Wireless Connectivity

Wireless Networks is The Most Attractive Product on Modern Market

Written by Anonymous on 6:16 AM

Precisely what does home wireless networking actually mean? From a technical perspective it implies that you could gain access your web computer access guidance without any cables. Doesn't it sound amazing? I personally feel that wireless networks seems to be gripping! Definitely, it happens to be a fabulous facility, as you've a chance to develop mobile backhaul also with managed circuits. Also it is very easy to bond two or more computer units free of the issues of a lot of wiring. It is actually convenient whenever you just have a limited amount of room or space in the place of work and you desire to arrange more working people, as it could embrace expressed with wireless networks playing the task, as it can certainly even get through wall surfaces!

Do you'd like to realize the reasons of that worthwhile engineering application? To share with you basically, the storyplot is quite intriquing, notable and fascinating. It can also be followed to the times of world war 2. Definitely it is scientifically called as frequency hoping distribution range. It has been created by an artist George Antheil and a famous celebrity of those times Hedy Lamarr. They had a very interesting life style, as they were definitely Jewish and had runaway out of Austria, after even socializing with the preferences of Hitler. They got the patent with regards to product with all of exclusive privileges but didn't gain anything. Only just later on, in `69s the US army forces began to implement this valuable invention.

I would like to dispel some common myths of wireless networks. Most of us may likely suspect that wireless connectivity or managed circuits can be very expensive features. The moment it was first produced it seemed to be high-priced, yet not it is now just cents every single day to run. A result of the developing of the targeted market, much more competitiveness and mass market output, you can employ wireless networks less than 10 dollars a month. Any other myth is the fact that home-based wifi can be unconfident, I do personally utilize wireless networks internet connection place and office place, and so I can say guaranteed that it is secure and safe.

Everyone who is too suspect and want to care for your computer data, you can easily help in shield of encryption for all your wifi signals, networks for local authorities. Now you can rest quietly as hackers will not be able to commit their some time to decode encryption so that see your own private files or pictures.

Moreover, you can use these types of know-how not only at home, but from coffee shops, bookstores, academic institutions and air-ports-everywhere you can discover wi-fi internet access locations and thus be secure and enjoy it!

Connection Between Television Broadband and Internet Access

Written by Anonymous on 1:27 AM

Do you need internet connection and telephone line at the same time? Do you want to make and receive phone calls while you are navigating internet? If you answer is a positive to all these questions, then a broadband internet connection is what you need. It is an alternative internet access in 21st century. Also it has many pluses as it offers high speed, convenient and is often attainable in far off distant places. Further more for those inaccessible areas look no further than a satellite broadband connection as this is very useful and productive. It allows working and downloading files with 768KB rate. Due to the cost satellite broadband connection is not that widespread, the UK market have made available internally than many other countries as it is in the forefront of the media revolution. For normal ADSL and the new ADSL 2+ offers nowadays the fastest and most advanced program of broadband services.

The forest of broadband providers is growing every day. They offer a great variety of services for customers. As clients grow and understand what is what the providers have to temp them with a far greater range of services in order to entice them to sign up. Natural this free competition supports these new technologies and the competiveness can be seen as the providers strive to move on developing and perfecting their offerings. Of course, all suppliers wish to provide the best services to satisfy their client’s requirements. However, not all clients want the same thing; individual users can be interested in different things. For example, one wants cheaper, another is interested in rate of downloading, the third desires unlimited access day and night etc. The user will balance his or her requirements and look to see what broadband package suits them best before they sign the contract. So a note for prospective buyers, before signing read the contract carefully and draw your attention the all general and detailed features so that to avoid any misunderstandings later. Also you will need to establish what local providers are nearer to your residence and if you can have access to ADSL2 or cable access. Some broadband service providers now allow a mixing of their provided internet access services with that of their television ones. Of course this needs time and the necessary equipment for installation, but you can achieve rather good discounts. If you are happy and satisfied with your provider then all is good. If not you can change your supplier. If you have decided to look for a better opportunity, you will need to initially examine the signed contract. If it allows you to cancel the contract, then discover Migration Authority Code of your ex- provider. Sort the date of the new provider and transfer. The final thing is to report your old provider about your contract annulment.

This is the correct way as to how you should go about moving. Never start with the last step. A good professional team can provide you with telecom microwaves, managing wireless networks and any hybrid WAN.

MLL Telecom recently underlined its leadership as network provider of managing wireless links; microwave radio links and hybrid WAN for police forces at the recent ACPO-APA Summer Conference & International Policing Exhibition. You can try state-of-the-art technology.

Be Aware of Choosing Broadband Provider

Written by Anonymous on 5:44 AM

Broadband popularity seems to be ever increasing these days; this is due to the phenomenal demand for fast internet services and unfortunately in many cases this demand is outstripping the supply. On top of which the marketing arena is getting ever more popular with new providers springing up every day making the whole arena more and more competitive and provider's choice becomes a bit of a lottery. With these new participants getting involved a greater appeal must be promoted in order for them to grab the market share necessary to sustain growth and become established. These broadband providers must think very deeply on how to be the first and how to gain a leading position supplying their broadband services. As we know there are a great number of suppliers already in existence, but often their services as well as their price lists differ enormously.

If you ever made an investigation in this sphere, you will appreciate that which I am trying to purvey. Many interesting details and facts can be found and I am glad if we can provide you with few good snippets of information on this topic. Often independent advice is a godsend when you are trying to choose between one player and another. As we have already done significant research into this field we will be glad to offer to you our research findings. We hope that this article sheds some light on many of the questions and answers needed to be thought about. What should you consider first of all when thinking about a broadband supply? Speed is the obviously first thing. If you want to download large files then you need very fast downloading speeds. Video on demand and real time access requires large bandwidth that is un-throttled or shared if at all possible. However, for small format documents speed does not play such a great role and thus an ordinary home account will often suffice.

