NetStumbler

Windows Vista Supports WiFi Sleep Mode, But Only In A Perfect World

Eliza Villarino — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 21:02:00 +0000

A post by senior product manager Jason Leznek on the Microsoft Windows Vista team blog stating that Vista RTM features a “sleep” function for WiFi connections raised concerns among laptop users. The pre-RC1 version is set to “Medium Power” if a laptop operates on battery power and this default setting carries a “sleep” feature, which enables the adaptor to switch to low power mode. This function alerts wireless access points to queue up packets and transmit them in bigger chunks to allow the adoptor longer resting time between updates. Microsoft later adopted changes by shifting the default wireless network settings to “Maximum Performance” after beta testers found that the router failed to accurately identify clients when they are in sleep mode, thus leading to packet loss. The change can be enabled by the user or by the OEM prior to the shipment of the computer. Despite the modification, problems of lower battery life could still occur if access points do not support the 802.11 sleep function, which was only implemented recently.
Via [arstechnica.com]

Intel Superfast Wi-Fi Faces Microsoft Vista Overload

Eliza Villarino — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 09:11:00 +0000

Intel plans to incorporate 802.11n into the new version of its Wi-Fi/WiMax chipset. Kedron is expected to be five times better, with data throughputs that are 30 times higher than the 2003 version. The company is now conducting a cooperative testing with major LAN networking suppliers, namely Netgear, D-Link, Linksys and Buffalo, to ensure interoperability of the chipset with other 802.11n products out of the box. The company’s goal is to come out with the first combined Wi-Fi and WiMax radio chipset in two years.
Via [theinquirer.net]

Wi-Fi Seen Limiting Battery Life On MS iPod Rival

RenderMan — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0000

The rumored WiFi capabilities of the upcoming Microsoft ‘Zune’ MP3 player may doom the product from the beginning. Battery life may become a huge issue as WiFi is a very large draw on batteries in portable devices. Details are thin at this time, however it seems that unless Microsoft can included extra features and similar battery life, it won’t fly well with consumers.
Via [appleinsider.com]

Microsoft Admits To Wi-Fi Security Hole

Wayne Slavin — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 10:47:00 +0000

Microsoft has admitted that there is a security flaw in the way Windows handles wireless connections, but the company has said it may not fix the problem until its next Service Pack is released.
Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]

Windows 2000/XP Fall Through Wi-Fi Flaw

Wayne Slavin — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 10:25:00 +0000

Hackers have exposed details of a previously undocumented flaw in Microsoft’s handling of Wi-Fi which affects users of Windows 2000 and XP.
Via [vnunet.com]

Microsoft Creates Virtual Wi-Fi

Wayne Slavin — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 14:45:00 +0000

Microsoft has developed a technique to allow people to access multiple Wi-Fi networks with a single Wi-Fi card.
Via [vnunet.com]

Intel, Microsoft Vista Promise Wi-Fi Simple Config

Wayne Slavin — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 21:42:00 +0000

A presentation by Intel’s Harsha Hegde and Microsoft’s Scott Manchester at the Developer Forum last week, promised better security in the future for wi-fi networks.
Via [theinquirer.net]

Calypso Wireless Testing WiFi/GSM-GPRS VoIP Cellular Phone Based On Microsoft VoIP SIP Client

Wayne Slavin — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 13:23:00 +0000

Calypso Wireless, Inc. have completed a demonstration with Ecutel of its dual mode C1250i Wi-Fi-GSM-GPRS VoIP cellular phone. Calypso’s mobile phone, which according to the company utilizes the Microsoft VoIP SIP Client, was able to successfully interconnect with CISCO Systems networking equipment using Ecutel telephony network systems.
Via [geekzone.co.nz]

Wireless Meshing

Wayne Slavin — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 15:43:00 +0000

Microsoft is working on software to make Internet access cheaper for remote locations.
Via [informationweek.com]

Start-up Edges Cisco For Microsoft Wi-Fi Deal

Wayne Slavin — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 15:35:00 +0000

Aruba Networks has won a major wireless contract with Microsoft, beating out Cisco Systems.
Via [news.zdnet.com]

Wireless Connectivity Delivered to Xbox Live Through Microsoft And D-Link

Wayne Slavin — Thu, 26 May 2005 17:57:00 +0000

D-Link, a provider of networking and communication solutions to the consumer, SMB and enterprise markets, has announced that Microsoft has certified its AirPlus XtremeG DWL-G810 wireless adapter for use with its online gaming service Xbox Live in Europe.
Via [forbes.com]

Microsoft Bolsters XP Wireless Security

Wayne Slavin — Thu, 19 May 2005 15:03:00 +0000

Microsoft has released an update to Windows XP Service Pack 2 that fortifies the operating system’s wireless networking security through the adoption of Wi-Fi Protected Access 2. WPA2 offers more advanced data encryption and conforms to government-mandated regulations for security, including HIPPA and FIPS 140-2.
Via [eweek.com]

Microsoft Updates XP Wi-Fi Security Support

Wayne Slavin — Mon, 09 May 2005 17:47:00 +0000

Microsoft over the weekend rolled out an update to its Windows XP operating system to add support for WPA2, aka Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, the wireless security specification approved by the IEEE.
Via [eweek.com]

Microsoft, VeriSign Team On Wi-Fi Security Architecture

Wayne Slavin — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 15:17:00 +0000

Citing the increased risk posed by mobile workers and wireless networking technology, Microsoft Corp. and VeriSign Inc. said on Wednesday that they are teaming up to help organizations secure Wi-Fi networks.
Via [eweek.com]

Microsoft Wireless Net Due For Upgrade

Wayne Slavin — Mon, 13 Dec 2004 22:04:00 +0000

When Microsoft began installing its campuswide wireless network five years ago, it was something of a pioneer.
Via [news.com.com]