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 supporting the not-yet-certified 802.11w standard. Catalyst 3750g is available now and can be upgraded immediately with free Unified Wireless Network software.
Via [vnunet.com]
Monthly Archive for June, 2006
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. With a possible $1 billion in sales by 2010, the ZigBee market has attracted a slew of competitors who will undoubtedly battle it out with Ember for the lion’s share.
Via [redherring.com]
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 between using Wi-Fi as an extension of a wired system versus going all wireless is like the difference between a cordless phone and a mobile phone.
Via [techworld.com]
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 Association) headquarters in Berlin. The network hosts 45,000 connections and 30,000 network devices and provides support for player and journalist accreditation, results reporting, materials tracking, ticketing and transportation.
Via [computerworld.co.nz]
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 technology to arrive, thus avoiding installing 802.11a, b, or g systems when newer systems, such as WiMax, MIMO and 802.11n, may be on their way.
Via [techworld.com]
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 by offering an ad-free service to ad-averse users for $19.95 a month. The downtown network will be in place by mid August.
Via [mercurynews.com]
Ember Corp, a ZigBee start up has raised another $12 million for a total venture capital investment of $65 Million. ZigBee technology (Short range wireless connectivity) is expected to be $1 billion between 2008 and 2010. Ember Corp seems to be in a good position to become a player.
Via [eetimes.com]
802.11n seems not to be getting the warm reception that was expected. Reviews of pre-n gear is luke warm to negative. Lack of compatibility, bandwidth drop off at a distance and questions of future interoperability are burning many early adopters. Unless you have a real need for 802.11n now, it’s best to wait unit things are ratified next year.
Via [internetnews.com]
Ovum analyst Julien Grivolas expects faster third-generation mobile services to become mainstream consumer service by 2008. The analyst firm believes users of High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) in Western Europe will grow to 16.5 million in two years and 50 million through 2010. Grivolas ascribed the high estimated uptake to the reality that HSDPA recycles the spectrum already utilized for 3G base technology, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. This development, he said, could dampen the pace of adoption of WiMax. “In areas where HSDPA becomes widely available, like Western Europe, and where well-suited spectrum for 802.16e [mobile WiMax] is rare, the window of opportunity for mobile WiMax will be quite limited,” Grivolas remarked. Dean Bubley of Disruptive Analysis disagreed with Grivolas’ view, saying that WiMax would enjoy more success because it will not necessitate a backhaul upgrade to maximize the high speeds that it can deliver. In addition, “many cellular operators have a Walled Garden mindset, whereas possibly mobile WiMax plays better to the 21st century view of the world, where connectivity and services should be decoupled,” he stated.
Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]
MusicGremlin is one of the latest Wi-Fi enabled music players in the market. The $299 device comes with an 802.11 wireless connection and carries 8 GB of storage or about 2,000 MP3, WMA, or WMA DRM worth of tracks. At $14.99 per month, subscribers get access to MusicGremlin Direct’s 2-million-track music library directory, which is saved and invisibly updated to the gadget. Gremlists — preprogrammed weekly lists of 10 songs in different genres, including hits, rap and classic rock — are also available to subscribers. Sans a Wi-Fi connection, Gremlin owners can create ad-hoc networks to exchange songs among themselves.
Via [news.com.com]
Skyhook i trying to attract developers to thier WiFi positioning system (WPS). The alternative to GPS uses data from wardriving to locate a user based on the access points they are near. In urban areas where GPS can fail, WPS is supposed to be able to work. The company seems to be targeting developers of all sorts, from cell phones to PDA’s to tablets.
Via [informationweek.com]
Dell is jumping on the Pre-802.11n bandwagon and has announced plans to put Pre-n in the third quarter of 2006. The hope that the equipment will be upgradable to the final 802.11n spec when it is released in 12-18 months, but there is nothing certain.
Via [arstechnica.com]
Noise-reducing headphone sales will surely skyrocket if AirCell and JetBlue Airways have their way. Their recently won chunk of air-to-ground communications radio airwaves is earmarked for in-flight Wi-Fi Internet access with possible cell phone usage not far behind. The deal isn’t final, however, and obstacles, such as the FCC, RTCA, FAA, and Verizon (current owner of the spectrum, until 2010) may stand in their way. Not to mention passengers and flight attendants who may rally for their peace and quiet.
Via [businessweek.com]
The delegation from China walked out from the opening session of the two-day meeting on wireless computing standard in the Czech Republic. The Asian nation is currently struggling to get global accreditation for its locally produced encryption technology called WAPI. The country accused the U.S. of employing unfair tactics to prevent WAPI from getting accredited. The U.S.-based Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers rejected China’s allegations and claimed that China is in fact not complying with established rules.
Via [wired.com]
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 nearby wireless devices such as cordless phones that use 2.4-Ghz frequency range. One solution to this is to contact a ham radio operator with equipment that can convert the signal to a lower frequency.
Via [networkworld.com]