Internet Uplink Guide

This is a draft guide for future uplink donors. Final technical steps will be added once pilot installs and testing are complete.

Overview

One of the most helpful ways to support VONet is by donating a portion of your internet bandwidth. Uplinks provide a connection between the VONet mesh and the broader internet. This helps keep the network fast, resilient, and locally routed.

If you have a reliable internet connection and are open to sharing part of it, you can help connect your neighborhood and extend the reach of the community network.

Important Note About ISP Terms

Many internet service providers (ISPs) have terms of service that limit or restrict sharing your connection with others. If you're thinking about donating bandwidth from a residential or business line, check your service agreement first.

VONet’s core infrastructure does not rely on consumer-grade ISP connections. We connect directly at the local Internet Exchange Point (IXP), where we peer with other networks and ISPs. When you connect to VONet, it's as if you're also directly exchanging traffic with other networks at the exchange. This works much like a traditional ISP, but it's community-run, open, and transparent.

If you donate an uplink, you’re helping bring more people into that system. We'll work with you to keep everything compliant and technically solid.

What is an Uplink?

An uplink is a node or gateway that connects VONet to the internet. It can be:

• A rooftop node using a home or business connection
• A dedicated uplink on donated fiber or high-speed service
• A direct peer connection at the IXP

Each uplink makes the network stronger and improves access for nearby users.

How Bandwidth Sharing Works

There are two main ways to share your connection with the network. You don’t need to be a networking expert, but here’s the general idea.

Layer 2 (Bridge Mode)

Your connection becomes part of the same virtual network as the rest of VONet.

• Traffic flows using shared IP ranges
• Usually involves a tunnel like WireGuard or VXLAN
• Offers more flexibility and integration
• Requires coordination with the core VONet team

Layer 3 (Routed Mode)

Your connection acts like a traditional gateway.

• Your IP stays separate from VONet’s internal network
• You share a portion of your connection as a routed uplink
• This can be easier to manage for some setups
• Works well for tech-savvy users and small-scale donors

Technical Requirements

• A stable internet connection (fiber, wireless, or business cable)
• Willingness to share part of that connection
• A router or system capable of basic configuration
• Optional: Static IP or dynamic DNS for better uptime

Safety and Control

You're in full control of your connection. You can:

• Set bandwidth limits
• Disconnect the uplink at any time
• Keep VONet traffic separate from your home or business network

We’ll provide guidance on how to route or isolate traffic using tunnels or VLANs. VONet does not monitor content. Security tools like firewalls and encryption are encouraged.

Why It Matters

Each new uplink improves the network by:

• Increasing speed and reliability
• Reducing reliance on a single connection
• Keeping more traffic local
• Supporting neighbors who don’t have reliable access

Status

This page is a draft and will be updated as we finalize testing, install our first nodes, and confirm recommended setup options.

Want to Donate Bandwidth?

If you’re interested in being an uplink donor or helping test uplink configurations, email support@vonet.org and we’ll help you get started.