The U.S. government is encouraging Japan to drop a proposal to tax users of Wi-Fi devices and high-bandwidth wireless local area networks. Doing so, it claims, would result in dampening demand and slowing development of wireless Internet services. Via [internetnews.com]… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Commentary
Wi-Fi-To-Cellular Roaming Still On Hold
IT managers eager to hear more about forthcoming phones and services that will allow users to roam between Wi-Fi and cellular networks may be in for a long wait. Via [eweek.com]… Continue Reading
When Wi-Fi Won’t Fly
We have six birds–three hens, two bantams, and one speckled rooster named Colorful. Mostly they stay in the coop, but every morning before dawn, Colorful escapes and patrols the neighborhood. I wanted to see how he was getting out (without crawling out of bed at 4 a.m.), so I decided to install a wireless Webcam… Continue Reading
Lock Down Your Wi-Fi Network
Hackers take advantage of unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Some, called war drivers, drive around neighborhoods looking for open networks. Some are just keeping score, but others may attempt to access your personal data. By following four basic steps, you can keep your information safe and the bad guys out. Via [money.cnn.com]… Continue Reading
WiMax Has Valley Firms Reaching For Gold
Cellular changed the way we talk, and WiFi brought mobile computing to the masses. Now a new wireless technology called WiMax — Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access — is poised to cut the last set of cords binding businesses to the Internet. Via [msnbc.msn.com]… Continue Reading
Wireless Routers Enjoy Smooth Reception From Market
2004 could turn out to be the year of the wireless router. With the devices rapidly penetrating the home, home office, and small business markets, router vendors continue to refine their offerings. Via [internetweek.com]… Continue Reading
Intel: WLAN, WiMAX Can Co-exist
WiMAX (world interoperability for microwave access), also known as IEEE 802.16, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) technology, will complement WLAN in the future, rather than squeeze it out of the market, according to Lin Long-song, president and general manager of the Intel Innovation Center in Taiwan, at a press conference on August 20. Via… Continue Reading
Wireless LAN Specs Leapfrog Ahead
Two camps, each backed by major technology companies, are planning to submit competing 802.11n WLAN standards proposals next month at the IEEE meeting. Via [eweek.com]… Continue Reading
Wi-Fi Trains Are Steaming Down The Track
By the end of this year, at least three UK train operators should be offering wireless Internet access on their rolling stock, letting mobile workers surf the Web and access corporate IT systems while on the train. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]… Continue Reading
A Man, A LAN, A Plan
I first set out almost a year ago to write an article describing my experiences setting up and maintaining a complex home network. But every time I plopped down at the keyboard with a few hours reserved for the task, something network-related manifested itself and sidetracked me. Via [reed-electronics.com]… Continue Reading
Supporters Of Community Wireless Networks Gather To Develop National Strategy
This weekend, community wireless network developers and technology experts from across the country plan to gather here for the first National Summit of Community Wireless Networks to share their ideas and plot strategy. Via [miami.com]… Continue Reading
WiMax: Coming Your Way Soon?
Research claims WiMax technology has a bright future, but BT says operators won’t be able to offer it without joining forces with each other. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]… Continue Reading
Wireless Attacks Primer
In general, attacks on wireless networks fall into four basic categories: passive attacks, active attacks, man-in-the middle attacks, and jamming attacks. Lets review what these attacks mean on a wireless network. Via [netsecurity.about.com]… Continue Reading
Burgers And Free Wi-Fi
The economics around offering Wi-Fi hotspot service have always been questionable, and it seems that the for-fee model pioneered by T-Mobile, Wayport and others may finally be giving way to free services operated by venue owners. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]… Continue Reading
WiMAX Complexity Causing Problems
The complexity involved in adding mobility to the 802.16 WiMAX wide area networking standard has caught out some developers, according to one U.K. firm. Via [reed-electronics.com]… Continue Reading