BBC NEWS | Technology | Wi-fi nets get security makeover
…Problems with the original encryption system built in to the wi-fi specifications, called Wired Equivalent Privacy, made it possible for patient hackers to work out the keys used to scramble data being sent through the air.
This original security system was replaced by an interim technology called Wi-fi Protected Access (WPA) which has now also been updated.
WPA2 uses a US government-approved encryption system to scramble data and also does a more rigorous job of checking that people who want to use a wireless net have permission to do so.
At last WPA2 makes its appearance. Let’s hope its soon in equipment. I certainly could do with upgrading when I get chance.
Linksys Wireless G Router
I just looked at how much this now is - sub £60 is a fantastic price I can’t believe how much this has been reduced since last year. I think I paid double this…
Its interesting that there has been very little out this year in terms of new developments (well, at least not that I am aware of). Last year lots of media adapters and hushed tones of new and exciting products in this area none of which seem to have emerged. I await optimistically that there will be something interesting later in the year.
In the meantime you can always go look at the Internet Washing Machine
Gizmodo : The JoyPort 2
This just looks so cool! Another media adpater I thought but no much more than that. Unfortunately much more than that costs much more than that, and it seems to be only available in the US (and Canada) at present.
Still, I can dream.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Broadband arrival for GNER trains
I blogged about this previously but now the ECML has WIFI enabled trains. So now all I need is a lap top and an excuse to catch an express from Kings Cross.
Did I mention I’m available to write reviews? 
Congratulations to GNER, I hope the service lives up to expectations.
The Register
The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) has found a novel use for Wi-Fi. It has started using the wireless networking technology to control trains remotely.
BNSF locomotives carry freight across the continental US. However, it is using wireless technology to move units around its rail yards. It reckons the system is more efficient - presumably one driver can run multiple locos from the same seat in the yard control centre - and a darn sight safer than putting drivers inside the engines, the Fort Worth, Texas-based company claims.
Instead, they operate a control panel that mirrors what they’d see if they were sitting in the cab. Their instructions are relayed to each loco via the “industrial strength” WLAN.
“You can even blow the horn,” says BNSF CIO Jeff Campbell in a throwaway line included in an interview with Computerworld concerning the company’s dealings with cellular providers.
Does that make this the ultimate model railway? Mobile communiations systems particularly WIFI and other Wireless protocols, offer amazing possiblities. It remains to be seen however whether in a consumer market place these opportunities will evolve into consumer need and related products…
SMC NETWORKS | CONSUMER SITE : Products : SMCWMR-AG - EZ-Stream Universal Wireless Multimedia Receiver
I think this was via Gizmodo. Anyway, another move down the multimedia home networking road. This time it seems SMC has gone the whole nine yards and managed to incorporate audio (Mpeg and internet radio. images (jpeg and gifs) and allegedly video. Not sure whether operating on 802.11b i.e. 11mbps bandwidth is going to be effective with video but then I haven’t read the product specs in enough detail. I do know it is suggesting that this can operate across the three specifications of b, a, and g so maybe video needs an a or g connection. If anyone at SMC is reading I’d be interested in taking it for a spin on the network?
Gizmodo : Wireless network video camera from Linksys
Gizmodo note the launch of Linksys’ new wireless network video camera.
I have to say I’m tempted!
…basically a surveillance camera which can connect to a local area network over 802.11b and stream its video feed to any Internet-connected Web browser anywhere…. does have a couple of nice extra features, like a Security Mode that will email you whenever it detects motion, so you can be alerted to when to tune into the video stream.
Now where would be the best place to put it?
The Register
Lincolnshire-based ISP WRBB has delayed the launch of its rural wireless broadband service because it is still waiting for equipment to be officially certified.
The service - called Sunshine - was due to go live at the end of September, covering East Midlands and East Anglia before being made available nationwide by the end of 2005.
Now, though, the company has had to inform potential punters that the “countdown” to the launch has been halted and it won’t be restarted until the necessary hardware is certified.
In a message posted on its web site, WRBB reports that while the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) approved and ratified the 802.11g standard on 12 June 2003, the WiFi Alliance has yet to complete its testing. So far, only eight products have got the thumbs up.
WRBB sales and marketing director David Acton told The Register: “Until the hardware is certified, we can’t roll-out the service.”
The company has put pressure on the WiFi Alliance - a group of wireless LAN manufacturers and vendors that runs a scheme to ensure that any certified device will interoperate with all other certified devices - to complete its work, but at the moment it’s unclear when that might be. ®
Disappointed to see that Sunshine has been put on hold until the WIFI alliance get their act together.
We need more competition in Broadband and we need a market that ensures expansion to all areas and ensures that the big players i.e. BT and ntl are kept on their toes. The more pressure on providers, the more innovation, the better off consumers and businesses will be. Ultimately the country as a whole benefits from the communication infrastructure and associated spinoffs.
Therefore I hope WRBB are simply delaying for the reason stated and do not have problems with their business model or financing.
f r e e g o r i f e r o | weblog
Connected appliances.
A bit of a buzz around the old idea of a screen fridge, possibly because there’s a camera now that points inwards and posts pictures of what is in your fridge, so that you can check them while at the supermarket and stock accordingly.
It used to be all about magnets, now it’s pixelated postcards from your refrigerator.
Leaving all other Cooltown scenarios aside I just wonder: why the surprise?
A few years ago the hot thing was “your appliances will be able to talk to one another”, now your fridge has got its own weblog.
If you ask me that’s simply evolution of the species.
Sergio made me smile with this little post. it reminded me of a scene from the Young Ones (UK alternative sitcom from the 1980’s) where the fridge starts to eat someone. It may even talk, but I suspect it only burps… loudly!
I do kind of see the point about seeing the inside of fridges when you are out shopping but I would rather I had something that could audit what’s in the fridge or indeed all my household shopping and based on my usage patterns actually do the shopping for me with my Internet Shjopping facility. My only concern I think then is that in order to do this would I actually be destroying any privacy I had left?
Imagine if the fridge did start blogging - “Well I’m still in a mess from when he dropped the milk all over me and the tomato rotted on the bottom shelf..’ Privacy would efinitely be gone then 
silicon.com - Exclusive: GNER to offer wireless broadband on trains
GNER is looking to enable a fleet of up to 40 high-speed trains with high-speed internet access on its London Kings Cross to Aberdeen and Inverness route.
With the rail industry still struggling after the Hatfield rail disaster, operators are desperate to offer unique services that will lure back passengers, especially the high-value business customers.
An interesting comparison to the previous post.
GNER run the premier main line in the UK from London to Scotland via the East coast. Its a route I am particularly fond of, not least because my father used to work as a Chief Steward from London to Aberdeen.
I feel that this type of expansion of Internet access is more exciting than static hotspots and like the news of wifi on areoplanes this is a quantum leap forward. This of course assumes customers will take up the use. The article doesn’t make mention of any charge, so perhaps the model will be ‘free’ in first class areas. Perhaps we will see Internet kiosks on trains in the future or interfaces at ever seat? I await with anticipation.
The revolution will not be televisd but it might be blogged…
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