MotherNode
MotherNode is a sculptural an antenna that emits
a wireless signal (802.11g) that
can be installed in any public area.
The intent is to create a limited community
of people using wifi within a
small, single network. But in this network,
bandwidth, much like other
physical resources, can be
depleted if used in excess. If
one of the members uses too
much bandwidth in relation to the others,
she is promptly kicked off the network.
The light on top of the sculpture is a physical manifestation
of how much data is being transferred
through the network every few seconds,
and therefore how much bandwidth
is currently available. Blue represents
little data and much bandwidth available
across the network. Green and yellow
are midrange, respectively. When the
light turns red, a member has been kicked off
and someone else is allowed on.
Exhibited in part May 11th and 12th, 2004
at the Interactive Telecommunications Program
Spring Show at New York University.