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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 covers select neighborhoods in the Mission, Alamo Square, Potrero, and Noe Valley. See a map >
When will service get to my area?
Free the Net is not currently expanding. However, if you'd like to get on our mailing list, we'll let you know if the network is coming to your area.
Can I share my own Internet connection? Do I need to?
In the interest of providing the most reliable network possible, we ask volunteers not to share their personal Internet connections in Free the Net. Meraki pays for the majority of the bandwidth used in the network, and we plan to provide 100% of the network's bandwidth as we move forward with our deployment.
Do I get paid?
We depend on community volunteers to host our repeaters. Meraki does not pay these volunteers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.)