Author: Wayne Slavin

A "honeypot" trap consisting of a Wi-Fi-equipped laptop is the latest weapon against drive-by hackers. Set up at the London headquarters of consultants KPMG, the laptop looks to the outside world like a simple wireless access point, but contains monitoring software designed to determine the level of illicit activity. Via [zdnet.com.com]

In his famous work Mending Wall, Robert Frost wondered about the need for walls, and how nature seeks to tear them down at her own slow pace. All his neighbor would say is that "good fences make good neighbors," implying, "stay out of my space and we'll get along just fine." What got me thinking...

Wireless data services are moving along the traditional "hype" curve from the over-enthusiasm of early promoters, through the inevitable backlash from a disappointed marketplace and on into maturity. Having been among those who were not wholly positive about their first experiences with some of these technologies, I think it's time to give credit where credit...

The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), the group behind the testing and certification for interoperability of 802.11-based networking products, has officially changed its name. As of this week, it will be known only as the Wi-Fi Alliance. Via [siliconvalley.internet.com]

Secret Service agents are putting a high-tech twist on the idea of a cop walking the beat. Using a laptop computer and an antenna fashioned from a Pringles potato chip can, they are looking for security holes in wireless networks in the nation's capital. Via [securityfocus.com]

Microsoft and Cisco this week are expected to detail how they will support an emerging IETF wireless security standard for authentication that could quash a competing standards effort. Via [nwfusion.com]

Is Wi-Fi shedding its blue jeans for pin stripes as 802.11 looks to go commercial? Analysts and those in the trenches of fee-based hotspots see an inevitable trend as Wi-Fi availability goes nationwide. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

Lucent Technologies has demonstrated the successful seamless handoff of a wireless data call from a "WiFi" or wireless local area network (WLAN) to a UMTS network, enabling mobile laptop users to browse the Internet while roaming between the two network types with no interruption in the session. Via [cellular-news.com]

Nicholas Negroponte explains why Wi-Fi "lily pads and frogs" will transform the future of telecom. Via [wired.com]

Wireless LAN sales are rocketing, with shipments expected to grow 73 per cent this year. Even though prices are falling, revenue will grow 26 per cent this year, according to Gartner Dataquest. Via [theregister.co.uk]

Microsoft plans to release new wired and wireless networking products Thursday into the crowded and hypercompetitive consumer hardware market. Via [news.com.com]

Government declines to create protective laws, saying security should be a shared and voluntary act by all involved. Via [pcworld.com]

A new wireless standard five times faster than Wi-Fi got an important approval Monday. Via [news.com.com]

Sneaky US company uses 'honey-trap' WLAN to study hacking techniques. Via [software.silicon.com]

Wi-Fi chips for wireless home networks will be moving in with a roommate: broadband modems. Via [news.com.com]