Diseño de conectividad y red comunitaria de bajo costo para el barrio San Jorge, Calderón, Quito

Abstract

Abstract: This study addresses the digital divide in the San Jorge neighborhood, Calderón parish, located within the Metropolitan District of Quito, where internet access is limited and expensive. The main objective was to design a low-cost, efficient, and sustainable community wireless network to provide connectivity to the 20 families residing there. The methodology employed was descriptive and projective, beginning with a site survey that determined a bandwidth demand of 20 Mbps per household. For the technical design, Ubiquiti technology was selected due to its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and widespread availability. A hierarchical network topology was also considered (Point-to-Point for the backbone and Point-to-Multipoint for distribution). The proposed network was validated through simulations using UniFi Design software, achieving optimal reception levels of -53 dBm on the backbone link and adequate coverage in the user area. Additionally, the financial study demonstrated the project's viability with an initial investment (CAPEX) of $4,825.00 and a social tariff of $20.00 per month, achieving an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 28.4% and an estimated investment recovery period of 2 to 3 years. The design constitutes a technically sound, sustainable, and scalable solution that guarantees the right to access information in urban-marginal areas.