Tag: Standards

Interoperability problems are only going to get worse as more companies implement non-standard extensions to Wi-Fi devices. Via [insight.zdnet.co.uk]

While networking vendors were a bit slow to support 802.11a products, consumer manufacturers were not. "Home entertainment devices from companies like Sony are coming out with integrated high-speed connections, and they were designed to work with 802.11a, not g," said Michael Disabato, a senior analyst at the Burton Group. Via [technewsworld.com]

An emerging wide-area wireless broadband technology known as WiMax shows promise as a "last mile" solution for bringing high-speed Internet access into homes--but it's still a few years away from general availability, according to an Intel executive. Via [news.com.com]

Once upon a time, we were awed by the 11-Mbps top throughput of 802.11b wireless networking and were glad to have it. Then last year, the much faster 802.11g appeared, with its 54-Mbps data rate threshold and 802.11b compatibility. But if that still isn't enough to keep your business or home network humming, consider the...

A group of suppliers led by SpectraLink is pushing the IEEE to set up a study group for a future voice over Wi-Fi standard. The companies were hopeful that their proposal would be adopted at the currently ongoing IEEE summit in Vancouver, Canada, though sources believe that is unlikely to happen. Via [theregister.co.uk]

This week sees a major IEEE meeting in Vancouver, Canada, with high hopes that the standards body will accelerate progress on several of its key specifications. There is particular pressure to speed up the development of the 802.11n extension to Wi-Fi, which will support speeds of up to 108Mbps, since vendors are already pre-empting this...

SMC Networks Inc. launched a new wireless router Wednesday, aimed at users who want to share multimedia files on different computers over a home network. Via [infoworld.com]

WiMax is a lot faster than Wi-Fi and has a bigger range -- but success isn't assured. Via [businessweek.com]

Wireless LAN access points using new software from Texas Instruments will be able to support 802.11g and 802.11a connections simultaneously using a single chip set, the company says. Via [techworld.com]

First-generation proprietary technology for broadband fixed wireless networks had lackluster non-line-of-sight performance, and the equipment was relatively expensive. Both of these drawbacks delayed widespread deployment of broadband wireless networks. However, the advent of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16a standard for wireless metropolitan-area networks is likely to accelerate adoption. Via [computerworld.com.au]

Wireless hot spots have been springing to life all around the globe, but one fundamental problem lies in the path of large-scale adoption -- roaming. Right now, there is no simple way for, say, a Boingo Wireless Inc. subscriber to wander over to a T-Mobile USA Inc. hot spot and log on without a new...

A year ago, I thought 802.11g was a dumb idea, but I've changed my tune. With a ratified standard, and 802.11b interoperability, I've become a big fan of the 54Mbps wireless networking scheme. Even Cisco and Microsoft have released 802.11g products, so you know it's here for good. Via [eweek.com]

An emerging IEEE standard that promises Fast Ethernet speeds for wireless LANs won't likely be ratified before late 2005, but as with previous WLAN protocols, Broadcom Corp. is planning to jump the gun by releasing "prestandard" products. Via [eweek.com]

Broadcom's allegation that 802.11g Wi-Fi products based on chips developed by its rival, Atheros, will degrade the performance of nearby wireless networks appears to have been verified by independent tests. Via [theregister.co.uk]

Wi-Fi equipment makers that want to support China’s own encryption standard, announced last month, will be have to work with one of 11 designated firms. The Chinese authorities’ announcement of the local firms’ control of the technology aroused fears – or perhaps paranoia – among western vendors that this would severely disadvantage them in the...