Video over wireless is something that the public wants and the vendors want to provide. However, there is quite the list of problems to be overcome first before it can really be considered a mature technology. WLAN technologies are’nt the most appropriate for video delivery, but there are some things that can be done. QoS,… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Commentary
Wardrivers And Leeches And Hackers, Oh My!
With all the press lately about people abusing others open WiFi AP’s, you think security is getting better. Well it’s not. Police are still playing catch up and the law is still pretty vague. Given the consiquences of someone abusing your AP, it’s as good an idea as ever to lock it down securly. Via… Continue Reading
Down To Business: The Economics Of Metro Wi-Fi
Will metro WiFi ever really work? Governments who have trouble filling potholes responsible for a bleeding edge technology? Some people see it as a blessing and others as a huge curse. The economics of who pays for what, and even logistics such as how much of how much of a downtown office building should be… Continue Reading
Use Wi-Fi — Go Straight To Jail
After Illinois fined David M. Kauchak $250 for illegally accessing a wireless network, the question is raised; is a fine and possible jail time the proper thing to do? At the very least this sends the message that innocuous surfing on someone elses connection is against the law and there are consiquiences. It’s also a… Continue Reading
Illinois WiFi Freeloader Fined US$250
An Illinois man was fined $250 for accessing a wireless network that was not his own. While there have been other convictions fire theft of services, this is the first citation with a fine on record. While a fine for just ‘freeloading’ on a network makes more sense than jail time, it is very hard… Continue Reading
Total Wi-Fi Freedom
Laptops are beginning to arrive on the market with cellular data capabilities built in as well as WiFi. The idea is that the cellular service compliments WiFi in providing access away from the nearest coffee shop. The problem is that service is still expensive and the built in radios are tied to different carriers. Hopefully… Continue Reading
Can Muni Wi-Fi Be Free?
Craig Settles, noted Muni-wireless pundit has released a study of proposed muni-wifiinstallations and has found that very few realize that at the end of the day, someone has to pay. Touting it at a ‘free network’ is just plain wrong as it eventually becomes a bait and switch with residents and constituents. Politicians think in… Continue Reading
Doubts Raised Over WiMax’s Future
Any time a new technology emerges, there is always debate over how well it will work. One group always touts it as the solution to all sorts of problems, while others say that it’ll never catch on. WiMax is no exception it seems. Developers of WiMax products obviously tout it as the solution to all… Continue Reading
How Will 802.11T Help Test Wi-Fi?
With ever demanding increases on bandwidth on networks all over, wireless systems need to be tested to be sure they can handle the demands of users in the future. The 802.11T standard is being added to the alphabet soup of 802.11 specs. 802.11T defines specifications for testing wireless gear to make sure it can handle… Continue Reading
European Project To Unify Mobile Wireless Access
People want thier MTV, and now everyone wants it anywhere, anytime. With all the different wireless technologies out there it’s a nightmare for developers to try and make thier mobile apps and platforms work on different protocols and standards. A consortium of several European R&D shops and universities have started the Open Link-Layer API for… Continue Reading
Firm Testing Wireless Signals To Dispense Drugs
Making sure that patients take thier drugs on time and take all of thier medication is a concern of doctors everywhere. MicroCHIPS Inc seems to have an innovative, though intrusive solution. Using commands sent wirelessly to an implanted drug ‘box’ in the patient, they can dispense the drugs on command. No mention however is thier… Continue Reading
Wi-Fi Set To Re-Wire Social Rules
With more people now using broadband rather than dial-up and online shopping soaring during the weeks before Christmas, there is no doubt that Britons are big fans of the net. Via [news.bbc.co.uk]… Continue Reading
Wi-Fi Promises Internet Shake-up
There is a good reason why the biggest wi-fi zones in the UK are in the City of London and Canary Wharf, with widespread wireless access being touted as the force behind the net’s next wave of innovation. Via [news.bbc.co.uk]… Continue Reading
Lower Wi-Fi Prices On The Horizon
Experts say Wi-Fi prices are set to fall as competition in the sector heats up. Most laptops now ship with Wi-Fi and many public areas are equipped with hotspots, but users often complain about the cost and complexity of accessing the internet. Via [itweek.co.uk]… Continue Reading
Why Baseball Needs Wi-Fi
Technology in the stands at baseball games seems to be an odd thing, but teams need to adapt to the future and one of the things being considered it wireless internet access for fans in the stands. The idea is to compete with sites like mlb.com and allow fans to stay connected to other games,… Continue Reading