Technology

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  • Archives:  2001   2000   1999

Trouble With AM and FM Towers Best of ISP-Lists
[August 21, 2008] It's not easy to handle the power of the commercial radios on these towers, but some are able to provide strategies.

Self-Inflicted Interference is the Worst Kind Marlon Schafer
[June 24, 2008] Your network is growing, your competitors' networks are growing, and your customers are using more wireless spectrum too. But careful spectrum management starts at home.

How to: Define Minimum SNR Values for Signal Coverage Jim Geier
[May 8, 2008] The performance of an RF site survey requires more than just ensuring that users are able to connect to an access point. Learn what signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to use for defining effective range boundaries.

Book Excerpt: Wi-Fi Hotspots: Setting Up Public Wireless Internet Access—Part 2: Monitoring Eric Geier
[November 30, 2007] In this excerpt, the author shows how to set up a hotspot that everyone can share, avoiding freeloaders and bandwidth hogs.

Book Excerpt: Wi-Fi Hotspots: Setting Up Public Wireless Internet Access—Part 1: Setup Eric
[November 29, 2007] In this excerpt, the author shows how to set up a hotspot that everyone can share, avoiding freeloaders and bandwidth hogs.

Book Excerpt: Deploying Voice over WLANs Jim Geier
[April 10, 2007] In this book excerpt, the author describes key issues in enabling roaming.

Running Cables Up a Tower Best of ISP-Lists
[March 13, 2007] It's easy to get this wrong. Here's how some WISPs are coping with weather and wear on cables.

100 Mbps Wireless Best of ISP-Lists
[February 13, 2007] As WISPs grow, they need to adopt more advanced technology or add to the power of what they're already using. Here's a case in point.

BelAir Embraces Multiple Radios Alex Goldman
[February 6, 2007] Just as some mesh builders move from one radio to two, BelAir says one and two are good, but check out eight.

ISPCON: Wireless Truck Roll Tricks Jeff Goldman
[December 19, 2006] The veterans say there's a myriad of ways to improve the efficiency of your truck rolls.

Motorola's Wireless Broadband Strategy Alex Goldman
[December 19, 2006] A pair of former CEOs and an executive PR team dropped by to explain a wireless broadband plan that incorporates the latest technology and some savvy acquisitions.

Airship Communications: High Flyer or Pie-in-the-Sky? Jim Thompson
[December 15, 2006] In the coming months, Sanswire Networks and GlobeTel plan to launch a fleet of airships above the earth to provide broadband and cell service. The launch could give a whole new meaning to "down time."

Existing Wi-Fi Has Potential Packet Loss Issue Eric Griffith
[November 9, 2006] Vendors think the negligible performance hit is written off by low expectations for WLANs, and that 802.11n is the fix.

WISPs Face a VoIP Decision Best of ISP-Lists
[October 3, 2006] WISPs need to decide early on whether they want to learn how VoIP works or hire an expert to do the system for them. Not doing VoIP is not an option.

Seeing With Pings Best of ISP-Lists
[September 26, 2006] In addition to detailed network monitoring at the NOC at the core of the network, ISPs say everybody should have a monitor looking in from outside.

Batteries Alex Goldman
[June 5, 2006] While members of the ISP-Wireless list discussed rechargeable batteries, we talked about the history and maintenance of rechargeable batteries with the only battery services corporation we know of..

Your SSID Isn’t Hidden Forever Eric Griffith
[January 10, 2006] Don't let the disabling of SSID broadcasting give you a false sense of security. Learn what really happens.

WISPs: Beware of Traffic Lights Best of ISP-Lists
[December 13, 2005] Although the immediate culprit is a poorly configured radio, the real problem lies in local governments designing systems to fail by hiring the cheapest consultants available—and failing to consult local WISPs who have the knowledge.

Clarifying WiMax Certification Jeff Goldman
[November 21, 2005] The process of getting fixed (or mobile) wireless broadband interoperability is seldom understood.

The Many Flavors of OFDMA Tim Sanders
[October 18, 2005] OFDMA technology, which spilts a single channel into smaller channels has many uses, but no single standard protocol. Here's an overview of what's being developed, and why there's more than one flavor of OFDMA.

