Category Archives: Commentary

‘Wardriving’ Spam Conviction Exposes Wi-Fi Security

A Southern California man has pleaded guilty to spamming people through unprotected wireless hotspots in the first-ever conviction under the US Can-Spam Act, and a case that again raises concerns about the risks of open-access Wi-Fi services. Via [silicon.com]Continue Reading

WiFi Chip Startup Bermai Shuts Down

On the cusp of announcing production readiness, WiFi chip startup Bermai Inc. instead has been forced to shut its doors after failing to generate Series C funding. Via [commsdesign.com]Continue Reading

WiMAX Battles DSL

WiMAX products are set to increasingly compete with existing landline broadband technologies and eventually even mobile broadband technologies as DSL and cable penetration continues to grow while WiMAX products push for certification, according to Boston-based market research firm the Yankee Group. Via [reed-electronics.com]Continue Reading

Experts Divided On Pre-standard 802.11n Gear

Just when it seemed that the wireless networking alphabet soup was starting to make sense, a new flavor — 802.11n — promises to spice up wireless LAN (WLAN) standards once again. Even though 802.11a, b and g are already in the bowl, one vendor is pioneering this new technology years ahead of the standards groups,Continue Reading

Hotspot Road Trip, Part 2

My first stop on the hotspot road trip brings me to Chicago, where it’s easier to find a hotspot than a parking space. After circling the blocks around Millennium Park looking for street parking (old city habits die hard), I finally give up and pull into a garage. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]Continue Reading

Proxim Brings On Wireless Switch Substitute

Proxim has started selling a software suite to knit access points together and contend with purpose-built wireless switches from other vendors. The suite is made up of a range of software from third parties. Via [arnnet.com.au]Continue Reading

Widening Wireless

When Scott Richards is at his home in Portland, Ore., he taps into the Internet using a broadband connection from his office about 5 miles away. There’s no wire tethering the two locations. Instead, the Intel Corp. executive connects wirelessly to an antenna on top of his office building that sends a broadband signal toContinue Reading

Verizon Wireless’s High-Speed Service Takes On Wi-Fi

Verizon Wireless’s announcement, Wednesday, that it is significantly expanding its 3G footprint raises questions about whether the next-generation wireless data service can co-exist with Wi-Fi hotspots and other technologies. Via [crn.com]Continue Reading

802.11a: Refuge From Spectrum Hogs

The recent fight between the University of Texas and its students on the 2.4 GHz battle field may be over, but competition for the limited spectrum used by two wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) standards promises to saddle users with continued wireless connectivity problems. Via [news.zdnet.com]Continue Reading

There’s Wi-Fi In ‘Team’

AirWave Wireless and AirMagnet are combining their respective Wi-Fi products and offering them up to joint customers, the companies announced today. The cooperative solution comes as market watchers and industry experts have called for a shaking out in the Wi-Fi vendor industry. Via [wirelessiq.info]Continue Reading

Wi-Fi Masterplan Delayed By Reshuffle

The unveiling of a government strategy to install wireless hot spots in public areas across Britain has been put on ice until at least October. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]Continue Reading

Don’t Price Wi-Fi To Death, Operators Warned

Mobile phone networks have been warned not to harm their future revenues with data tariffs designed to give the ailing WLAN hotpot business a death blow. Via [theregister.co.uk]Continue Reading

College Backs Off Wi-Fi Ban

High-tech tensions at the University of Texas at Dallas are easing, as administrators are curtailing the regulation of private hot spots in campus housing, but problems with interference may continue. Via [news.zdnet.com]Continue Reading

Wireless Is More

Want to free yourself from the clutter of computer cables, surf the web from the sofa, and download music in the garden? It’s easy – all you need is a wireless home network. Via [vnunet.com]Continue Reading

SA’s Public Internet Access Lags Behind Peer Countries

Too little effort is being made to encourage the proliferation of internet cafes in SA, even though they are an efficient way of taking communication services to remote or impoverished areas. Via [allafrica.com]Continue Reading