[ Source: GigaOM ]
[ Tag: broadband, high-speed internet, High-speedInternet, internet, korea, south korea, SouthKorea ]
South Koreans could see 1Gbps web connections by 2012
Google launches Measurement Lab to monitor the tubes, expose meddling
There's not exactly a lack of internet measurement tools out there, but there's none quite as ambitious as the new Measurement Lab (or M-Lab) just launched by Google, along with a little help from the New America Foundation's Open Technology Institute and the PlanetLab Consortium. While it's apparently just now getting up to speed, the tool will eventually let individuals and researchers of all sorts poke and prod the internet to their heart's content, measuring performance, and exposing attempts by telecoms to meddle with network traffic and clamp down on things like BitTorrent or Skype. Those efforts will be facilitated by 36 servers in 12 locations across the U.S. and Europe that Google will be opening up early this year, and all data collected using M-Lab will be made publicly available for other researchers to expand upon. Complete details are available at the link below, although Google seems to be having some bandwidth troubles of its own with the M-Lab site at the moment.
[ Source: InformationWeek ]
[ Tag: google, google m-lab, GoogleM-lab, m-lab, measurement lab, MeasurementLab ]
Seattle crowned most wired city in America: where's your town?
Check it, Pacific Northwest -- Seattle, washington was just named Forbes' most wired city for 2009, followed closely by Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Orlando and Boston. Of course, having Amazon and Microsoft within spitting distance probably didn't hurt matters, and the eleventy billion Starbucks WiFi hotspots likely pushed it over the edge. There are 25 other locales in the top 30 that we've yet to mention here, so head on down to the read link to see if your hometown made the cut. Oh, and way to represent, Raleigh -- numero fifteen ain't too shabby.
[ Source: cnmoody ]
[ Tag: broadband, connected, internet, muni-fi, seattle, survey, us, usa, washington, wifi ]
Seattle crowned most wired city in America: where's your town?
Check it, Pacific Northwest -- Seattle, Washington was just named Forbes' most wired city for 2009, followed closely by Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Orlando and Boston. Of course, having Amazon and Microsoft within spitting distance probably didn't hurt matters, and the eleventy billion Starbucks WiFi hotspots likely pushed it over the edge. There are 25 other locales in the top 30 that we've yet to mention here, so head on down to the read link to see if your hometown made the cut. Oh, and way to represent, Raleigh -- numero fifteen ain't too shabby.
[ Source: cnmoody ]
[ Tag: broadband, connected, internet, muni-fi, seattle, survey, us, usa, washington, wifi ]
TRENDnet unloads one more at CES: TEW-673GR Wireless N gigabit router
If you haven't seen enough of TRENDnet here at CES, you haven't been looking, but for those in need of a new wireless router, these choices are certainly sights for sore eyes. The latest entry from the company here in Vegas is the TEW-673GR 300Mbps Concurrent Dual-Band Wireless N Gigabit Router. Constructed with a dual-band Atheros chipset, the device can handle both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks simultaneously; essentially, this enables low-bandwidth clients to be assigned to the more congested 2.4GHz band while high-bandwidth, latency-sensitive applications (such as HD streaming and online gaming) head to the uncongested 5GHz band. Can't help you out on a price, but it should be filtering out in short order.
[ Source: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 802.11n, ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, router, TEW-673GR, trendnet, wap, wireless n, WirelessN, wlan ]
QNAP unveils stately 6-bay TS-639 Pro Turbo NAS device
It's been a hot minute since we saw anything fly from QNAP, but today the outfit is unveiling a NAS so intimidating, so beastly that it practically has to be locked away in a data closet. The TS-639 Pro Turbo checks in with six bays, a 1.6GHz Intel CPU, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, gigabit Ethernet and support for RAID 0/1/5/6/5+spare configurations along with built-in iSCSI target service with Thin Provisioning. There's no mention of a price, but that's likely because you just aren't ready to handle the truth.
[ Source: engadget ]
[ Tag: iSCSI, NAS, QNAP, RAID, TS-639, TS-639 Pro Turbo, Ts-639ProTurbo ]
Netgear intros two new home routers, one 3G WWAN router
Netgear's dropping a bunch of new kit here at CES, so we'll get right to the networking piece here. First up is the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N modem / router (DGND3300), which integrates an ADSL2+ modem with a 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless router. Following that is the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNDR3700), which is the first product to introduce the outfit's fifth-generation industrial design. It's also packin' 2.4GHz / 5GHz support along with an inbuilt USB port for hooking up a wireless printer. Finally, the 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router (MBR624GU) does exactly what it says, which is to create a WiFi hotspot by plugging in a USB 3G modem. No prices are mentioned for any of these, but they should be in stores here shortly.