Let us take note of one of the important points, when asking a service provider about extra costs, will you be asking me to pay for extra speed or GB once a set limit has been reached. There are limits for downloading imposed by providers, so you need to be aware of them and if they are encompassed within the contract you are signing for. Also remember that you must have a good virus protection at all times, this is especially needed for a user who downloads many files. Again ask your provider if he does any special deals when selling you the package with regard to security packages. This then allows you to feel safe and lets you freely navigate the cyber community and various sites as you are being protected as you surf.

Once you have taken into account all of the above components, the final and very important question arises with regard price for all of these services? You will need to examine carefully and make careful comparisons to the quality of service and the relative price breaks each provider may offer. There are so many companies offering their services, so choose carefully, some of them charge high prices and it's difficult to see why as some others are more competitive with cheaper prices but lower services. It is very tricky thing because you can be often be hooked with a low price but then find out after a month or so that produce deliverable is wanting! They know how to trap you, there using a very professional approach, highly-qualified staff and up-to-date technologies. Do not be naive to think that you can get a qualitative product at low price. Remember the adage you get what you pay for.

In general, think long and hard before you sign the contract. All will be written in the contract must examined carefully and discussed if need, don not be shy to ask the hard questions then when you are happy agree and sign. If you need wireless links or telecom microwaves, you can address any centre of MLL Telecom.

Whether you are a network operator, a big company or a small organization, MLL Telecom supply you with telecom microwaves. and wireless links. Our 16 years practised incident on this arena make available us to provide qualitative services.

Fast, Reliable, Budget Broadband Connections

Written by Anonymous on 1:24 AM

The current climate dictates that investment into high technologies must always be ongoing. The Internet is now deemed as a necessary as it seems that humankind cannot live without it. Almost everything you think of is now connected or transmitted or available on the internet. It is extensively used whether you want to find anything or establish a piece of information or just navigating for fun.

The Internet business community is expanding and in many cases prospering at a dynamic pace. It has now been muted that every company, adult and child should have an internet connection. Home broadband is becoming more and more popular and is now an everyday attribute to the modern home. A major advantage in one case is that internet system can also be accessed wirelessly on the move, within the home or business. Which is very convenient and safe as you do no longer require trailing leads for one to trip over! Many of the remote systems are now connected via satellite, thus anywhere in the world can have access. These signals are transferred by microwave apparatus to various distribution points where they are again transferred and routed to homes and businesses as needed.

Nowadays this wireless technology is becoming available to anyone as the prices continue fall. There are many medium sized companies providing home and business broadband connections across the country. The larger and famous providers like Orange, BT Group, Homecall, Pipex, and Virgin connect millions of clients, creating a vast net community. These companies play a major role in the internet backbone. As they control the main switching and internet speeds within the chain. You can find a wide range of companies supplying and supporting these services. So be sure to make a good comparison and choose the best provider that suits your requirements and demand. Service quality connection, prices, speed must all be taken into account when examining the variety of providers offerings. Look at their professional knowledge, their experience as well as clients and partners. It can tell you more than the most sweet sales speeches and pitches. Also take heed of special offers and proposals as they are designed to attract your interest. Investigate carefully and seriously all the presented options and services. Think before you buy!

In order to appeal to customers a new client can be easily hood winked, they are ready to promise you the moon and the stars and what seems like a perfect package. This is not their fault; cut-throat marketing is setting the rules of the game. Your aim is to get qualitative service at affordable prices and not fall into any trap. The final result of any broadband connection depends on supplier, so think and act carefully from a good knowledge base.

If you don't know, then consult the professionals, as it there sphere and let them search out and suggest the best connection for you. If you are interested in wireless links or telecom radio link, please address MLL Telecom. We are ready to help and discuss any of your proposals.

Whether you are a network operator, a big company or a small organization, MLL Telecom supply you with telecom microwaves. and wireless links. Our 16 years practised experience on this arena make available us to provide qualitative services.

Space Data maps broadband signals from altitude

Written by Anonymous on 12:07 AM

Space Data Corp. has released a product to detect the location of wireless broadband signals are by using high-altitude balloons.

The Chandler company said it is using its ScanSite technology to identify wireless signals on the ground from balloons flying from 12 to 18 miles high.

The company sees it as a way to speed up identification of areas that need broadband services, particularly as the U.S. government is expected to roll out $7 billion effort to upgrade the nation’s broadband infrastructure in rural areas.

“Increasing broadband penetration and adoption in unserved and underserved areas is a top national priority, but, frankly, until now there has not been a way to accurately determine wireless spectrum usage,” said Jerry Knoblach, Space Data’s chairman and CEO.

Space Data said it can provide an alternative with more accurate information than the plan to use mobile vans with antennas to root out the signals.

From Biz Journals

Telcos take positions in broadband war

Written by Anonymous on 12:29 AM

Jun 15, 2009 (The Manila Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Orlando Vea, chief wireless advisor of PLDT unit Smart Communications Inc. said his company will roll out Wimax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) in the third quarter of the year.

WiMax is a technology that provides faster wireless transmission of data and mobile communications. It also offers broadband speed without the need for cables.

Vea expects Smart's WiMAX service to increase the company's Internet broadband subscribers.

At end-March, PLDT's broad-band subscribers stood at 1.1 million, composed of 615,000 wireless and 484,000 DSL subscribers.

Napoleon Nazareno, PLDT president said the growth in broadband is made possible by the increasing availability and affordability of Internet-enabled devices, the skyrocketing popularity of social network sites, as well as Internet access becoming an indispensable every day communication tool.

"There is no question that broadband is one of our key areas of growth moving forward and we are ensuring that our market leadership in this area is maintained," he said.

The PLDT executive said the company continues to promote broadband use with the commercial availability of HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access ) running on 850 megahertz spectrum.

