Author: Wayne Slavin

The city of Philadelphia and Verizon Communications Inc. struck an agreement Tuesday that would allow the city to provide wireless Internet access as a municipal service even if Gov. Ed Rendell signs legislation to give Verizon the power to scuttle the project. Via [msnbc.msn.com]

There are some strange and, some say, wonderful things happening to the plumbing of the global network of computer networks that make up the Internet. Via [globetechnology.com]

A patent warehouse that has exerted a toll on Internet streaming media is setting its sights on wireless hot spots. Via [news.com.com]

As the Wi-Fi sector passes through another stage of development, industry leaders are converging in Silicon Valley this week to discuss the latest trends. Via [internetnews.com]

Wireless LAN (WLAN) chip developer Bandspeed has landed a patent for crosstalk cancellation and interference suppression technology that will improve signal reliability and clarity in 802.11n systems. Via [commsdesign.com]

Nextel Communications says it no longer considers wireless wunderkind WiMax a future option for mobile broadband service, a rare blow to a technology backed by major tech heavyweights. Via [news.com.com]

The IEEE has formally approved the 802.11j standard, which allows Wi-Fi's 802.11a specification to be adjusted in order to bring it into line with Japanese spectrum licensing regulations. Via [theregister.co.uk]

Intel's financial support helps explain the excitement. Problem is, the wide-radius, superfast "WiFi on steroids" still has a long way to go. Via [businessweek.com]

A problem with some Linksys wireless routers is causing angst to end users. Via [theinquirer.net]

Wireless networking products are never modest in their performance claims. However, Belkin's new Wireless Pre-N Router ($150) and Notebook Network Card ($100) promise--and deliver--dramatically faster speeds and much better range than their fastest 802.11g predecessors. Via [pcworld.com]

Netgear has announced a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) solution for small businesses designed to ease installation of WLANs by allowing wireless access points to be installed anywhere, even in locations unreachable by power outlets. Via [networkingpipeline.com]

Wireless-network test-system developer Azimuth Systems today launched a benchmark test platform for testing VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) in Wi-Fi settings. The company claims that the W-Series wireless-LAN test platform validates both VoWLAN handsets and Wi-Fi infrastructure gear. Via [edn.com]

Wibhu Technologies Inc., a Wi-Fi network infrastructure company founded in Pune, India, has renamed itself AirTight Networks Inc. and brought in David King as its new chairman and chief executive officer. Via [commsdesign.com]

The Netvigator service is receiving a $40m boost from its parent company, amid concern that a nationwide rollout has been shelved. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]

Jeff Thompson may be afraid of heights, but he appears to be at home on the 81st-floor terrace of the Empire State Building. Via [news.com.com]