Routers and Gateways
At CES, NETGEAR will debut three sleek, versatile, feature-rich wireless routers to fulfill the unique
lifestyle needs of different customer segments - for people on-the-go as well as consumers and
prosumers looking to upgrade their network environments and take full advantage of a growing number
of bandwidth-hungry applications, online gaming, and HD video streaming. Also in 2009, in partnership
with OpenDNS®, NETGEAR will introduce a powerful network-based parental controls service for select
Wireless-N routers and gateways, to enable parents to restrict access to unsafe web sites, filter
inappropriate content, and establish time limits around the use of the Internet. (See press release,
"NETGEAR Launches New Series of Versatile Wireless Routers Designed to Meet Needs of Prosumers,
Media Enthusiasts and People On-The-Go.") More information can be found at
(http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways.aspx?for=Home+Networking).
Named "Best of Innovations" in the CES Home Networking category, NETGEAR's RangeMax Dual
Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNDR3700), the first product to introduce NETGEAR's sleek new
fifth generation industrial design, is a simultaneous Dual Band 2.4 GHz and 5GHz wireless router with
Gigabit ports and a USB port to network an external USB storage device for high speed data access from
multiple computers in the network. It incorporates a powerful 680 MHz MIPS processor, high
performance power amplifiers and eight ultra sensitive metamaterial antennas – resulting in faster wired
to wireless throughput and long range wireless coverage. Features include a four-port Ethernet low power
consumption "green" switch, dedicated Quality of Service (QOS) for video streaming over wireless, one-
touch wireless on-off and power on-off buttons, and adjustable transmit power for maximum energy
efficiency. Along with easy and secure Push 'N' Connect with industry standard WiFi Protected Setup
(WPS), the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router is the ideal solution for the prosumer with
multiple networked gadgets running multiple applications, online gamers, and video streamers that
require the ultimate network experience.
NETGEAR's RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Modem Router (DGND3300) integrates an ADSL2+
modem along with a Dual Band Wireless Router operating at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – all in
NETGEAR's popular compact industrial design. NETGEAR's modem router uses double firewall
protection including Network Address Translation (NAT), hiding PCs and files from outside users, and a
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall denying outside requests for personal information. The Dual
Band Wireless-N Modem Router can also be configured as a wireless repeater to double the range. With a
new multi-language installation wizard, Push 'N' Connect with WPS, and energy saving features, the
modem router is perfect for DSL customers who want a single integrated wireless router and DSL modem
device for all of their growing networking needs.
And for consumers and professionals on-the-go, NETGEAR's 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router
(MBR624GU) creates an instant WiFi hotspot using 3G mobile broadband access service for broadband
access virtually anywhere, simply by plugging in any compatible 3G USB modem to the router. Mobile
users thus have the flexibility to create a WiFi network whether in a satellite or temporary office,
construction site, emergency center, hotel, vacation home, at an offsite event or campsite, or even from a
moving recreational vehicle. The 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router features auto detection of
compatible 3G USB modems and associated mobile carrier networks to have broadband access almost
instantly. It supports SPI, intrusion logging and reporting, denial-of-service (DoS) protection, up to five
IPsec VPN endpoints, and NAT. With Push 'N' Connect with WPS, energy saving features, and an
optional car power adapter to power the router while on the move, NETGEAR's 3G Mobile Broadband
Wireless Router is ideal for sharing a 3G broadband Internet connection with friends, colleagues and
[ Source: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 3g modem, 3gModem, CES, CES 2009, Ces2009, DGND3300, MBR624GU, modem, neatgear, router, wifi, wlan, WNDR3700, WWAN ]
Panasonic set to unveil powerline networking prototypes aplenty at CES
[Via: Digg ]
[Tag: ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, hd-plc, panasonic, powerline, powerline networking, PowerlineNetworking ]
Gogo in-flight WiFi taking off in six Delta flights tomorrow
We already knew that Delta was pushing its in-flight WiFi plans ahead, and starting tomorrow, a half dozen MD-88 shuttle flights will be live with internet from 35,000 feet. As with Virgin America, Delta Air Lines will be relying on Aircell's Gogo technology, though it will go down as the first US carrier to initiate a "fleet-wide rollout." Eventually, over 300 domestic mainline aircraft will enable guests to surf the intarwebz from way up high, and you'll know if the one you're boarding is lit if you see one of the above pictured "Wi-Fi Onboard" logos on the boarding door. The launch flights -- which will run from December 16th through the 31st -- will provide gratis access to the web, while standard pricing of $9.95 on flights of three hours or less and $12.95 on flights of more than three hours will presumably kick in on January 1, 2009. Happy trails, and don't forget to give us a visit while you're up there.