On Friday, the company launched an online virtual community called Sandbox using HSPA. The new service would allow subscribers to create a profile, upload and check on friends' photos and videos, as well as write blogs, join forums, send and receive e-mail and download music, games and various content.

Sandbox also has a unique online retail portal called Digisoria, where subscribers can buy products in the web.

Vea said the Sanbox service is designed to increase mobile Internet penetration in the country.

On the same day, rival Globe officially announced its partnership with Intel Philippines for the rollout of the telco's WiMAX service.

The WiMAX service is initially available in selected areas in Metro Manila, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The company said it is rolling out WiMAX sites, as a complement to its existing DSL and 3G (third-generation) Internet facilities Globe said it has the first and biggest 2.5-gigahertz WiMAX (802.16e) broadband network in South East Asia.

It has about 4,000 subscribers.

Menchi Orlina, Globe's head for consumer marketing group, said the company's deployment of WiMAX aims to generate 20 million Internet users by 2012.

To further tap the rising demand for wireless broadband Internet, Orlina said the company offered Globe Broadband Tattoo and Globe Broadband Powered by WiMAX.

"We're playing a major catch up. We can still catch up. They [PLDT] are three years ahead of us," she said.

With Globe Tattoo, users can experience speeds of up to 2 megabytes per second, delivered using 3G and high-speed downlink packet access.

At present, Globe has 287,000 fixed and wireless broadband subscribers.

From tmcnet

Broadband deal getting more study

Written by Anonymous on 12:12 AM

Sides debating how to allocate broadcast capacity

A panel of lawmakers says it needs more time to study a proposal to bring WiMax, the latest in wireless broadband, to the Palmetto State.

Wednesday, the Joint Bond Review Committee sent to subcommittee a plan to lease ETV’s excess broadcast capacity to private companies, Clearwire and Digital Bridge Communications.

A contentious part of the proposal lets the state recapture 20 percent of the excess capacity if it’s needed in the future for yet-to-be-determined law enforcement, school or governmental needs.

Some lawmakers and residents say the state should hang on to more of the capacity.

Others think the capacity could be worth more money.

“It sounds to me like we may be selling ourselves a bit cheap,” said Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg.

The S.C. Progressive Network said lawmakers should designate some of the capacity for free Internet for K-12 students and reduced-rate Internet for residents.

Members of a legislatively appointed study committee say they’ve negotiated the best possible deal for the state.

The companies will pay nearly $143 million to the state over 30 years. The companies would build WiMax networks, offering S.C. residents, businesses and others wireless Internet and, eventually, other uses, like interactive tools.

It would take 18 months to build a network, according to Clearwire.

The debate comes at a time when Clearwire is facing legal troubles.

Customers in four states, including North Carolina, are suing Clearwire, alleging the company is misrepresenting the reliability of its network and is unfairly charging early termination fees.

Clearwire is upgrading its network from an early version of WiMax to mobile WiMax.

Clearwire representatives have said South Carolina would get the mobile WiMax version.

It’s unclear how soon the subcommittee will report back. The State Budget and Control Board has the final say.

By GINA SMITH

Wireless Broadband - Preparing for the quad play

Written by Anonymous on 12:31 AM

The 4G mobile broadband road is paved by Mobile Device Management.

The road to 4G has two branches: WiMAX and Long Term Evolution. For a number of years now, operators – mostly in emerging regions – have been trialing WiMAX. There have already been a few commercial deployments, notable among them the launch of Clearwire’s Clear WiMAX service in Baltimore and Portland, Ore., and this month in Atlanta. Comcast plans to resell Clear in Portland, and Time Warner Cable has plans to do likewise in an unidentified market later this year. With Verizon, AT&T, Cox Communications and other major providers choosing to pursue LTE, the imminent expansion of 4G is assured.The question is: How will operators transition their users to the new networks?

GROWING SUBSCRIBER EXPECTATIONS
With the growth of smartphones and other advanced mobile devices, mobile operators, both new and established, are looking to provide a premium customer experience across their mobile broadband offerings, while at the same time reducing operating expenses. Subscribers expect their services to work as advertised, and when they don’t, customers expect to have any problems resolved in short order.The burden placed on the mobile operator will come even more to the forefront with 4G adoption, when many previously tethered subscribers will cut the cord. They will depend on wireless connectivity for their very livelihood and will expect reliability and technical support responses equal to – or exceeding – those of their former landline offerings. They will run more applications on their devices, and these will change more rapidly. They will have more complex security and business relationships, with an assumption that the single device is used for both business and pleasure, and that the device must support protected applications such as banking. This is where Mobile Device Management (MDM) enters the picture.

WHAT MDM BRINGS TO THE TABLE
Briefly, MDM establishes an over-the-air connection between the subscriber’s phone and tech support, streamlining the tech support process, saving time in troubleshooting and reducing device returns. As such, established operators are deploying MDM for both cost reduction and customer satisfaction, the latter relating to customer retention – critical in the current economy.MDM consists of a server located within the care organization, at either a wireless operator or a handset vendor, and a client on the device. The over-the-air link uses protocols defined by the Open Mobile Alliance Device Management (OMA-DM) Working Group and supports a set of “enablers” that define capabilities, including updating, checking and changing configuration settings; loading applications; controlling hardware settings; and, if the device is lost or stolen, locking or wiping all data.With OMA-DM, once the client receives notification from the server, it creates a secure data connection over the air. Alternatively, the connection to the server may also be client-initiated, where the user wishes to perform some OTA action. In either case, the server receives feedback on device management commands sent to the device. This last point is critical and separates OMA-DM from earlier OTA technologies that were one-way, referred to by some as “fire-and-forget.” Through OMA-DM’s closed-loop connection, the server administrator can remotely conduct a number of critical care actions.

