First-generation proprietary technology for broadband fixed wireless networks had lackluster non-line-of-sight performance, and the equipment was relatively expensive. Both of these drawbacks delayed widespread deployment of broadband wireless networks. However, the advent of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16a standard for wireless metropolitan-area networks is likely to accelerate adoption. Via [computerworld.com.au]… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Wayne Slavin
802.11g WLAN Chip Supply To Stay Tight Through 1Q
The ongoing strong sales of WLAN products and tight chip testing capacity will extend the 802.11g chip shortage through the first quarter of 2004, according to sources. Via [digitimes.com]… Continue Reading
Wi-Fi: Reaching New Heights
One of the few bright spots this year was the growth of Wi-Fi. But even as the wireless-networking technology drew praise for its potential, it became clear that it still had a lot left to prove. Via [news.com.com]… Continue Reading
Group Seeks To Make Hot Spot Roaming A Reality
Wireless hot spots have been springing to life all around the globe, but one fundamental problem lies in the path of large-scale adoption — roaming. Right now, there is no simple way for, say, a Boingo Wireless Inc. subscriber to wander over to a T-Mobile USA Inc. hot spot and log on without a new… Continue Reading
Atheros And Broadcom Both Guilty Of Wireless Problems
A year ago, I thought 802.11g was a dumb idea, but I’ve changed my tune. With a ratified standard, and 802.11b interoperability, I’ve become a big fan of the 54Mbps wireless networking scheme. Even Cisco and Microsoft have released 802.11g products, so you know it’s here for good. Via [eweek.com]… Continue Reading
Broadcom To Jump The Gun On 802.11n
An emerging IEEE standard that promises Fast Ethernet speeds for wireless LANs won’t likely be ratified before late 2005, but as with previous WLAN protocols, Broadcom Corp. is planning to jump the gun by releasing “prestandard” products. Via [eweek.com]… Continue Reading
Wi-Fi Show Was Security Battleground, Vendor Claims
A behind-the-scenes security war raged at a recent Wi-Fi trade show, according to a company that provides wireless LAN security monitoring products. Via [crn.com]… Continue Reading
Tests Confirm Atheros’ Super G Degrades Rival WLANs
Broadcom’s allegation that 802.11g Wi-Fi products based on chips developed by its rival, Atheros, will degrade the performance of nearby wireless networks appears to have been verified by independent tests. Via [theregister.co.uk]… Continue Reading
China Wi-Fi Encryption Rights Holders Named
Wi-Fi equipment makers that want to support China’s own encryption standard, announced last month, will be have to work with one of 11 designated firms. The Chinese authorities’ announcement of the local firms’ control of the technology aroused fears – or perhaps paranoia – among western vendors that this would severely disadvantage them in the… Continue Reading
Wardriving Is Not A Crime
New technology puts predators on the prowl in your neighborhood. What do they want? Your location. Via [newsreview.com]… Continue Reading
Is Wireless Security A Lost Cause?
“WPA is better than WEP, but we still have a way to go before true wireless network security,” Robert Moskowitz, senior technical director of ICSA Labs at TruSecure, told the E-Commerce Times. “A lot of cryptologists don’t like WPA because it’s based on older ciphers.” Via [technewsworld.com]… Continue Reading
Interview With Jon Edney, Author Of “Real 802.11 Security”
Jon Edney specializes in wireless networking and is a key contributor to the development of IEEE 802.11 systems. As a member of the technology consultancy Symbionics Networks, he deployed the first low-cost 802.11 designs. Via [net-security.org]… Continue Reading
Wireless Traffic Alerts Ahead
Federal regulators on Wednesday set aside a swath of spectrum for a new wireless technology that would let motorists use small display screens to get traffic updates, buy fast food or find a nearby hotel. Via [usatoday.com]… Continue Reading
MCI Expands Wi-Fi Footprint
MCI will more than triple its footprint of Wi-Fi access points through a partnership with Boingo Wireless, MCI announced Tuesday. Via [news.com.com]… Continue Reading
Looking Back At Wireless Security In 2003
Wireless security is one of the hottest topics in our business. In the article you are just reading, I’ve tried to cover some of the most interesting wireless security topics and events in 2003. The article is divided into several thematical sections: general overview of the wireless security happenings, look back on some software tools,… Continue Reading