IEEE readies launch of gigabit Wi-Fi project
The IEEE working group that is putting the finishing touches on the 802.11n 100Mbps wireless LAN standard is about to launch a new project, for a 1Gbps WLAN standard. That would mean gigabit Wi-Fi.
Last year, group members formed the Very High Throughput Study Group to explore changes to the 802.11 WLAN standard to support gigabit capacity. The study group is looking at doing so in two frequency bands, high-frequency 60GHz for relatively short ranges and under-6GHz for ranges similar to that today’s WLANs in the 5GHz band, 802.11a and 11n.
Wireless voice calls gain encryption
Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) start-up Agito Networks Monday plans to announce voice-over-Wi-Fi encryption and other features for its RoamAnywhere Mobility Router.
The RoamAnywhere router is customer-premises equipment (CPE) that extends PBX policy and dialing plans across Wi-Fi and cellular networks to smart phones running RoamAnywhere client software. It enables location-based, seamless roaming between both types of wireless networks so that sessions aren’t interrupted when mobile users cross wireless network borders.
A number of companies participate in this market with varying technical approaches. Among those that work with multiple vendors’ PBXs at the back end are Aruba, DiVitas, FirstHand and Siemens. Avaya and Nortel offer FMC capabilities with their own PBXs.
Gigabit Wi-Fi Could Follow 802.11n
Although the IEEE 802.11n specification is still a year or more away from release, a small group of engineers is already moving ahead to the next generation of wireless networking. The goal? Gigabit Wi-Fi, to match the wired gigabit Ethernet links of today’s PCs.
A working group is preparing to propose what may eventually be known as IEEE 802.11 VHT (Very High Throughput), in what some call the successor to 802.11n. Two working groups each are suggesting proposals to push throughput in excess of one gigabit per second, roughly ten times that of the 802.11n specification.
NEC gets WiMAX contract in Thailand
NEC of Japan said it got the first known real contract to build and operate a WiMAX network in Thailand; it will install the system for the more than 20 hospitals of the Crown Prince Hospital Foundation, centred in Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai; NEC was so excited it forgot to say how much it was getting for the job, which must give wireless broadband communications for 5km; if successful, the system will allow constant contact between hospitals and clinics, and vastly increase efficiency of patient treatment.
Firefox Add-on squeezes out wi-fi hackers
It’s a nasty old digital world out there, what with ‘man in the middle’ hackers intercepting your wi-fi signals and criminal gangs spoofing DNS entries to redirect banking traffic to compromised websites.
So a big round of applause for researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, who have just released an add-on for Firefox 3 that promises to restore your faith in the internet.
Wi-Fi tweaks for speed freaks
One thing you can depend on these days is that the claims made for wireless routers, like 300Mbit/sec. throughput and 1,000-foot range, are nothing more than digital pipe dreams. The plain and simple truth is that these speeds and distances just aren’t going to happen in your home, office or any place on this planet.
If you’re disappointed by the speed and reach of your wireless network — and who isn’t? — there’s a lot you can do to grab every last bit of data and foot of range. I spent a few hours optimizing my network and more than doubled its indoor range from 90 to over 200 feet (with an additional 150-foot extension into my backyard) while increasing performance fifteenfold — all with a two-year-old 802.11g router.
Wi-Fi security software can’t stop passive attacks
Every day, millions of Americans access the Internet from Wi-Fi hot spots, including more than 50 restaurants and coffee shops in Columbus.
Several months ago, WBNS-TV (Channel 10) set up an experiment at Cafe Brioso, 14 E. Gay St., to determine how easy it is intercept the information that Wi-Fi users send and receive. Those who took part in the test found out that digital-security experts armed with laptops and readily available software had no trouble eavesdropping on their transactions.
How to Avoid Security Risks for Mobile Computing on Public WLANs
Wireless broadband Internet access via hotspots is convenient for both the casual surfer and the Internet-dependent teleworker. Unfortunately, current security technologies integrated into wireless LAN (WLAN) products offer insufficient protection here, and mobile users must be wary when accessing the central company network via a hotspot.
What is necessary is a security solution that protects the teleworkers’ place in all phases of connection construction on hotspots – without risky, foreboding configurations and without the help of users or administrators. This article will illuminate the effectiveness of VPN security mechanisms, data encryption, strong authentication and personal firewalls. Plus, it will show how optimal protection can be achieved by dynamically integrating each of these technologies.
AT&T says original iPhones can be deactivated and used as WiFi iPods
Original iPhone owners who prefer not to give away or sell their old iPhones after upgrading to an iPhone 3G can instead keep their devices and use them as WiFi-enabled iPods, AT&T has confirmed.
The exclusive US provider for the Apple handset issued a series of documents and videos this week instructing existing iPhone owners on the steps necessary to hand down their old phones to family members or friends after purchasing a new 3G model.
Although that’s the route AT&T prefers, as it generates high margin service revenues for each additional iPhone on its network, it’s not the only option owners have. A spokesperson for the carrier confirmed to AppleInsider that neither AT&T nor Apple will prevent de-activated first-generation iPhones for serving as surrogate iPod touches.
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12 downloads to super-charge and secure Wi-Fi
Wireless is the norm these days, whether it’s at home, at work or on the road, you’ll often connect to Wi-Fi networks and hotspots for internet access. But it’s not the easiest functionality to either connect to or get to grips with.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best downloads designed to make your Wi-Fi life easier. From locating and connecting to networks to staying safe when you’re connected, we’ve got it all covered. It is worth noting that a number of these programs require that your firewall allow them through, so make sure to tell the firewall not to block them.
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