WHITHER WiMAX?
MDM plays a crucial, upfront role in WiMAX device provisioning and network registration. When a device first enters the network, MDM plays a role in initial provisioning of network settings and applications (see Figure 1). More recently, OMA-DM has begun to supplant those “fire-and-forget” methods for application configuration due to its flexibility and reliability.In 4G, MDM is used to send configuration settings of basic applications – including MMS, e-mail and Internet connectivity – to the device. However, within WiMAX, MDM also plays a role in network identification – the interaction between the device and the network operator in selecting a preferred network and then authenticating. In fact, WiMAX access in the presence of multiple operators is much like dial access. In most cases, a software client on the device makes first contact with the server for this provisioning. LTE device activation will more closely follow the GSM model, so this step is unnecessary. Once the subscriber is connected to the WiMAX network, OTA manageability ensures that any configuration or usability issues can be quickly addressed.Greenfield operators in regions competing with incumbents look to MDM to provide a positive, ‘out-of-the-box’ subscriber experience, critical when deploying a new technology. Finally, in some locations, incumbents have been issued licenses for WiMAX spectrum, providing them with a non-LTE path to 4G. Here, the advantages that MDM brings to the table echo those presented to greenfield operators, since in many cases these operators will compete with LTE.


LTE LOVIN’
Despite wide adoption of WiMAX, LTE is expected to be the technology of choice for most operators due to cleaner migration from GSM, and even CDMA.

In February, the GSMA reported that more than 26 operators globally have made plans to deploy LTE in the 2009-2012 timeframe. These operators span all regions and include both GSM and CDMA. Over the next decade, as 4G deployment follows the earlier 3G deployment curve, hundreds of millions of subscribers are expected to be connected to the technology. In the U.S., Verizon Wireless, looking at an early migration from CDMA, is expected to deploy LTE in 2010, while AT&T, with HSPA at its disposal, will begin deployment in 2011.Globally, major operators announcing support include Vodafone, DoCoMo and China Mobile. All told, operators representing almost 2 billion subscribers have announced their plans. As with WiMAX, MDM will play a major role in provisioning, and in frontline customer support. Naturally, both CDMA and GSM operators that have already deployed MDM will leverage their investments by adding LTE to the list of supported network types.

MDM SAVES GREEN
Once the device is registered and operational on the network, the same set of lifecycle management capabilities are available under WiMAX or LTE (see Figure 2). If the user is experiencing difficulty with e-mail access, for example, they’ll call tech support. With MDM and its real-time OTA connection between the frontline CSR and the device, the problem can now be quickly identified and corrected, with the first step being a quick check of the device to determine current hardware, software and network settings. This information alone will go a long way in creating a more efficient troubleshooting call. If the device manufacturer issues a firmware update or the operator wishes to patch an application it controls, MDM will provide the conduit for pushing it to one device, or potentially hundreds of thousands of devices.And, if the device is lost, tech support agents will be able to quickly lock and/or wipe it. In fact, at a 3G operator of 20 million subscribers, MDM’s positive impact on the frontline could result in savings of more than $100 million each year. Savings for 4G operators, with their more modest initial deployments, will therefore be proportionate.


MDM TECHNOLOGY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 3G AND 4G
When deploying MDM in support of 4G devices, there are a few critical technology differences from today’s MDM deployment technology. The technical support agent’s experience, as well as that of the subscriber, will be pretty much the same. These users will have the same tools and the same client capabilities (except for the initial WiMAX provisioning described above). However, connectivity between the server and the device, be it handset, dongle or some other advanced device, will be exclusively conducted over an IP channel (with the exception of interim, dual-mode 3G/4G devices that may be reached over either network for both provisioning and management).With 4G networks, there is no SMS, and the network has finally transitioned to all-IP. So all communication between the server and the device, from initial activation through updating and troubleshooting, is via IP (see Figure 3). This implies some notable changes in the OMA-DM protocol, which in versions through 1.2 had relied on SMS for the initial notification to the device, with ensuing communication taking place over IP. With 4G, DM 1.3 and its support for HTTP Push for notification are key, replacing SMS.

In addition, the MDM server must be network-agnostic, communicating with any device – 3G or 4G – over the most appropriate network connection. The client must also be capable of utilizing the most suitable connection. Lastly, the MDM server must be capable of properly locating the device, associating a user with an IP or SIP address. No longer is there an absolute identifier in the form of a phone number (the MSISDN). For example, the user could be mobile, changing his or her IP address periodically. Here, the MDM server must be either notified of changes or must be capable of querying some database or proxy server in the network to locate the subscriber.

No matter the path to 4G, operators will need strong device care capability to smoothly transition their subscribers to the new network. Lessons learned in operator 3G MDM deployments will prove critical in enabling MDM’s quick deployment within 4G. This, in turn, will lead to faster, more error-free and lower-cost device deployments across both LTE and WiMAX. With MDM ensuring service reliability and new 4G networks offering high-speed connections, subscribers will be able to increasingly untether and adopt a truly mobile lifestyle.

By David Ginsburg

Increased Use of Wireless Networks Demands More Stringent Security Measures Finds Frost & Sullivan

Written by Anonymous on 2:31 AM

The increase in mobile broadband services and the advent of new wireless technologies will increase the number of mobile workers who carry their business data on laptops and smart phones. They often connect to the Internet through home and public wireless local area networks (WLANs), easily exposing their data to hackers. This spike in the number of WLANs and the advent of 802.11n specifications have hastened the development of wireless security technologies, since the ubiquity of WLAN has made wireless networks a soft target for a variety of attacks.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (technicalinsights.frost.com), Innovations in Wireless Network Security, finds that enhanced security for wireless networks is vital to improve user experience.

If you are interested in an analysis, which provides manufacturers, end-users, and other industry participants with an overview, summary, challenges, and latest coverage of the emerging technology developments in wireless network security, then send an email to Christina Alfaro, Corporate Communications, at christina.alfaro[.]frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brochure will be sent to you by email.

