Train Node is a free WiFi hotspot and portal that I operate on the Sounder commuter train in the Seattle area. It uses a cellular backhaul (144Kbps) for internet connectivity. Once a faster technology, such as CDMA EV-DO, is available in the Seattle area, we expect to upgrade to this. EV-DO should provide DSL-like experiences on our train hotspot, at speeds averaging 500Kbps or higher.
We are more interested in seeing how people actually use this technology, and not interested in making an extra buck. This is a hobby project that allows us to play with cutting edge technologies and let people test them out in the real world.
While I do not sell hardware directly to end consumers, I do provide consulting services for hotspot installations aboard trains, buses, subways, etc. These solutions can be much more robust than just cellular data, providing high speed (multiple megabit) access for internet users, remote cameras, and other internal uses. This also involves the installation of various types of wireless infrastructure. Please contact me for further details.
While an internet connection is great, I think the big value in Train Node is our portal. When a user associates to our hotspot for the first time, they are given a splash login screen via captive portal, such as the one below:
A captive portal is interesting because instead of permiting a user to web surf where ever they please after assocating, we force them to a screen. Everybody sees this screen and must satisfy some sort of requirement before they are let into the wild. This could be as simple as an "I Agree" box, and as complex as a credit card payment for usage. Since we are a free service, the "I Agree" box is all one needs to click.
After clicking the "I Agree" box, you are sent to our portal. This portal serves as the commuter's dashboard to the world as the train makes its way to or from the office place.
The portal shows many RSS news feeds from various sources. We currently feature several local media outlets, stock tickers, technology news, and live 911 emergency data. We also have included several features in our hotspot which allows people using the hotspot to interact with one another.
One of our more interesting features is the "Buddy List". Our portal identifies local instant messenging clients, and populates them in a list. Our train users can now communicate between each other -- meeting new people or keeping up-to-date with old friends.
Currently, no. We provide internet access on the following schedule for our fellow passengers:
Mornings
| Train | Car |
| Leaving Tacoma at 6:45 (#3) | First car (in the direction of travel) |
Evenings
| Train | Car |
| Leaving Seattle at 5:10 (#2) | The car at position "G", near ticket booth |
The News Tribune, June
7th
Seattle PI, The Insider - March 28,
2005
Seattlest, March
22, 2005