Your Guide To Wireless

MP3 Gets Ready To Handle Wi-Fi

The celestial jukebox is finally headed to your pocket. Maybe. MusicGremlin recently introduced the first Wi-Fi–equipped MP3 player. The 8GB model, which is available at www.musicgremlin.com, uses a built-in 802.11b connection to let you wirelessly sync tracks from your PC, beam songs to other MusicGremlin players, and access online subscription services. And it’s possible that MusicGremlin will prove to be only the beginning. Microsoft is rumored to have in the works a wireless media player called Zune that may support free conversion of some or all of the audio tracks you purchased at the Apple iTunes Music Store. If Microsoft pulls off a nice Wi-Fi–enabled design, we’ll really have something. The MusicGremlin is a cool idea, but its current player is too chunky to take off . [tags]MP3, Wi-Fi[/tags]

5 Simple Tips on Surfing Safely at Home

When you surfing on your Wi-Fi network at home, takes this 5 simple steps to protect you from security break. 1. Change your password. Upon setting up your home network, change the administrator password immediately. This is because the hacker community knows the default administrator password and can use them to wrest control of the network from you. 2. Turn on WEP Security. The most level of security for staving off someone merely trying to mooch some free bandwidth, or someone with mo...

5 Simple Tips on Surfing at Hot Spots

The common assumption is that the scores of existing hot spots and those in the pipeline are safe. For your own protection, don't assume. Many of these wireless surfing places are set up by public agencies like communities clubs, companies providing extra customer service. But there could just be a hacker hopping for fish your credit card number out from the network you are on. Whether you are using Wi-Fi enabled mobile phones or notebook computer, follow these tips, which should foil the mos...

Wi-Fi Protected Access

Wi-Fi Protected Access or WPA is a security standard for computers and wireless network. With it, you are assured that people will not be able to spy on the data you send and receive using a wireless connection. The improved security standard first appeared in 2003 in responses to cracks in its predecessor, the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security standard. Hackers had discovered a way to guess the encryption passwords used by WEP and developed user friendly tool to do so. These tools e...

No Microphones Needed

Make cheap Internet calls without headphones and microphone's with SMC Network's Wi-Fi Phone for Skype. The WSKP100, a wireless Internet phone, comes with Skype software installed so you can make free call to Skype users anywhere in the world. Just get connected via any Wi-Fi connection whether you are at home or at a cafe, and the phone will automatically register to a Skype account and contacts. The phone can be recharged from any USB socket, and deliverys 3 hour of continuous talk time...

Basic to Wi-Fi Routers

Networking Standard 802.11g is the current standard for home networks, having replaced the slower 802.11b. 802.11g is also compatible with 802.11b, so you can use it with older equipment running that standard. 802.11a has speeds similar to 802.11g’s, but it’s not compatible with 802.11b or 802.11g, and has shorter range. Many new routers feature multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) technology that reduces signal interference and tops 802.11g in range and throughput. MIMO devices are also backward-compatible with 802.11b/g products, but they may not be compatible with the forthcoming 802.11n standard. Also, newer Draft-N routers, based on this upcoming standard, may not be compatible with the final version of 802.11n. Security Most routers come with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, which can provide a first layer of security but won’t deter hell-bent hackers. For greater security, opt for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or the newer WPA2 encryption, which provides stronger data protection and control over network access. A router that supports MAC address filtering limits network access to specifically permitted PCs and devices. For added protection, consider a router with a built-in hardware firewall, which can protect all PCs on the network at once from outside attacks. Throughput / Range Throughput refers to the speed of data transfer a router can provide, measured in Mbps. Range is the maximum distance from the router a wireless access point or networking card can receive a signal. Range can be affected by obstacles such as walls, so you may need to buy a repeater to extend the signal to remote areas of your network. Note that the throughput and range are vendor-estimated figures, and your experience may vary. [tags]Wi-fi Router, 802.11b/g/n, WEP, WPA[/tags]

Top Global 3G Phoebus MB6000 Wi-Fi Router

If you are working in an area covered by a 3G network, the 3G Phoebus MB6000 is a good bet for getting online. This cellular router lets multiple users wirelessly share Internet access from a 3G network via 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. The 3G Phoebus works with all the major 3G networks, including EDGE and Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), and supports a variety of PC Cards from major telco in USA such as Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T/Cingular. In the test conducted by computershopper.com, the 3G Phoebus delivered throughput speeds of 11.9Mbps at 10 feet and 7.98Mbps at 210 feet. Those results are slow compared with the speeds of other 802.11g routers, but they should be sufficient for basic tasks. One caveat: the design. In a departure from the standard boxy router, the 3G Phoebus comes in a sleek pyramid shape. Though aesthetically attractive, it’s not practical to pack for travel. Product info from TopGlobalUSA.com [tags]3G, Wi-Fi Router,Phoebus[/tags]