"The popularity of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology has been growing rapidly in the past few years and it has become an indispensable part of mobile devices such as laptops, smart phones, mobile phones, and even portable media players," explains Technical Insights Research Analyst Yin Fern Ko. "It is estimated that more than 90 percent of laptops in use today are equipped with Wi-Fi."

The rapid penetration of Wi-Fi and WLANs are apparent from the rise in number of wireless home networks, enterprise WLANs, and Wi-Fi 'hotspots'.

Despite the obvious need for an impenetrable security set-up, the lack of a clear and consistent wireless security policy, dependence on outdated protocols, and the difficulty in combating new types of attacks have challenged the implementation of security measures. Hackers regularly release new types of attacks, such as evil twin attack, Wi-Fi phishing attack, and the dictionary attack on wireless networks, but the existing security strategies are largely reactive instead of being proactive. Hence, wireless network operators are often caught off guard and cannot detect and prevent these attacks. Additionally, the rapid advances in technology in the wireless domain hinder the development of wireless security protocols.

"A number of enterprises today fail to understand the importance of defining and enforcing a centrally managed wireless network access policy," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Achyuthanandan S. "They must be made to understand that it is the policy and not the technology itself that governs the security aspects of a wireless network."

In fact, a clear policy, along with basic security measures is, more often than not, sufficient for protecting wireless networks from the majority of issues.

Numerous enterprises continue to place faith in standard protocols such as wired equivalent privacy (WEP) despite their many vulnerabilities. To combat such user apathy and enhance the security in the wireless domain, network operators must improve the awareness of end users.

The enthusiastic adoption of wireless technologies and devices as well as the constant introduction of novel wireless technologies will keep security developers on their toes. While the onus is on them to roll out more stringent wireless security protocols, it is vital for the users to develop a better understanding of the potential threats in the wireless domain.

"Employees are considered the biggest threats to wireless security because not many are aware of what is at stake if the data residing in their smart phones or laptops is compromised or lost to an intruder," observes Achyuthanandan. "They often skirt security rules, leaving their entire organization at the mercy of attackers; hence, it is important for the companies to accord higher priority to employee education."

Innovations in Wireless Network Security, a part of the Technical Insights subscription, provides a technology overview and outlook for wireless network security systems. The study focuses on the developments of wireless network security in the three major areas of security for WLANs, cellular networks, and endpoint devices. Further, this research service includes detailed technology analysis and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Technical Insights is an international technology analysis group that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services.

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan (frost.com), the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents.

Source: Frost & Sullivan

The Real Reason Wireless Broadband Costs More, for Less

Written by Anonymous on 11:59 PM

An article in BusinessWeek today claims that wireless data demand is exceeding capacity, which is causing carriers to limit services and charge higher rates. But that just doesn’t jibe with what carriers — or applications developers — are telling me. The real reason carriers are limiting services and charging more is to maintain control of what people can do on their networks.

Poor network coverage is becoming obvious thanks to rising 3G demand, but that can be fixed with capital upgrades the carriers are already undergoing. In the meantime, according to a panel of carriers at last week’s Mobilize, network operators are still actively encouraging the growth of data use on their networks. In fact, earlier this month I spoke with application developers at DEMO, who said that rather than charging them to put their apps on the network, carriers were trying to pay them to do so, primarily to increase data usage.

Carriers, especially in the U.S., are trying to avoid becoming dumb pipes. Efforts such as limiting P2P on wireless networks and capping data use at 5 GB per month are attempts to keep the barn door shut before the horses run out. It’s too late for broadband access through DSL or cable, but a variety of factors, from limited spectrum to the early nature of 3G, means wireless broadband could stay under carrier control for years to come. For example, the article quotes a T-Mobile executive that says carriers are encouraging applications that use less bandwidth:

T-Mobile USA, owned by Deutsche Telekom (DT), will demand a higher minimum payment from developers whose paid applications use up more of the carrier’s network capacity. “We’ve aligned a set of incentives for our partners to do what we believe is right for the consumer while being mindful of constraints of the mobile world,” says Ian McKerlich, director of mobile Web and content services at T-Mobile. The carrier will also prohibit developers from offering free applications that use up more than 15MB per user per month.

T-Mobile is only now rolling out a 3G network, so this may be an effort to keep data use in line until the network is fully operational, but it also could allow T-Mobile to offer its own applications that it can control and price. An example of such a carrier-controlled services is texting, which nets operators incredible profits.

Services for music, social networks and photo sharing are other potential gold mines if carriers can figure out how to control their distribution on their networks. Orange may have figured out one way by pricing data costs into its subscription music plans. Data caps and limiting the bandwidth an independent application uses is an easy way to do it. And by doing it now, carriers condition consumers to accept limitations on their wireless broadband. However, offering unlimited wireless broadband might harm a carrier’s bottom line in the long run.

Wireless broadband has limits (and is certainly more expensive when it comes to transferring bits), but the real threat to wireless broadband isn’t that data use will overload the network, but that carriers won’t be able to walk the line between delivering compelling services at a price point that makes them money and keeps users surfing.

Stacey Higginbotham

Optus Pulls Wireless Fusion Broadband Packages

Written by Anonymous on 11:44 PM

OPTUS has withdrawn one of its most popular wireless broadband services less than a month after promoting it with a massive TV and print advertising campaign.
Sources revealed a combination of factors behind the decision - one being the many new Optus iPhone users clogging their 3G network along with customer service operators struggling to keep up with the demand for the popular wireless service.

The Wireless Fusion packages, starting at $79 a month and offering customers a wireless broadband service as well as unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles, was "suspended".

Optus today confirmed the Wireless Fusion service had been withdrawn and said in a statement the company wanted "to ensure that we deliver an optimal service to our customers".

Optus says it will not be accepting any new Wireless Fusion customers but existing customers would still be able to use the popular service without disruption.

Optus will continue to sell other fixed broadband products as well as standalone wireless products.

