We have examined before how patent lawsuits are threatening to stifle the adoption of wireless standards. Symbol, fresh from an intellectual property victory over rival Proxim, is the latest to assert sweeping licensing rights in 802.11 technology, while VIA is seeking to extend its proposed ‘intellectual property pool’ to WiMAX. Via [theregister.co.uk]

Is it possible to deploy a secure wireless LAN with technology available today? That question preys on the minds of IT executives who are tempted to deploy enterprise WLANs, but are hesitant because of security concerns. Via [nwfusion.com]

The specter of drive-by computer hackers cruising upscale Scottsdale neighborhoods to cherry-pick wireless Web systems has residents worried about a new method of privacy intrusion and identity theft. Via [azcentral.com]

Everyone likes to get something for nothing, so the combination of Internet telephony and open wireless access can seem irresistible. Imagine a wireless phone that can work with networks all over the world, without needing a subscription to a service provider. Via [networkmagazine.com]

WiMax wireless broadband is rapidly gaining in popularity and is set to become the third most used high-speed internet access technology after DSL and cable modems, research has claimed. Via [vnunet.com]

When it comes to sin, Los Angeles has an unparalleled record of innovation. It is entirely apt that the city has seen the first conviction for the very 21st century offence of spamming via wardriven Wi-Fi hotspots. Even the words sound like random Hollywood sci-fi gobbledegook. The crime, however, is real. Via [comment.zdnet.co.uk]

Via Licensing Corporation is calling for WiMax patent-holders to join a program with the ultimate goal of creating a portfolio of essential 802.16 technology that can be offered to companies at a single license price. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

The WLAN Smart Card Consortium Thursday proposed a new type of authentication that it claims will simplify securely logging on to all types of wireless networks. Via [internetweek.com]

A Southern California man has pleaded guilty to spamming people through unprotected wireless hotspots in the first-ever conviction under the US Can-Spam Act, and a case that again raises concerns about the risks of open-access Wi-Fi services. Via [silicon.com]

Netgear on Thursday launched a home network wireless extender kit that uses power outlets to push coverage to any part of the house. Via [techweb.com]

On the cusp of announcing production readiness, WiFi chip startup Bermai Inc. instead has been forced to shut its doors after failing to generate Series C funding. Via [commsdesign.com]

Proxim on Monday unveiled the ORiNOCO Smart Wireless Suite, designed to help enterprises plan, deploy and manage their Wi-Fi networks. Via [news.zdnet.com]

Lucent Technologies' Bell Labs has lifted the lid on two research projects that aim to boost the performance of wireless local area networks (Lans). Via [vnunet.com]

With its eyes on the future of home entertainment and a relatively uncluttered band of radio spectrum, Cisco Systems' Linksys division on Wednesday unveiled a line of IEEE 802.11g/a wireless LAN products. Via [pcworld.idg.com.au]

Startup Azaire Networks has secured $9 million in Series B financing for its cellular/WiFi network convergence technology. Via [commsdesign.com]