Author Archives: Wayne Slavin

Wi-Fi “Wartrappers” Nab Drive-by Hackers

A “honeypot” trap consisting of a Wi-Fi-equipped laptop is the latest weapon against drive-by hackers. Set up at the London headquarters of consultants KPMG, the laptop looks to the outside world like a simple wireless access point, but contains monitoring software designed to determine the level of illicit activity. Via [zdnet.com.com]Continue Reading

Opinion: Plugging Neighborhood 802.11b Leaks

In his famous work Mending Wall, Robert Frost wondered about the need for walls, and how nature seeks to tear them down at her own slow pace. All his neighbor would say is that “good fences make good neighbors,” implying, “stay out of my space and we’ll get along just fine.” What got me thinkingContinue Reading

Wi-Fi Is So Good: It Even Works

Wireless data services are moving along the traditional “hype” curve from the over-enthusiasm of early promoters, through the inevitable backlash from a disappointed marketplace and on into maturity. Having been among those who were not wholly positive about their first experiences with some of these technologies, I think it’s time to give credit where creditContinue Reading

WECA Becomes Wi-Fi Alliance

The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), the group behind the testing and certification for interoperability of 802.11-based networking products, has officially changed its name. As of this week, it will be known only as the Wi-Fi Alliance. Via [siliconvalley.internet.com]Continue Reading

Secret Service Agents Probe Wireless Networks In Washington

Secret Service agents are putting a high-tech twist on the idea of a cop walking the beat. Using a laptop computer and an antenna fashioned from a Pringles potato chip can, they are looking for security holes in wireless networks in the nation’s capital. Via [securityfocus.com]Continue Reading

Microsoft, Cisco Prepare For PEAP Show

Microsoft and Cisco this week are expected to detail how they will support an emerging IETF wireless security standard for authentication that could quash a competing standards effort. Via [nwfusion.com]Continue Reading

Wi-Fi Sheds Its Blue Jean Image

Is Wi-Fi shedding its blue jeans for pin stripes as 802.11 looks to go commercial? Analysts and those in the trenches of fee-based hotspots see an inevitable trend as Wi-Fi availability goes nationwide. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]Continue Reading

802.11 To 3G Call Handover Achieved

Lucent Technologies has demonstrated the successful seamless handoff of a wireless data call from a “WiFi” or wireless local area network (WLAN) to a UMTS network, enabling mobile laptop users to browse the Internet while roaming between the two network types with no interruption in the session. Via [cellular-news.com]Continue Reading

Being Wireless

Nicholas Negroponte explains why Wi-Fi “lily pads and frogs” will transform the future of telecom. Via [wired.com]Continue Reading

WLAN Sales Reach For The Stars

Wireless LAN sales are rocketing, with shipments expected to grow 73 per cent this year. Even though prices are falling, revenue will grow 26 per cent this year, according to Gartner Dataquest. Via [theregister.co.uk]Continue Reading

Microsoft Unveils Networking Hardware

Microsoft plans to release new wired and wireless networking products Thursday into the crowded and hypercompetitive consumer hardware market. Via [news.com.com]Continue Reading

Feds Draft National Strategy To Secure Cyberspace

Government declines to create protective laws, saying security should be a shared and voluntary act by all involved. Via [pcworld.com]Continue Reading

Faster Wi-Fi Standard Gets Nod

A new wireless standard five times faster than Wi-Fi got an important approval Monday. Via [news.com.com]Continue Reading

Catching Wireless Hackers In The Act

Sneaky US company uses ‘honey-trap’ WLAN to study hacking techniques. Via [software.silicon.com]Continue Reading

Wi-Fi To Climb Aboard Modems

Wi-Fi chips for wireless home networks will be moving in with a roommate: broadband modems. Via [news.com.com]Continue Reading