NetStumbler.com

Wireless protocol is finally about to get some standardization. The Wi-Fi Alliance has said that it will soon be certifying products based on pre-standard version of the next generation hi-speed wireless networking technology with 802.11n. This means that IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) wireless LAN standard will receive a well needed revision. The problem is that its taken so long to finalize the “n” version of this draft that two drafts were actually made. This of course has led to a few problems for users including no guarantee that your product will work with the final draft specifications. There may also be problems with the backwards compatibility of your preexisting equipment.

For the time being it is recommended that consumers shy away from purchasing new 802.11n standardized products and stick with traditional 802.11b and 802.11g standards.
Via [zdnetasia.com]

It seems the dream of an inexpensive Wi-Fi connection for all might be just that…a dream. About a year ago the city of Lompoc, California sunk $3 million into this dream, hoping that the internet could connect them with the outside world.

Currently, only a few hundred subscribers have latched on to the service, far fewer than the estimated 4,000 needed to repay loans for this venture. And municipal Wi-Fi projects aren’t just failing in Lompoc, across the country cities bought into the dream only to find out that they’ve been over promised, under delivered and may even have the wrong technology. This means millions of lost tax dollars that should have gone to other projects. No one knows what will happen to municipal Wi-Fi in the end but at this point the dream is turning into a nightmare for some communities.
Via [signonsandiego.com]