Speculation about the decision has centred around the increased demand on the Optus 3G network and its customer service operators after a flood of new customers who took up plans with Apple's iPhone - taking advantage of aggressive plans offering generous data allowances.

The Optus-owned Virgin, which uses the Optus 3G network, also offered data friendly plans for the iPhone which customers flocked to.

To add to Optus's woes it was recently named as the world's slowest iPhone 3G operator after a survey by Wired magazine

By Steve Fenech

Optus Pulls Wireless Fusion Broadband Packages

Written by Anonymous on 11:44 PM

OPTUS has withdrawn one of its most popular wireless broadband services less than a month after promoting it with a massive TV and print advertising campaign.
Sources revealed a combination of factors behind the decision - one being the many new Optus iPhone users clogging their 3G network along with customer service operators struggling to keep up with the demand for the popular wireless service.

The Wireless Fusion packages, starting at $79 a month and offering customers a wireless broadband service as well as unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles, was "suspended".

Optus today confirmed the Wireless Fusion service had been withdrawn and said in a statement the company wanted "to ensure that we deliver an optimal service to our customers".

Optus says it will not be accepting any new Wireless Fusion customers but existing customers would still be able to use the popular service without disruption.

Optus will continue to sell other fixed broadband products as well as standalone wireless products.

Speculation about the decision has centred around the increased demand on the Optus 3G network and its customer service operators after a flood of new customers who took up plans with Apple's iPhone - taking advantage of aggressive plans offering generous data allowances.

The Optus-owned Virgin, which uses the Optus 3G network, also offered data friendly plans for the iPhone which customers flocked to.

To add to Optus's woes it was recently named as the world's slowest iPhone 3G operator after a survey by Wired magazine

By Steve Fenech

Panasonic Taps Qualcomm Gobi for Broadband Data

Written by Anonymous on 1:10 AM

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Having scored another important win for its Gobi broadband wireless access technology through a deal with Dell Computer, Qualcomm Inc. said Panasonic also has agreed to use Gobi in at least three families of Toughbook ruggedized notebooks, and will continue to evaluate follow-on versions of Gobi that add WiMax or Long-Term Evolution support.

The Gobi broadband access chip set currently supports EV-DO and HSPA networks, and has added firmware to support HSPA+ and Global Positioning System capabilities. Victoria Obenshain, director of wireless strategy at Panasonic, said one reason for beginning rollouts with the fully ruggedized CF series, which will offer Gobi this fall, is that "first-responder users of the fully ruggedized version are those that are most likely to have to contend with multiple networks.

"This will migrate to the business community at large, but we could see that police and fire in emergencies, as well as the military, were the ones most likely to need multiple services," she added.

Mike Concannon, senior vice president of product management for Qualcomm's CDMA Technologies unit, said Gobi capabilities represent the emergence of software-defined radio (SDR) features in laptops. With special Carrier Selection Application software Panasonic is bundling with the Toughbook, SDR features become virtually transparent to users, he predicted.

Previously, Obenshain said, Panasonic relied on single-air interface modules from vendors such as Sierra Wireless and Novatel to support a single packet-data wireless standard. Gobi represents the first time the company will support multiple networks with a single chip set and a unified software development kit. Concannon said Qualcomm does not see Sierra Wireless or Novatel as competitors; in fact, several module specialists are interested in integrating Gobi into single-card communication modules for after-market notebook sales.

Obenshain said Panasonic is considering several ways to use the GPS services within Gobi " and not just in traditional location-based services, but in tracking lost or stolen laptops and in developing time-stamp functions.

The Toughbook line is designed not just for rugged use, but with multiple layers of security for government and highly-secure enterprise applications. The CF-19 and CF-30 Toughbooks with Gobi will debut in October. Enterprise level Business Rugged platforms, weighing 4.5 pounds, will debut in November. The U-1 Ultra-Mobile Rugged system with Gobi will launch in the first quarter of 2009.

Loring Wirbel

Vodafone Retools Wireless Broadband Modem for Extra Speed

Written by Anonymous on 1:50 AM

Vodafone’s Vodem drew mixed reviews when initially released. Now the wireless broadband modem on a USB stick is back, and the new version is clocking true broadband speed in NBR tests.

Colloquially known as the “Vodem Stick” and officially as the Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Stick, the new Vodem sells for $199 on a Broadband Everyday 1GB plan (from $49/month) or $99 on a Broadband Pro, which offers three gigabytes (GB) of data a month, plus $10 for an additional gigabyte if you bust your cap.

Logging on from Auckland’s CBD, the Vodem Stick handily outpaces Telecom’s T-Stick when used in range of Vodafone’s 3G Broadband (aka HSDPA), clocking a DSL-like 1.7Mbit/s, and just edges out the T-stick outside 3G Broadband coverage area, where both devices hover around the 600Kbit/s mark.

Beyond its pumped up speed, the new Vodem features it’s own SIM card slot, plus software that lets you txt one or more contacts from your PC screen, plus a slot for an SD Micro card.

Although latency (wireless data lag) issues mean a Vodem Stick won’t suit online gamers, and mobile data pricing will dissuade huge file downloaders, your correspondent had no problem with streaming video. YouTube and tvnzondemand clips load with no caching, with both sound and pictures playing smoothly.

Vodafone’s 3G Broadband coverage area is currently contained to a thin strip of the Auckland CBD, narrowing the Vodem Stick’s immediate appeal (outside 3G Broadband coverage, the Vodem steps down to regular 3G). But its keen speed results show that in the near future, Telecom’s fast internet threat may not be the ongoing government regulation of its landline business, but broadband delivered through the air.

By Chris Keall

Can Ireland get up to speed on broadband?

Written by Anonymous on 11:37 PM

Created by former broadcast engineers, AirSpeed has deployed a nationwide wireless network that helps businesses like RTÉ and Dairygold in broadband-poor areas. The company is headed by Liam O’Kelly (pictured).