WiMax/802.16 Revealed Tim Sanders
[September 21, 2005] A look at the various standards behind WiMax, fixed and mobile, and where WiMax might be heading in the future.

How High the Tower? Best of ISP-Lists
[September 6, 2005] The transmission-tower version of the adage "bigger is better"—"higher is better"—must be tempered by other well-known sayings: "It's not that simple," and "Your mileage may vary."

Wi-Fi Planet Keynote:
The Impact of Open Standard Radio Alex Goldman
[July 27, 2005] A key observer and Internet investor explained to attendees at the Wi-Fi Planet Conference & Expo why most pundits and players will inevitably underestimate the disruptive potential of Wi-Fi.

Triple Play in Wyoming Gerry Blackwell
[June 24, 2005] A WISP in Wyoming proves that triple play services are nothing new to small, innovative, nimble ISPs.

A Wi-Fi VoIP Handoff in the Parking Lot Alex Goldman
[March 22, 2005] As a WISP CEO whizzed around a corporate parking lot, he got some weird looks, but he was doing his job, testing the limits of the wireless internet.

Dual Mode a Step Closer to Reality Alex Goldman
[January 20, 2005] Companies are ironing out the final wrinkles in technology that will allow cell phone subscribers to use IP networks.

What WiMAX Might Be Alex Goldman
[November 9, 2004] In his keynote speech to ISPCON attendees, "WiMAX? Why Not?", wireless guru Nigel Ballard shared his hopes and fears concerning the WiMAX standards process.

BelAir: Meshing Quite Nicely Gerry Blackwell
[October 19, 2004] A talk with the network equipment provider showcases the company's claims to fame and new features of its hardware (Virtual APs anyone?) in comparison to the competition.

Ain't No Cure for Summertime RF Interference Best of ISP-Lists
[October 5, 2004] ISPs discuss the potential terrestrial and solar causes of interference in long distance point to point wireless links.

Wireless LAN Tools Part 4: Monitoring and Reporting Lisa Phifer
[August 17, 2004] In the final part of this four part study, we discuss how to use WLAN analyzers to help keep your WLAN running smoothly.

Wireless LAN Tools, Part 3: Discovery and Planning Lisa Phifer
[August 10, 2004] In part three of this four part study, we tackle the toughest part of WLAN deployment, patrolling your network.

Wireless LAN Tools, Part 2: Building Your Toolkit Lisa Phifer
[July 27, 2004] In part two of this four part study, we focus on choosing the tools you'll use to analyze your wireless local area network.

Wireless LAN Tools: Analyze This Part 1 Lisa Phifer
[July 20, 2004] In this four part study, we show you what tools are available to enable you to learn how your WLAN is being used and whether it could be improved.

Keynote Speaker Says WiMax is Wrong For Urban Areas Alex Goldman
[June 15, 2004] In a controversial keynote speech at the Wi-Fi Planet Conference & Expo last week, an industry CEO said WiMax would be inappropriate for dense urban areas, proposing a different architecture that is already becoming popular.

The Wireless Lamp Post Gerry Blackwell
[May 4, 2004] Every business plan has its quirks, but few deliver the bandwidth of LastMile Communications: 40 to 400 Mbps at $375 per lamp post access point.

Five RFID Myths Exposed Ken Crawford with Alex Goldman
[January 6, 2004] RFID technology is new and many misconceptions remain concerning the opportunities it offers. The RFID wave is coming but its shape may not be what the pundits expect.

RFID Primer: Where the WLAN Hits the RFID Fan
Ken Crawford with Alex Goldman
[December 23, 2003] RFID, the technology that places data on small tags to be read by computers attached to antennas, is widely feared and misunderstood. We break open the myths, starting with a few simple facts.

WIDS Overview: Vigilar Lisa Phifer
[October 21, 2003] Vigilar offers a complete portfolio of security services to companies of all sizes.

WIDS Overview:
Helping Customers Spot Wireless Intruders Lisa Phifer
[October 14, 2003] Wireless intrusion detection is a logical extension of the security measures most companies already have in place. In this three part series, we examine the offerings of three different solution providers. We start with IBM, whose solution is supported by its global research network.

