This document presents a taxonomy of a set of "Alternative Network
Deployments" that emerged in the last decade with the aim of bringing
Internet connectivity to people or providing a local communication
infrastructure to serve various complementary needs and objectives.
They employ architectures and topologies different from those of
mainstream networks and rely on alternative governance and business
models. The document also surveys the technologies deployed in these
networks, and their differing architectural characteristics, including
a set of definitions and shared properties. The classification
considers models such as Community Networks, Wireless Internet Service
Providers (WISPs), networks owned by individuals but leased out to
network operators who use them as a low-cost medium to reach the
underserved population, networks that provide connectivity by sharing
wireless resources of the users, and rural utility cooperatives.