What is Ireland’s real challenge in terms of getting its broadband problems resolved?

There’s a challenge regarding capacity with wired services that affects the incumbent as well as smaller companies using products like DSL.

There are still large parts of the country where the infrastructure is lacking; that’s where Ireland’s challenge lies.

What role do radio technologies have to play in this?

We’re focused on businesses in urban and rural areas that need high-speed connectivity but are hampered by infrastructure deficits.

Certainly for businesses in remote locations that are trading globally and need to be connected, there is an acute challenge.

Radio offers quick turnaround, is highly reliable and is equal to, if not better than, fibre-optic cables. There are a lot of businesses that will pick fibre over wired, but radio is still not a silver bullet.

There are several wireless providers in the market; can they all survive?

There has to be a market consolidation. Effectively Ireland has had a number of wireless DSL providers enter the market over the past

few years.

The question is, are these profitable companies? Will they all do a technology refresh in the face of new technologies like WiMax? I doubt it.

I predict a major consolidation in the wireless broadband space over the coming year or two.

How does AirSpeed’s service work and what companies are using it?

We provide leased lines via wireless pretty much on a national scale using licensed frequencies and microwave technology.

Our origins are in the broadcasting world; we have installed systems at RTÉ and we did the turnkey for TG4.

We reached a point where we were able to see how radio technology was evolving and decided we could do something for the business world.

We can provide businesses with point to point or point to multipoint. Typically businesses would use bandwidth of up to 10Mbps but one customer of ours can get 800Mbps between two sites, and a pharmaceutical company that is also a customer can get 155Mbps between sites in west Cork and Wicklow.

What are AirSpeed’s expansion plans?

We have doubled every year since 2003 and recently we’ve bought a new building in CityWest in Dublin. In the Irish market of today, DSL is no longer a suitable service for business customers.

We have obtained a number of 26Ghz licences from ComReg and, as well as specific rural projects like those for RTÉ, Dairygold and the Ritz Carlton in Powerscourt, we also have licences for services in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.

We currently have 35 people working for us and it is our intention to grow this number as the business expands.

By John Kennedy

Next generation wireless broadband much closer than we think

Written by Anonymous on 1:09 AM

Widespread wireless broadband, with better quality services beyond urban areas, is a lot closer thanks to recent advances made by European researchers.

The next generation of broadband wireless networks is set to be simpler, cheaper for both operators and consumers, and more efficient than current technology permits – due to the innovative use of relay stations to boost signals from base stations.

The EU-funded Fireworks project claims to be able to deliver fourth-generation (4G) broadband wireless access (BWA) systems to remote communities despite difficult terrain and low population densities.

It concentrated on OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing access) based networks and specifically those designed for BWA. WiMax and wifi. OFDMA networks have different characteristics and deliver signals in a different way to traditional fixed-line and cellular networks.

“Relay stations are much smaller than base stations and are much easier to deploy – they can be fixed onto lamp posts for example,” says Fireworks technical manager Dr Antonis Valkanas. “They also should only cost around one-fifth of the price, as the intelligence is in the base station and, unlike base stations, they do not require a directed backhaul connection to the Internet.”

Furthermore, Fireworks systems will, for the first time, also be able to provide seamless switching between WiMax and wifi networks, so that individuals on the move, with a mobile device or laptop, will not notice the change from one to the other.

Valkanas explains that the project has been able to deliver new algorithms, which ensure that, whatever transmission protocol is used, the best combination and clearest reception is assured.

With this problem solved, it is possible to extend the range of networks into previously inaccessible areas, whether due to high cost or rough terrain. It also is now possible to boost reception in urban blackspots by positioning relays where base stations are not feasible.

While the main benefits of Fireworks are not likely to be felt until the next generation of BWA networks starts rolling out in Europe, from 2010, a prototype system has been developed to prove the viability of the relaying concept – and the EU is now funding a follow-up project (Rocket) with the same core consortium.

The systems developed in Rocket will conform with the latest BWA standards, including 802.16m, which are now going through the IEEE approval process, according to Valkanas. More importantly, though, Rocket will expand the scope of relay coverage from the single base station hop of Fireworks to a multi-hop configuration, with one or more base stations sending signals on to relay stations, which then retransmit to others.

Author
Brian Tinham

More good news for Manchester-based mobile broadband users

Written by Anonymous on 2:02 AM

Following an announcement last week by Manchester City Council that it hoped to extend its Eastserve wireless broadband connection across the city as part of a new ‘Digital Strategy for Manchester’ scheme, Vodafone has confirmed that it will carry out major upgrade work to its mobile broadband coverage within the city.

As part of a multi-million pound investment Vodafone intends to improve wireless coverage, increase download speeds and will also alter the way it bills its customers. The service will be available through USB dongles, data cards or plug-and-play software, with the expectation that a 2 MB file will be able to be downloaded 10 seconds faster than previously.

Alec Howard, head of PC Connectivity for Vodafone UK, commented on the improvement plan for Manchester: “Manchester, along with five other major conurbations, is now the fastest network in the UK. We have been heavily investing in the network so that when people are out and about they can get the same wireless experience that they do in the office.”

“What’s really important for Manchester is that people travel from all over Britain to do business in Manchester and if they know that the wireless coverage is really good it will drive productivity.”

Source: Manchester Evening News

UK Consumers Vouch for Wireless Broadband: Survey

Written by Anonymous on 1:29 AM

The Connected Life Consumer Trends Survey, which covered 2,021 UK adults between May 21 and 23, 2008, was conducted to show the current state of wireless home networking in the UK market.

Respondents with wireless network at home have been connecting their home gadgets to surf the web, watch high-definition video, listen to streaming music, share files, make internet phone calls, and play online games.