[Via: Switched ] [Tag: aircell, aircraft, airplane, Delta, flight, flights, gogo, in-flight, in-flight internet, in-flight WiFi, In-flightInternet, official ]
Addonics' USB-to-NAS adapter: all your external HDDs, now network accessible
Storage junkies, your dreams have just been made into reality. Addonics has just introduced a marvelous new piece of kit, the simple-yet-useful Network Attached Storage Adapter. This little box enables any USB hard drive to be placed onto a network for network access, essentially turning your stale USB HDDs into NAS drives. The device supports both SMB (Server Message Block) and the open source Samba network protocols, which allows for cross-platform access of shared data for most versions of OS X, Windows and Linux. For users not directly connected over the LAN, the adapter provides FTP access for up to eight simultaneous users anywhere in the world, and it can even be used as "a print server or as a BitTorrent file downloading appliance." Best of all? It's available right now for $55. Like we said, dream come true.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: adapter, Addonics, NAS, usb hard drive, usb storage, usb-to-nas, UsbHardDrive, UsbStorage ]
Ratoc introduces Wireless USB kit for your PCMCIA-equipped laptop
Still getting by with PCMCIA, are you? Looking to get into the potentially crumbling world of Wireless USB? Well then, step right up! Ratoc is pumping out its very first WUSB kit with the REX-WUSB1, which includes a rather bulky PC Card (with ultra-wideband antenna) and a four-port WUSB hub. Users with Windows XP / Vista-based machines simply plug in the card, load up the drivers and link their favorite USB peripherals to the hub; from there, you can kick back and enjoy the spoils of wireless printing, wireless cooling and wireless warming -- two of which really aren't all they're cracked up to be. Anywho, the bundle is expected to go on sale in the Land of the Rising Sun later this month for ?31,500 ($340).
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: cardbus, pc card, PcCard, PCMCIA, RATOC, REX-WUSB1, ultra wideband, ultra-wideband, UltraWideband, UWB, WD-HUB01, WH-CBA01, WiMedia, Wireless USB, WirelessUsb, WUSB ]
Intel's opto-electronic 'breakthrough' could save this doomed Internet (or not)
It seems like every tale of impending bandwidth "disaster" is soon countered by a new bandwidth "breakthrough." In this case, researchers at Intel have been testing a silicon-based Avalanche Photo Detector (APD) (as opposed to the traditional, and rather expensive, indium phosphide), and so far results have been quite promising. On one key metric, something called the "gain-bandwidth product," the APD achieved speeds of 340GHz, or as the gang at Intel puts it, the "best result ever." It is hoped that this product could significantly lower the price of 40Gbit/s (and faster) optical links and find a home in areas like quantum cryptography, biochips and eventually chip-to-chip and on-chip interconnects. And most importantly, this could be huge for our national entertainment infrastructure: with online television gaining momentum and a spin-off of The Hills dropping soon, bandwidth has to be stretched to the breaking point as it is.
[Via: VNU Net ] [Tag: apd, Avalanche Photo Detector, AvalanchePhotoDetector, bandwidth, fiber optic, FiberOptic, indium phosphide, IndiumPhosphide, intel, opto-electronic, silicon, telecom, telecommunications ]
Intel talks up self-powered sensors that do just about everything
If you're gonna dream, you might as well dream big huge, right? Intel's not only looking to blanket vast rural areas with WiFi, it's also looking to spread self-powered sensors, um, everywhere. Dubbed the wireless identification and sensing platform (WISP), the initiative could eventually place remarkably efficient microchips in human bodies, on mobile phones, public infrastructures, at airports and practically anywhere else where information needs to be gathered. The highly flexible solution is currently being perfected in the Intel labs and isn't apt to hit the commercial realm for at least three to five years; which is great, since we're still learning to deal with the world's obsession with CCTV.
[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: intel, sensor, sensors, wireless ]
Buffalo's wireless injunction stayed, now free to sell WiFi products in US
Man, we can bet there's some serious celebrating going on at the Buffalo offices today. After being barred from selling its networking gear here in America last June, Buffalo has finally been freed from its CSIRO-given chains. Who's to thank? A federal judge who has stayed the permanent injunction in the ongoing US patent litigation, which opens the doors for the company to sell "IEEE 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11n compliant products in the United States." Finally, we USers can look forward to buying helicopter inspired routers on our home turf.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: Australia, buffalo, CSIRO, injunction, lawsuit, litigation, patent litigation, PatentLitigation, sue, suit, WIRELESS INJUNCTION, WirelessInjunction ]
Atheros lets open source devs in on the WiFi party
In a move that will undoubtedly increase its street cred among technophiles and tinkerers alike, Atheros announced that it's releasing the specs to allow open source drivers for its ATH5K and ATH9K chip families. The move comes after Atheros first released some open source drivers for newer 802.11n chipsets and now the company is finally opening up its HAL (hardware abstraction layer) to developers, even using Linux as the reference public code base. No word on when any of this stuff will be released, but rest assured, we'll be on the lookout for more info -- we're sure the hackers out there are champing at the bit.
