Author Archives: Wayne Slavin

Communal Broadband

Sharing high-speed Internet access via wireless networks is growing in popularity, but some liken it to stealing cable TV. Via [g4techtv.com]Continue Reading

New 2.4Ghz Spec Offering 55Mbit Throughput

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 theContinue Reading

Security Overhaul For Wireless Networks

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]Continue Reading

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]Continue Reading

The Year Ahead: Will Wireless Revive The PDA Market?

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]Continue Reading

Cruising The High Seas Wirelessly

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]Continue Reading

Breaker, Breaker… Have You Stumbled Into A Truckstop Lately?

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.Continue Reading

Improving WLAN Security

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]Continue Reading

Drive-by Hackers Crack Wireless Networks

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]Continue Reading

Mickey Mouse Goes Wireless

On any given day, between 100,000 and 150,000 visitors crowd into Walt Disney World in Florida, largely unaware that the 47-square-mile theme park is almost completely enveloped by an invisible wireless Web. Via [cnn.com]Continue Reading

Firms Warned Of ‘Drive-by Hackers’

Companies that use wireless technology to allow workers to log into networks throughout offices have been warned they could be laying themselves open to hackers. Via [cnn.com]Continue Reading

EarthLink Founder Takes To The Air

EarthLink chairman and founder Sky Dayton will unveil his newest company on Thursday, a wireless Internet service provider named “Boingo.” Via [news.com.com]Continue Reading

The Art Of War Driving

Members of the ISP-Wireless list share wit, wisdom, and stories about fighting the latest iteration of bandwidth thief. No hacker tool is as terrifyingly powerful as Windows XP. Via [isp-planet.com]Continue Reading

NoCatAuth: Authentication For Wireless Networks

Wireless technologies, and 802.11b in particular, are making it easier and cheaper to connect large numbers of people through over-the-air networks. For the cost of hardware and a bit of planning, large amounts of information can now be sent for miles at very little cost, without ever involving a telephone or cable company. Via [oreillynet.com]Continue Reading

Wireless Networks Wide Open

Wireless networks are popular because they connect computers together without the need for running cables and drilling holes in walls. But they can be a headache for people responsible for computer security, sometimes bypassing expensive and carefully maintained firewalls. Via [news.bbc.co.uk]Continue Reading