Author: Wayne Slavin

Wi-Fi now rules the roost, according to a new research report concluding that wireless technology has gained a slight edge over Ethernet cables in home networks. Via [news.com.com]

Telecommunications used to be a closed game, from the copper and fibre that carried the messages, to the phones themselves. Now, openness reigns in the world of wires. Networks must interconnect with those of competitors, and users can plug in their own devices as they will. One result of this openness has been a lot...

WiMax testing and certification delays may impact the technology's short term success. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]

People using wireless high-speed net (wi-fi) are being warned about fake hotspots, or access points. Via [news.bbc.co.uk]

Savvis Communications Corp. will provide networking services to Panera Bread Co. to support the chain's wireless Internet access at more than 600 of its bakery-cafés, the company said Monday. Via [stlouis.bizjournals.com]

Qualcomm is joining TGn Sync, one of the cross-industry groups developing specifications for the IEEE 802.11n standard proposal for WLANs operating at data rates of up to 100Mbit/s. Via [commsdesign.com]

TransAlta Corp. is no stranger to radio-frequency identification. The Canadian power company uses passive RFID to help maintain equipment in several of its 600-foot-long plants. But TransAlta wants to take things to the next level with a system that combines its Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth technology, and active RFID so it can find equipment and easily...

Australian state Victoria is to equip its metropolitan ambulances with Wi-Fi in a bid to speed the transfer of patient data. It also plans to roll out Bluetooth to reduce cable clutter in the vehicles themselves. Via [theregister.co.uk]

In one corner we have the ZigBee Alliance, a group of 100 companies that plans to use the low-power IEEE 802.15.4 specification to run controls throughout homes and buildings. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

Security-minded US decorators' supply outfit Force Field Wireless claims to have developed a DIY solution to the international menace of marauding geek wardrivers - DefendAir paint "laced with copper and aluminum fibers that form an electromagnetic shield, blocking most radio waves and protecting wireless networks". Via [theregister.co.uk]

The much-hyped WiMAX wireless broadband technology is an obvious play for cellular operators around the world and will fit nicely with a 3G network, several speakers said at the Wireless Communications Association International Symposium this week. Via [wirelessweek.com]

Super high-speed wireless data networks could soon be in use in the UK. Via [news.bbc.co.uk]

Wireless home networking technology will quickly progress to the next level in 2005 as company after company rolls out what is being dubbed pre-802.11n products in preparation for the expected explosion in wireless multimedia products. Via [forbes.com]

Lucent Technologies said Tuesday it will integrate WiMAX technology from partner Alvarion into its future communications products. Via [commsdesign.com]

Chipmaking giant Intel and South African carrier Telkom are testing WiMAX technology in hopes of providing a last-mile broadband alternative, the companies announced today. Via [internetnews.com]