First 802.16a Product to Debut This Month Vikki Lipset
[October 7, 2003] Companies wanting to deploy wireless connectivity across cities and rural areas may not have to wait too much longer for 802.16a-compliant products.

Beware the Bandwidth Thieves Gerry Blackwell
[September 30, 2003] How big a problem for wireless ISPs is bandwidth theft? How often are hackers posing as customers and using your network bandwidth without paying for it? You may never know. That's half the problem.

802.16e vs. 802.20 Vikki Lipset
[September 9, 2003] With the 802.16a wireless metropolitan area network standard finalized, the IEEE is hard at work on 802.16e, its mobile broadband cousin. Meanwhile the other mobile 802 wireless standard (802.20) looms on the horizon. The question remains: What's the difference?

802.11 To Get Speed Boost? 802.11 Planet Staff
[April 15, 2003] The IEEE has a study group pushing for new standards to officially bring throughput levels for wireless LANs up to 108Mbps—or faster.

Book Review: Deploying Wireless WANs Alex Goldman
[February 18, 2003] Jack Unger, founder and president of Wireless InfoNet, has written "Deploying License-Free Wireless Wide-Area Networks" for publication in March, 2003 by Cisco Press.

Dual-Band Becoming Standard Ed Sutherland
[January 7, 2003] 802.11b, the bedrock of wireless networking, and its presumed successor, 802.11a, may be giving way to 802.11a/b or 802.11a/g.

FCC Approves Vivato's First Product Offering Ted Stevenson
[December 24, 2002] Smart-antenna-based Wi-Fi Switch, first unveiled last month when developer Vivato emerged from stealth mode, gets thumbs-up from Washington regulators.

AlwaysOn First in the Market with SOMA Gear Gerry Blackwell
[November 26, 2002] In towns and villages across America, big-city telecom refugees armed with cutting-edge wireless technology are plotting their return to glory. Hometown, U.S.A. today—tomorrow, the world.

Stepping Up To 28 GHz Alex Goldman
[November 26, 2002] Unlicensed 802.11a and 802.11b technologies are all the rage for Wireless ISPs. But Quad Cities Online contends that for true performance, 28 GHz licensed spectrum is the space to be.

Wireless News Briefs ISP-Planet Staff
[November 19, 2002] ARCi introduces sub-$500 CPE pricing for its 5 GHz wireless system, 3eTI and AirWave Wireless deliver an AP capable of uncovering rogue users, and U.S. Robotics Joins the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Wired Security Mentality for WLANs Jim Wagner
[November 19, 2002] Latis Networks extends its expertise to securing WLANs. Stronger than intrusion detection, its Border Guard application won't allow unauthorized users on the WLAN in the first place.

(Part III) Taming Wireless Security Blues with Bluesocket Lisa Phifer
[November 8, 2002] We put Bluesocket to the test, subjecting its wireless gateway to a variety of authentication and VPN scenarios. Learn how the product performed in a small office setup and a wireless hotspot.

Wi-Fi Switching Bravado from Vivato Patricia Fusco
[November 5, 2002] If Vivato's Wi-Fi switching technology promises to dramatically alter the economic scale and physical delivery capabilities of conventional 802.11-based systems, why haven't you heard of them?

(Part II) Taming Wireless Security Blues with Bluesocket Lisa Phifer
[November 1, 2002] VPNs can provide much stronger security than WEP, but combining VPN access with wireless networks can be challenging—Bluesocket minimizes the pain.

Taming Wireless Security Blues with Bluesocket Lisa Phifer
[October 25, 2002] Bluesocket slips its one-box WLAN security solution between access points and networks to streamline control over bandwidth, data privacy and authentication.

WisperTel Gerry Blackwell
[October 15, 2002] Don't let the tranquil name fool you. WisperTel is making it loud and clear that they intend to develop profitable, well-targeted wireless Internet service networks.

802.11g: The Next Best Thing ... Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
[October 2, 2002] Want to have an argument? Get a dozen people who care about the future of 802.11 networking and ask them about 802.11g's prospects and watch the fur fly and the fun begin.

