated. Follow the instructions included in the package and let us know if you have any problems. Outdoor repeaters are most effective on balconies or rooftops. Everything you need to mount the unit is included in the package.
Will it work on different operating systems (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, etc.)?
You can access the Free the Net network whether you're on a Mac, running Windows, Linux or using another operating system altogether.
Will it work for all browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.)?
Yes! Free the Net gives you access to the Internet, but the network doesn't require you to use any particular browser.
How fast is the connection?
Users typically see anywhere from 500 kilobits to 1 megabit of bandwidth. Meraki mesh networks are inherently reliable. If someone unplugs a repeater, the system automatically re-routes itself to another repeater in the area to provide seamless service. However, the system will only work reliably in your neighborhood if enough individuals join Free the Net and host repeaters. As more of your friends and neighbors sign up, your Internet access will become more consistent and reliable.
Should I cancel my current Internet service?
Due to the nature of mesh networks, Meraki cannot guarantee service to our users. Since the network is dependent on community involvement, if you cancel your own service, you'll become dependent on your neighbors' connections. That said, many Free the Net users have decided to use the network as their primary Internet source and have been happy with the results.
Will it work with the iPhone?
Absolutely. We have had no problems with using Free the Net as the iPhone's wireless access. (You can trust us on this one: there are a lot of iPhones in the Meraki office!)
How much power does a Meraki Mini use?
Your Meraki Mini requires very little energy. It uses approximately 3 watts — less than the amount used by a night light. Keeping your repeater plugged in at all times is critical to make the network reliable.
What is the Meraki Toolbar? How did you get on my computer? How do I remove it?
First off: we never install software on users' computers. The Meraki Toolbar is a small piece of Javascript that is inserted into pages when you browse the web using certain free Meraki networks. It shows you headlines intended to help you waste your time, and will eventually point you at sponsored content that we think you might enjoy.
We try to ensure that the toolbar does not appear after you've disconnected from Meraki-powered WiFi, but it is possible that you will still see it on pages your browser has cached. If this is the case, you should be able to get rid of the toolbar by flushing your browser cache.
Privacy and Security
What is your privacy policy?
We're committed to respecting your privacy. For more information, please read our complete Privacy Policy.
Free the Net provides the same level of wireless security as other open wireless access points (e.g. wireless hotspots in airports or hotels, home networks, coffee shops). The network is based on the IEEE 802.11b/g standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs). WLANs, which enable "over-the-air" communications, may be subject to unauthorized interception and are not inherently secure. We cannot guarantee the privacy of your data and communications while using Free the Net. We strongly recommend you practice safe Internet usage when using any wireless network:
- When sending or receiving private or sensitive information on the web, e.g. for Internet banking, be sure to verify that everything is done over a secure, encrypted tunnel such as SSL (https:// will appear in the url rather than http://).
- Use only trusted websites
We support most customer provided security solutions such as virtual private networks (VPNs), personal firewalls and anti-virus software. We encourage all of our users to use such software and keep it up-to-date.
Can other people access information on my computer through the network?
No. Client-to-client communications are not allowed on Free the Net. Information that is sent over the wireless connection could be subject to unauthorized interception and is not inherently secure. Please see the suggested best practices laid out under "How secure is the network?" above.
Why do you need my address?
We only require your address if you would like us to send a Meraki repeater to help boost your signal and spread the network. Once it is set up at your location, the device will be added to our network map. You do not have to log in or provide any information in order to use the network.
Should I do online banking or shopping on the network?
We cannot guarantee the privacy of your data and communications while using Free the Net. We strongly recommend you practice safe Internet usage when using any wireless network:
- When sending or receiving private or sensitive information on the web, e.g. for Internet banking, be sure to verify that everything is done over a secure, encrypted tunnel such as SSL (https:// will appear in the url rather than http://).
- Use only trusted websites
We support most customer provided security solutions such as virtual private networks (VPNs), personal firewalls and anti-virus software. We encourage all of our users to use such software and keep it up-to-date.
Troubleshooting
I can't see the Free the Net signal.
You can only connect to the network if you're within range of the signal. Check your computer's list of available wireless networks and look for one called "Free the Net." If you don't see the network yet, we'll be there soon! Check your list of available networks often; odds are we'll get a signal to you soon.
My Free the Net signal is connected and shows as "excellent" or "very good", but the Internet is slow or not working.
If you are having trouble accessing the Internet while connected to the Free the Net network it could be because your repeater is no longer receiving enough bandwidth. This could happen for a number of reasons:
- Other repeaters that help to provide signal to your unit might be having problems. If this happens your computer might show a strong connection to the Free the Net network but that connection might not actually provide enough bandwidth to load a webpage.
- Occasionally volunteers may have disconnected or move their repeaters. If your Internet access was through a repeater that has been disconnected you might find that your connection has slowed or stopped. As we add more repeaters, the system will be able to re-route the signal through other repeaters in the area when one is disconnected. You can help us avoid this problem by keeping your repeater plugged in at all times.
- In rare instances, the number of people attempting to access the Internet at one time in your area might be more than the available bandwidth that area can support. We are adding bandwidth to the network every day. If you experience slow browsing please continue to check back often.
My Free the Net signal is weak.
A Meraki Mini repeater is designed to extend the range of a wireless network. If you are able to access the Internet with the Free the Net network, you can sign up to get a free repeater. Put your repeater in your window and in just a few minutes it will be repeating the signal and strengthening your connection to Free the Net. If the signal is inconsistent try moving the repeater to another window. Otherwise, please be patient and check back often. As more of your neighbors join the network, you will see a stronger more consistent signal.
Why do I see a wireless network called "Meraki Scanning"?
"Meraki Scanning" is the default network that a repeater advertises when it is outside of the Free the Net network. You will not be able to connect to the Internet until you see "Free the Net" among your wireless networks.
Where should I place my repeater?
To maximize the strength and speed of your Internet connection, you'll want to put your Meraki Mini repeater wherever the signal is strongest. (Many people use the enclosed suction cups to affix the device to a window.) If you're not sure where that is, move a laptop around your house to see where reception is best. Ideally, your repeater will have a clear line of sight to any neighboring buildings or windows to help spread the signal further.
I signed up for a repeater but haven't received it yet.
We do our best to get repeaters out to volunteers within a few days of the request but occasionally the packages are returned or lost in the mail. If it has been more than two weeks since your request, please let us know and we will send you a new repeater right away.
I landed on a Free the Net splash page instead of the site I wanted.
When you first access the Internet using Free the Net, the first page you'll see will be Free the Net's splash page. This page explains the free network to people using it for the first time. To get to the website you wanted, just click through this page by selecting "Continue." The Free the Net splash page will reappear every 24 hours.
How do I reset my Meraki repeater?
To reset the Meraki Mini or the Meraki Outdoor simply power cycle the unit by unplugging the power cord, waiting a moment then plugging it back in.
I was out of the network when I signed up but I want a repeater.
We are doing our best to get repeaters to everyone who has requested them but at this point priority goes to those users who can see the Free the Net signal. Check back often and let us know as soon as you can see the signal. We'll be happy to send a repeater along once the network reaches your location.
I can see the signal, but I don't know how to configure it.
To connect to the network, all you need to do is select "Free the Net" from your list of available wireless access points. The network is open which means you won't need a password to connect. Choosing "Free the Net" should automatically connect you.
If you are being prompted by your computer to change your configuration or if you are receiving a message that the network is "local only", odds are your Free the Net signal isn't strong enough to connect to the Internet. Try signing up for a repeater to boost the signal strength. (Check out our more detailed connection instructions if you're still having trouble.)