[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: atheros, drivers, opensource, opensourcehardware, wifi ]
FON CEO teases ruggedized outdoor Foneras
While this isn't the first device we've seen of its kind, new images of a wireless-capable, ruggedized la Fonera router have surfaced on the FON head honcho's personal blog. CEO Martin Varsavsky clearly states that "this is not a product announcement," and that the pictured devices are part of an R&D project, so pricing and availability info are certainly out of the question. Still, it's promising to see FON working to extend the reach of its network beyond the current Fonera / Fontenna combos.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: fon, fonera, fontenna, Martin Varsavsky, MartinVarsavsky, outdoor, outdoors, router, ruggedized, wifi ]
Oklahoma town provides real-time streaming from cop cars, free WiFi to residents
Traffic wardens over in the UK have been wielding handheld camcorders for well over a year now, but Ponca City, Oklahoma is making waves here in America with a slightly more sophisticated alternative. In conjunction with Honeywell, the town is implementing a broadband mesh network comprised of over 490 wireless nodes and gateways from Tropos Networks, and aside from providing free WiFi to some 30 square miles of residents, it's also hoping to use the abundant connectivity to help public safety. For instance, the city has installed wireless video cameras in police vehicles so "dispatchers and supervisors can monitor activities during traffic stops, and quickly deploy additional officers and resources if necessary." 'Course, that's just the official word -- everyone and their mother knows this is just the beginning of "C.O.P.S.: Live in Oklahoma."
[Via: Slashdot ] [Tag: citywide wifi, CitywideWifi, cops, honeywell, mesh, mesh networking, MeshNetworking, muni-fi, oklahoma, police, ponca city, PoncaCity, safety, wifi ]
Virgin Media shows off stylish 50Mbps cable modem
This truly may be a world's first: a cable modem you don't feel incredibly pressured to relegate to the rear of your networking stash. Yes friends, that succulent device you see above is Virgin Media's shockingly stunning 50Mbps cable modem, which unsurprisingly relies on DOCSIS 3.0 technology in order to provide such 1337 speeds. It's still not as speedy as Ambit Broadband's channel bonding modem, nor can it hold a candle to whatever Sigbritt Lothberg had going on in Sweden, but 50Mbps isn't anything to sneeze at. No word on pricing just yet (don't worry, you'll pay it), but it should be available for UK-based speed freaks before the year's end.
[Via: TrustedReviews ] [Tag: broadband, cable, cable modem, CableModem, Channel Bonding, ChannelBonding, docsis 3.0, Docsis3.0, EuroDOCSIS, EuroDOCSIS 3.0, Eurodocsis3.0, fiber, global, high-speed internet, High-speedInternet, internet, UK, Virgin, Virgin Media, VirginMedia ]
Thecus debuts N3200 Pro NAS: now with more AMD Geode CPU
Thecus Technology has retooled the N3200 and come up with the aptly named N3200 Pro -- a brand new NAS now featuring an AMD Geode CPU. The device boasts a veritable cornucopia of features, including three SATA drive bays for up to 3TB of storage, the option of RAID 5 striping, and an LCD display. Photo, iTunes and DLNA-compatible server options as well as browser-based management should assist users with the "digital lifestyle," while a feature called "Web Surveillance Server" allows you to take regularly scheduled photographs just by plugging in a USB webcam... which is interesting in a vaguely creepy way. No word on price or availability but the previous N3200 sells for $339.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: n3200 pro, N3200Pro, nas, network attached storage, NetworkAttachedStorage, raid, thecus ]
Comcast gets serious about DOCSIS 3.0 rollouts
Alright Minneapolis, you've had your fun. Now it's time for another swath of Comcast markets to indulge in the lavish joys that only DOCSIS 3.0 can provide. For those unaware, the aforesaid technology enables 50Mbps internet to be delivered over the cable company's infrastructure, which brings it up to speed (ahem) with offerings by fiber-based carriers Verizon and AT&T. In the next few weeks, the DOCSIS 3.0-based "Extreme 50" option will bring 50Mbps down / 5Mbps up to subscribers in parts of New England, Philadelphia and New Jersey. Better still, the company announced its intentions to bring the $139.95 per month service to ten other big markets where it will reach "about 10 million homes and businesses in the next few months." Oh, and if that's just too much intarwebz for you to handle, an "Ultra" 22Mbps downstream service will be available for $62.95 per month.
[Via: Reuters ] [Tag: broadband, cable, Comcast, data, DOCSIS 3.0, Docsis3.0, Extreme 50, Extreme50, high-speed internet, High-speedInternet, internet, speed, transmission, wideband ]