The 802.15 camp (Bluetooth) has just drafted a 2.4-GHz specification that offers 55-Mbit/second throughput for Multimedia use in the home (WPAN). They promise all the speed of IEEE 802.11a, quality of service, security and the (heh-hem) low price of Blue Tooth. They claim a range of 100 feet. Its intended use is to replace the wire clutter in home theater applications.
Monthly Archive for December, 2001
The security of wireless networks is getting a make-over in an attempt to secure them from drive-by hacking attacks.
Via [news.bbc.co.uk]
Shipments of handheld computers fell throughout 2001. 2002 looks like another lean year: only wireless technologies will boost sales, say analysts.
Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]
Royal Caribbean has built all kinds of computing gear into the ship. The various technologies provide passengers and crew with a wireless satellite connection to the Internet. There’s also an on-board network, and the cruise line is working on the introduction of handheld computers on the high seas.
Via [cyberwalker.net]
Truckstops are being outfitted by SiriCOMM to provide 802.11b access to wirelessly send and recieve e-mail, get updated road conditions, check news and weather, maintain electronic logbooks and electronically exchange freight bills with the company, shippers and consignees — all from the comfort from their trucks in the lot.
Over the past year, much has been written about the vulnerabilities of 802.11b wireless LANs. Researchers from AT&T Labs, UC Berkeley, Intel, and University of Maryland have identified holes in Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) that let attackers learn the keys used to encrypt 802.11b traffic.
Via [wi-fiplanet.com]
Hackers increasingly are cracking into wireless networks based on a standard called “Wi-Fi” (wireless fidelty), also known as 802.11b. Wi-Fi networks have taken off with both consumers and businesses because they’re relatively inexpensive to install and transmit information at a speedy 11 megabits per second.
Via [gannettonline.com]
The Year Ahead: The Year Of Bluetooth?
Bluetooth has suffered one of the most drawn-out launches of any technology in history, but with devices now appearing on the shelves, its time just might have come.
Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]