Magnets Beyond the Refrigerator Best of ISP-Lists
[October 1, 2002] Sure, magnets put all sorts of cute characters on your refrigerator door, but who would have suspected they could be involved in broadband fixed wireless access?

802.11a: Wait Until Next Year! Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
[September 20, 2002] It's fast, it's hot, but does it have a place in the market? That's what some retailers, resellers, and CIOs are asking about 802.11a.

Wi-Fi News Briefs ISP-Planet Staff
[September 17, 2002] Sanswire engulfs Tsunami, Alcatel vows to enter the hotspot equipment making arena, and Funk Software builds 802.1x into new versions of its RADIUS software for strong WLAN security.

Broadcom Shows Who's the BOSS Michael Singer
[September 16, 2002] Broadcom demonstrates working technology enabling direct broadcast satellite service providers to offer cost-effective broadband data services to their subscribers.

Cinder Blocks: A Key Wi-Fi Technology Best of ISP-Lists
[August 27, 2002] Members of the ISP-Wireless list eagerly assert that cinder blocks are central to the provision of fixed wireless broadband Internet service.

802.11 Alphabet Soup Jim Geier
[August 20, 2002] Strap on your waders and take a walk with us through this alphabet soup and don't forget the ISP Glossary located in the right margin of every ISP-Planet Web page.

This Laser Requires No License Gerry Blackwell
[August 13, 2002] Across North America, ISPs are finding that free space optics (FSO) technology is like 802.11b because it is license free but it has handicaps that restrain its popularity.

CommSpeed, Making MMDS Work Gerry Blackwell
[July 30, 2002] Which is better—licensed or unlicensed spectrum? Neither, and both. CommSpeed leverages all its wireless options to provide hybrid high-speed Internet services to business and residential users.

Walkie Talkie Over IP Best of ISP-Lists
[July 30, 2002] Members of the ISP-Wireless list report that although it is possible to over two-way radio services over a Wi-Fi connection, it's not easy, not cheap, and not necessarily reliable.

Wi-Fi News Briefs Gerry Blackwell
[July 16, 2002] The wireless world of sports, Motorola spreads its U-NII band canopy, and U.K. research indicates that public hotspot ventures are attracting considerable interest from mobile operators.

Reboot the AP by Wire Best of ISP-Lists
[July 11, 2002] Members of the ISP-Wireless list find a variety of innovative methods for rebooting access points remotely—some methods seem more practical than others.

Adding Laser to the WISP Best of the ISP-Lists
[June 18, 2002] Members of the ISP-Bandwidth list dispute the value of lasers. Although the bandwidth is more than adequate at 155 Mbps, there are drawbacks to the technology.

Ultra-Wideband: Great Promise, But No Guarantees Gerry Blackwell
[June 11, 2002] Theoretically, Ultra-Wideband wireless systems represent the next logical step for wireless communications technologies. Now, someone just has to prove it will work.

What the Licensed Competition is Doing Gerry Blackwell
[May 28, 2002] To date, Sprint's foray into wireless broadband access has proven less than spectacular. This time, the company may be onto something that works. Time will tell if it's also economically viable.

Voice Over WLAN Patent Awarded ISP-Planet Staff
[May 14, 2002] Symbol Technologies is one of the first to deploy commercially viable devices that handle voice telephony communications over 802.11 WLANs.

Satellite Service: The Other Wireless Broadband Gerry Blackwell
[May 7, 2002] Not so long ago, the idea of using satellites to deliver high-speed Internet service was almost laughable—unless your customers were in the Arctic Circle or in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

Mesh At Work Gerry Blackwell
[March 12, 2002] Mesh network architecture has just begun to gain mindshare among industry players, but one pioneering ISP in northern California is already up and running a moneymaking mesh network.

Better Than WEP Lisa Phifer
[February 1, 2002] Will concern over the inherent vulnerability of wireless and inadequate security measures erode consumer confidence in wireless LANs? Not if the WECA and the IEEE can stop it.

Faster Wi-Fi Installs Best of ISP-Lists
[January 4, 2002] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss simple and obvious methods of speeding up the installation of Wi-Fi equipment for new customers. It pays to get them up and running.