Author: Wayne Slavin

The Wi-Fi Alliance announced a new policy Monday to prevent proprietary extensions to wireless standards from breaking compatibility with other devices. Via [eweek.com]

Aruba Wireless Networks is claiming to be the first out of the gate with a WLAN switching system to support the newly ratified 802.11i Enhanced Security using Advanced Encryption Standard. Via [wirelessweek.com]

Cisco Systems Inc. is preparing to introduce products to its WLAN line that add support for AES, among other security and management features. Via [eweek.com]

This week’s IEEE summit highlighted the breakneck pace of change that is driving innovation in wireless, but also threatening to break its standards process apart. Political wars rage in areas like UltraWideBand and fast Wi-Fi, but more fundamental debates are taking place over how different specifications should coexist and which territory they should occupy. As...

'Be afraid, be very afraid' is the attitude of many companies when faced with the prospect of using a wireless network. Via [vnunet.com]

Britain's mobile workers want access to high-speed wireless when on the railways. Broadreach wants to use the fruits of its latest funding round to get train operators moving. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]

Apple today announced it has begun shipping its AirPort Express Wi-Fi mobile base station. "With over 80,000 pre-orders, AirPort Express is off to a great start as the first 802.11g mobile base station for Mac and PC users," Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said. Via [technewsworld.com]

Michael Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, made a phone call Wednesday. But it wasn't just any call. He made it using a broadband connection carried over power lines -- a technology being developed by AT&T that also provides a high-speed Internet connection over power lines. Via [oaklandtribune.com]

Japan's NTT DoCoMo Inc. on Tuesday formally launched the N900iL, a handset combining 3G and IP telephony capability, the first such phone to appear from a major network operator. Via [eweek.com]

Broadband wireless specialist Wi-LAN has said it is prepared to grant licences for patents and patent applications it now holds which cover the IEEE 802.16 wireless MAN standard. Via [reed-electronics.com]

A new trend in thinking about the Wi-Fi service market is emerging, a reaction against the prevailing business model exemplified by Wayport, T-Mobile and others. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

Covad is teaming up with Netopia to provide Wi-Fi plus broadband access as part of a single service to people working out of their homes. Via [nwfusion.com]

With the promise of the paperless office still light years away, Silex Technology will introduce in the fourth quarter its WiPrint device, a wireless print hardware and software solution for sending print jobs over the air to standard printers. Via [infoworld.com]

Alvarion has landed a coup with its uncertified WiMax kit, which will soon be serving broadband blackspots in South America Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]

The IEEE has finally done what it should have done long ago: It ratified a workable security standard for 802.11 wireless LANs. Known as 802.11i, it's a significant event for the wireless industry and provides momentum for what many expect to be a major ramp up of WLAN implementation in the enterprise. Via [serverpipeline.com]