Samsung is first out of the gate with a dual mode CDMA/WiMax phone. Details are scarce, but it appears to use a Korean variant of WiMax called WiBro. No details on availablity but it is a step in the direction of convergance. Via [vnunet.com]… Continue Reading
Cisco Introduces Stackable WLAN Controller
Cisco has released a new line of stackable WLAN controllers to it’s catalyst line. The new controllers bring cisco back into competition with companies like Aruba in terms of features like wireless roaming. The new switches will hopefully help fill the demand for more port density in the wiring closet for the increased user demand.… Continue Reading
Aruba To Speed Up User Authentication
Aruba Networks is set to release some new gear to greatly increase the speed of authentication for large wireless networks. The technology moves authentication away from a central server into the hardware of the network controller, offering up to 1000 authentications a second with EAP. Other announced improvements include features to allow for WLAN authentication… Continue Reading
IEEE Suspends Wireless Group
The IEEE has suspended the 802.20 working group that was working on alternatives to WiMax. The group was suspended after infighting over which companies technology would be adopted. This delay means that WiMax should be the clear front runner for high speed wireless for the forseeable future. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]… Continue Reading
Locking The Wireless Network
Securing wireless networks in homes and small businesses is no longer a big problem today as the market is teeming with products and solutions to address this concern. One such product is Kaspersky Lab’s Internet Security 6.0, which includes an anti-hacker application and software that can scan wireless and wired networks and restrict access to… Continue Reading
Google Details Mountain View Wi-Fi Service
Google has no plan to profit from the the free Wi-Fi service that it is providing to Mountain View, California, the city where it is based. “The reason it is free is because…we want to get a lot of people on it,” Google’s Larry Alder said at the Supernova 2006 conference in San Francisco. Though… Continue Reading
Wireless Network Companies To Watch
In the fast paced world of wireless development, there are a number of companies to watch. It could be using wireless for equipment monitoring, convergance phones, location tracking, customer relations software, or high speed data. Whatever the application there are some interesting times ahead. Via [networkworld.com]… Continue Reading
Cisco Pushes The Wireless Enterprise
At about $20,000, Cisco’s new Catalyst 3750g is a bargain if merging your wired and wireless networks into one will simplify your business life. Merging systems via Catalyst allows not only wireless laptop use but also dual-mode mobile phones and uniform security settings. Cisco has also released version 4 of their Unified Wireless Network software… Continue Reading
Ember Raises $12M
ZigBee, a wireless technology standard that relies on low-power, low data-rate chips to automate electronic devices, is helping Boston-based Ember raise enough revenue to meet the demand for the chips. Homes and businesses use the chips for everyday appliances, inventory management, and monitoring systems; roughly 10 billion microcontrollers are installed in everyday items each year.… Continue Reading
Aruba Plans For Success
Wireless LAN is fine for data, and most companies using the technology have their systems at about 10 percent wireless with the rest still on Ethernet. But to go all the way requires voice capabilities, and to achieve phone mobility you need a wireless system. According to Dominic Orr, chief executive of Aruba, the difference… Continue Reading
When Wireless Routers Keep Failing
Laptops with wireless routers that keep failing may indicate that the device is suffering from interference. To solve this problem, it is recommended that the owner download and run NetStumbler, which could locate another access point with a strong enough signal or multiple access points on the same channel. Interference could also be caused by… Continue Reading
World Cup Network Includes Wireless Links
Avaya claimed its voice and data network for the World Cup is the biggest of its kind for any sporting tournament. Over the 31-day duration of the event, Avaya expects 15 trillion bytes of data to run through the network, which links 12 host stadiums, international media centers and the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football… Continue Reading
Citywide Wi-Fi Struggles For Acceptance
With city-wide WiFi networks popping up all over the US, it’s no surprise that some cities are experiencing growing pains. One city was abandoned by its operator, technical problems plague another, and governmental red tape is slowing down wireless access in several others. Fans of the delays say waiting gives cities a chance for updated… Continue Reading
S.J. To Expand WiFi Hotspots Downtown
Mountain View-based MetroFi won a contract bid with San Jose to expand the city’s hotspots along thoroughfares and in downtown parks. The winning proposal provides free Internet access to residents at zero cost to the city and boasts download speeds of about 1 megabit per second. MetroFi will generate revenue by selling network advertising and… Continue Reading
Is Municipal Wi-Fi A Right? If So, Who Pays?
For many cities, a municipal wireless network is no longer just a someday proposition — in fact, Wi-Fi access is either already in place or in the planning stages for cities across the US. The new question to ask is “who.” Who will have access to “free citywide access?” Updating wireless networks to reach all… Continue Reading