Analysis of End-User QoE in Community Networks

Community networks are a potential model for the Future Internet, where the users form and operate the network instead of a central, commercial entity. The performance of parts of community networks has been studied extensively, often focusing on routing protocols or applications on top of community networks. This work focuses on the end-to-end quality of experience in community networks, as a validation of the technical applicability of this concept in under-served regions. A comparative analysis with other ISPs per country shows the effectiveness of these community networks in providing satisfactory networking services to end-users, particularly effective for underserved areas or people. Socio-economic studies show that community networks are an excellent model to develop networking infrastructure commons (as common-pool resources or public goods) that promote sustainable development, with greater effects in less developed areas.