Author: Wayne Slavin

Why should the big boys like Starbucks and Borders Books have all the Wi-Fi fun? Netopia is peddling a Netopia Hot Spot Starter Kit that enables the little guys to offer high-speed wireless at their places of business without racking up high installation costs. Via [wirelessweek.com]

From ballparks to bagel shops, Wi-Fi is on its way from curiosity to standard feature. Via [comment.cio.com]

Wi-Fi hot spots are starting to morph into hot zones as local governments adapt the technology to provide broadband service for police and fire departments, in addition to wireless Internet access across areas ranging from downtown districts to hundreds of square miles. Via [computerworld.com]

T-Mobile has revealed that it is indeed planning to offer a third incarnation of its MDA (Mobile Digital Assistant) PocketPC-based phone that will feature a QWERTY keyboard and Wi-Fi support. Via [theregister.co.uk]

A key electronics industry group has approved a significant standard for wireless broadband specifications known as "WiMax," giving a boost to a technology proclaimed as a breakthrough for cheap high-speed Internet access. Via [zdnet.com.com]

Airlines won a key battle in their fight with airports over control of the Wi-Fi spectrum yesterday when the Federal Communications Commission ruled that it -- and not local authorities -- has "exclusive jurisdiction" over the use of unlicensed spectrum. Via [computerworld.com]

Wi-LAN Inc.'s announcement this week that it would be it would be escalating its patent-enforcement program by commencing legal action against Cisco Systems sent messages flying between members of two ultrawideband communications camps over whether or not similar action loomed there as well. Via [commsdesign.com]

The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) releases this Public Notice in response to questions from the public regarding the use of unlicensed devices, including customer antennas, especially in the context of a variety of multi-tenant environments (MTEs).

With the consumer Wi-Fi explosion, launching a virus into the wild has never been easier and more anonymous than it is today. Like a sneeze in a crowded subway, it's hard to find the human source of the latest viral infection. On the Internet it's not much different. The people who write these nasty little...

Delivery company UPS is to give wireless rings to all its 55,000 sorting staff, to scan and track packages. Via [computerweekly.com]

As expected, the 802.11i standard was finalized Thursday, paving the way for improved security within wireless networks. Via [eweek.com]

It's been said by some that the problems with security in wireless networks are no longer an issue -- the tools are available to fix anything that could come up. Whether encrypting your own traffic with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or virtual private networks (VPNs), or running a full fledged intrusion detection system (IDS) to...

Intel yesterday announced a pair of new 90nm Pentium M processors, this time extending the line downwards. Via [theregister.co.uk]

Firms attempting to make it big from wireless Internet are falling apart because the technology is becoming too cheap and simple. Via [theinquirer.net]

A small wireless company in Canada is going after the Wi-Fi equipment and semiconductor industry for infringing on its patents--and Cisco Systems is one of its first targets. Via [zdnet.com.com]