About 87% of respondents with a wireless network and a PC/laptop have attached their devices to wireless networks while 28% have attached their printers; 20% connected their games console and 6% their digital music player. The survey revealed that 25% of UK residents with a wireless network at home would like to access music and photos remotely.

Chris Dobrec, director of Linksys Strategy and Business Development, said: “The research shows that wireless networking is now a mass market technology and not only for the tech savvy consumer.”

Of respondents who expressed a desire to access their personal content throughout or away from the home, 37% reported that technical knowledge was preventing them from doing so, along with concerns over cost (25%), and the anticipated set-up time involved (24%).

According to Ofcom, there are now more than 16 million broadband connections in the UK. Overall, broadband is in 57% of households across the country in 2008, up from 45% in 2007.

By Bhavana Navuluri

Islanders complain £60,000 web access 'is a waste of money'

Written by Anonymous on 12:01 AM

Slanders say they are being "railroaded" into accepting a controversial internet connection system they claim is unsuitable and unwanted.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) announced yesterday that publicly-funded broadband access was being made available to residents on Barra.

But islanders claim the money would be better spent upgrading telephone exchanges for BT to provide cheaper and faster internet services.

They are now considering a complaint to the European Parliament and have already sent 1,000 letters of complaint and a 400-name petition to HIE, MPs, the Office of Fair Trading and the Scottish Government.

Northbay on Barra is to be provided with wireless broadband access through an extension of the Connected Communities (ConCom) network, which is already providing 951 households across the Outer Hebrides.

Campaigners say connection speeds are slower than those through the phone line, and they would rather wait for an exchange upgrade.

ConCom is backed by HIE, Western Isles Council and NHS Western Isles and receives funding from the European Union.

Because the islands are remote from main internet connections and their populations dispersed, more traditional methods of providing broadband, such as cable, are considered impractical. Instead, wireless facilities are being used.

The ConCom project, which also includes services to schools and offices, has cost £6.5 million, including about £60,000 for the extension to two sites in Northbay.

HIE said yesterday that it compared the merits of procuring an ADSL upgrade for the local telephone exchange – which would run into six figures – with extending the ConCom wireless network.

Sandy Cumming, HIE's chief executive, said:

"I'm aware that broadband connection has prompted a lot of debate in Northbay and the options have been closely examined for their relative merits and limitations. This decision is supported by the local authority and the Scottish Government."

Alasdair Allan, the Western Isles MSP, welcomed the Northbay extension,

and island councillor Donald Manford said ConCom was the only option at present.

But Neil MacNeil, an island resident, said there is "anger and disbelief" that a petition signed by more than 90 per cent of island households was ignored.

By John Ross

Steeples could inspire an answer to prayer for broadband coverage

Written by Anonymous on 1:57 AM

THE humble parish church could be the “breakthrough” solution to eradicating poor broadband internet coverage in large parts of Wales, it was claimed yesterday.

Rural Wales has long suffered from broadband “notspots” – areas which cannot access the high- speed and constant internet connections now deemed essential for a successful economy – leading to several calls for the Welsh Assembly Government and BT to act to remedy the situation.

But a Pembrokeshire wireless company, Telecomms Facilities, believes installing wireless broadband transmitters at the top of church spires could finally provide thousands of homes and businesses in rural Wales with effective internet access.

The proposal was met warmly by broadband campaigners and the Church in Wales last night, with individual churches also set to potentially benefit from a new revenue stream and become a community focal point for the 21st century.

According to BT, 99.6% of Wales’ population now has access to broadband. But the Welsh Consumer Council said yesterday that only 42% of people in the South Wales Valleys, 47% in South West Wales, 48% in North, Mid and West Wales, and 60% in Cardiff and South East Wales are actually connected to broadband.

Last month, business and technology think tank IT Wales said Wales’ broadband infrastructure was “not good enough”.

And TFL said wireless delivery of broadband services to Wales’ “notspots” was now the only realistic alternative for households or businesses that cannot receive broadband via a BT exchange.

“Despite BT’s claim that over 99% of Wales is broadband enabled, there are still many hundreds of mostly rural communities throughout the country who are unable to access the internet via a broadband connection,” said TFL’s director, Jonathan England.

“Over the last few years, TFL has been broadband enabling many of these communities via its own wireless transmitter infrastructure, and the need to situate our transmitters at the highest point within a rural ‘notspot’ area has invariably led us to the conclusion that local church towers could provide us with the breakthrough we are looking for in order to give Wales 100% broadband coverage.

“Using church buildings would benefit both the communities and the churches themselves.

“The church would see an additional source of much-needed income through the locating of the communications antenna and the immediate area in and around the church would become a wireless hotspot, enabling anyone with a wireless laptop or similar device to connect to the internet absolutely free.”

A spokesman for the Church in Wales encouraged parishes to get involved with the initiative. Alex Glanville, head of property services, said: “It is vital that all people and businesses in Wales are able to make full use of the internet.

“I would encourage churches to help by considering responsible applications to locate transmitters on appropriate towers or spires.”

The concept was also supported by Mark Elliott, assistant chief executive at Ceredigion County Council, which is currently running a survey into broadband access across the county on their website.

“Wireless is one of the technological solutions to provide adequate broadband supply in rural areas,” said Mr Elliott, who describes broadband as “the fourth utility”.

“The answer is to have as many partnerships and players as possible. Anyone who can help solve the problem is welcome and church spires will provide good coverage of surrounding areas.

“Like roads and an electricity supply, it costs a lot to get broadband to rural areas. It is not cost effective, but broadband is so important socially, economically and environmentally.”

Ceredigion MP Mark Williams said on the launch of the council’s survey: “It has been apparent to me for some time that there are many people who are still unable to get broadband.

“BT often say that 99% of people in Wales can get broadband. Judging from my postbag, this simply isn’t true. While exchanges have been updated to accommodate broadband tech- nology, the quality of many lines in Mid Wales is insufficient to deliver it.”

By Steffan Rhys