Wireless to Shake Up Telecom World

Associated Press ^ | Sunday, August 11, 2002 | MATTHEW FORDAHL

[hedgetrimmer]

Click here

[Salvation]

Intel Corp., for one, says it plans to build such functionality into chips.

Out in front winner.

[knews_hound]

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[CheneyChick]

How big is that gadget? Is it like the Star Trek communicator?? I like it!

[shaggy eel]

,,, here's how we're doing downunder.

[muggs]

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[Brad C.]

That little unit is pretty slick. Do you have any experience with it or the company providing it? I requested additional info from their site, but first hand knowledge would be great to have. Thanks.

[Bush2000]

The first reason is security. While I understand that it can be enabled so that your neighbor doesn't tune into your C Drive, I'm not sufficiently satisfied that it's secure. I probably need to read more, and that would take care of that objection.

Wireless networks are secure as long as you use 128-bit WEP and use a strong password.

The second reason is that I understand that wireless connections are not as fast as wired connections.

Well, it depends what you mean. Most home LANs run at 11Mbps. Wireless networks (802.11b) typically run at 11Mbps, as well. So, unless you're really running a 100 Mbps LAN, you're getting similar speeds to a typical LAN (assuming that you don't have RF interference, which can be a big problem in some areas). I use a Cisco Aironet 540 Access Point which, admittedly, is overkill for what I'm using it for. With that kind of capability, I could host nearly everybody within a half-mile or so. I do use 128-bit WEP. The only hassle about it is key distribution but it's a small price to pay for the ability to roam anywhere in the house with my laptop -- or down the block, for that matter.

[Bush2000]

Awwwwwww, what a cute frisbee!

[timestax]

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[Dog Gone]

Thanks for the information. I'm going to look into setting one up. Currently I have a couple of cables running down a hallway to my son's computers, and I'd like to get rid of those.

[hedgetrimmer]

The badge is very small considering all the electronics that are packed into it. Its small enough to clip onto your pocket or wear on a lanyard.

The Star Trek communicator inspired the founder to create the device.

[hedgetrimmer]

Its neat you're interested. Yep I do work for the company.

More information will be available after the DEMObile presentation. We should have a video back on the site showing how it is used soon after that.

What sort of info are you looking for?

[Publius6961]

I get sick each time I write a check for my cable Internet service. I would do anything to break free of ATT Broadband.

Sorry to rain on your parade, but somewhere you need to have a connection to cable or other broadband.

[1Old Pro]

``We believe that's theft of service,'' said Sara Eder, a spokeswoman for AT&T Broadband, which provides cable modem service.

HA HA HA. These telecoms aren't interested in telecommunication, they're interested in RIPPING OFF CONSUMERS.

They went along with Congress to charge $5/month/line for long-distance "access fee" or some crap. They have a HUGE LOBBY. Why not demand that Congress eliminate the rural connectivity tax. Sheesh, we're being taxed and fee'd to death. people are sick of it.

[WhiteGuy]

Thanks for the info BUMP

[CheneyChick]

Just for you, B2K:

Cheers, CC :)

[Brad C.]

I think I would like to know everything. (grin)

Are there systems installed, and what volume of traffic can those systems handle. From the web site, it looks like your major targets are medical and large retailers, though I am sure there are other market segments that could make use of the system.

My primary interest would be at my facility, which is a satellite tracking station in Fairbanks Alaska. We have 60 employees, working out of 3 main buildings and a dozen out buildings. There are also 7 antennas for tracking. It would be great to have instant communication with single employee at the touch of a button. Instead of the handheld radios we currently use. Cell phones are unavailable due to our location, as we sit in a valley to minimize RF interference. The site was started in 1962, when that was a real problem.

[hedgetrimmer]

If you have or will install an 802.11b wireless network (cisco aeronet 350s are recommended) we could be in business!

[Brad C.]

I don't see were that would be a problem, I'll look forward to hearing from your company. Please remember this is all investigative at this point.