Author: Wayne Slavin

Today's wireless networks are incredibly easy to set up and use—maybe too easy. Even when the most experienced PC users install Wi-Fi cards and access points, they don't always take proper security measures, and many networks are left wide open to attack. Via [pcmag.com]

Startup Entree Wireless has its first customer -- the same outfit that spawned the its fundamental technology. Via [sandiego.com]

Apple has confirmed across-the-range upgrades to its PowerBook and iBook laptop lines, as anticipated this morning. Via [theregister.co.uk]

A Mountain View startup plans to introduce communitywide wireless fidelity first in Silicon Valley, then across California and eventually coast to coast. It would be the first extensive deployment of wi-fi across cities and towns. Via [sanjose.bizjournals.com]

AT&T Wireless and Sprint on Monday announced a new Wi-Fi hot-spot roaming pact for several U.S. airports. Via [zdnet.com.com]

While a basic, single access point WLAN servicing a handful of clients is simplicity itself, expanding that network with a second access point causes an immediate spike in complexity. Via [wireless.newsfactor.com]

T-Mobile has equipped Washington, DC-based American University with a cross-campus Wi-Fi network for visitors to the institution. Via [theregister.co.uk]

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday said it was willing to create additional unlicensed spectrum so wireless broadband service providers can more quickly spread high-speed Internet connections into rural areas. Via [zdnet.com.com]

Small businesses can now turn on Wi-Fi hot spots to compete with better-known rivals without the hassle of setting up the whole service themselves, according to Cisco Systems Inc.'s Linksys division and Boingo Wireless Inc., which on Wednesday announced what they call Hot Spot in a Box. Via [computerworld.com]

The rogue access point creates many problems for IT professionals. Whether good intentioned or not, users can create a real security nightmare when they attempt to piggyback onto your network. Via [techrepublic.com.com]

Wireless network protection neglected by more than half of UK businesses. Via [vnunet.com]

Wireless networks aren't just popular with computer users on the go. Hackers are finding them an easy target to snoop on consumers' laptop PCs and, eventually, their employers' networks. Via [forbes.com]

Iogear, a connectivity and peripherals vendor, Tuesday unveiled a low-cost SMB Wi-Fi router aimed at improving coverage range and signal broadcast. Via [crn.com]

As if wireless switch makers didn't have enough troubles, there's competition coming up from below, in the form of a $3,000 software product whose vendors reckon it can pretty much do the job of wireless switches costing $20,000 or more. Via [infoworld.com]

Although more and more businesses are buying wireless communications technology for their employees, that purchasing could be better managed, a research report out Monday states. Via [sanjose.bizjournals.com]