Wi-Fi And Networking

How Good is AT&T Wireless Broadband 3G Coverage?

2009-03-06T02:24:00.000-08:00

No pretty metaphors for you here. It's not as seamlessly smooth and interwoven as the finest Japanese silk. It's not the robust, reliable, solid as a rock Chevy that'll pull an airplane or whatever the case may be. To be honest...AT&T's 3G coverage is a bit spotty.

To their credit, the map provided is pretty good for users. It can be misleading at first. You start out with this map covered in blue. There's data coverage for as far as the eye can see. Fresh crisp blue open sea for you and your 3G jetski of a phone or broadband card.

Then you enter your street address. Lo and behold it's dark blue there too! Mobile Broadband here we come!

You're waiting for the catch aren't you?

Here it is.

If you look at a map that displays just AT&T mobile broadband coverage in blue, you'll see that only major cities are covered. Everywhere else gets EDGE, which is unbearable slow if you're used to broadband speeds.

AT&T actually says it themselves:

"The AT&T 3G / BroadbandConnect network is currently available in most major metropolitan areas and is expanding rapidly...EDGE is AT&T's national wireless high-speed data network available in over 13,000 cities and towns and along nearly 40,000 miles of highway. "

That's them putting it nicely. In other words, it's not in a lot of places but you can get EDGE just about anywhere. It's true. They just don't tell you the snail's pace that EDGE moves at.

The Verdict:
AT&T Wireless Broadband coverage is okay. Definitely not phenomenal. Considering the huge load of I-Phones flooding their network, they need to up their infrastructure in the mobile broadband department in 2009. If you live in an urban area you'll most likely be covered.

By : Marc Aarons

Connecting With Verizon Wireless Broadband

2009-03-06T02:22:00.001-08:00

Verizon wireless broadband allows you to do the same thing as can be done with land lines. Initially, the speed in which data was transferred was a major stumbling block. Wireless phones were able to access the internet in the same speed that dial up modems could do. Because of their new technology, Verizon wireless broadband enjoys true broadband speeds. You are able to sign on to the internet faster and there are several different ways to connect with companies like Verizon wireless broadband. Customer service is what prompts companies like Verizon to constantly look for ways to improve their technology and bring even more customer satisfaction to their broadband service.

Verizon is in the market selling cellular phones of all sizes and colors. It is these phones that Verizon wireless broadband uses to connect to the internet. Verizon's cellular phones have vivid color screens and sound technology. No doubt you are familiar with Verizon's massive advertisement campaign promoting their technology. You can also listen to digital music and video which makes their phones more marketable especially with the younger crowd. With the right software and with cable, you can connect to your computer for the appropriate wireless internet connection wherever you happen to be.

If you would rather not use your phone to connect to the internet by means of your computer, then you can research Verizon wireless broadband and use their avenue to connecting to the internet. Several laptop manufacturers have been used, by Verizon, to make their computers compatible with Verizon's technology. Perhaps the most flexible means of doing this is by purchasing a PC card so that you can connect to the internet using any laptop or with the one you already have.

If you are running your own business, Verizon wireless broadband offers a means to access their network by way of a network router. The network router isn't for constant use but for maintaining network connectivity when your main line is not working. It is a backup device that will detect when your company's main service goes down and will connect to the Verizon wireless broadband network instead. You are still able to conduct business as usual without any major interruptions.

For whatever reason you use your computer, Verizon wireless broadband service has a plan for you that will be reasonably priced and will allow you to take advantage of signing onto the internet. Your phone line is not tied up and you can continue surfing the net while still engaged in a phone conversation.

By : Cindy Heller

Choosing the Right Wireless Broadband Mobile Card

2009-03-06T02:16:00.000-08:00

A wireless broadband mobile card is available from several service providers offering a variety of wireless networking services for personal, home, office and mobile needs. Most of these wireless cards offered by these vendors have basically the same technology used on their products and offering them at reasonable prices.

The question lies is in which broadband card vendor to use. For current users, the determining factor would be on getting the best service from their wireless cards.

The following describes a comparative testing procedure that can be used to check products from various vendors. This is the same simple procedure used by consumer testing labs when trying out new products. What you need is a notebook or a Tablet PC which you can bring is different areas to test a wireless broadband mobile card in a non-rigorous trial.

What to Test

The best way is to test several broadband wireless cards that you can get your hands on. Starting with the most popular ones would be a good choice. It would take a week of constant use to get good data from the test. Another alternative is to test the products in different locations to see how they response. Some of the more popular service providers providing a wireless broadband mobile card include Sprint, Cingular and Verizon. Previous tests made have shown that most if not all of these wireless cards performed well when used in a metropolitan area. The real test occur when they are taken to rural parts 40 miles or more away from urban locations.

What Method to Use for Testing

A non-rigorous testing for the wireless broadband mobile card can include a Flash speed test. The Broadband DSLReports website is a good resource for such tests, including the Flash 8 Plug-in Based Speed Test featured in the website. There are links to other platforms as well, but this particular speed test can do a good job. The test is done by running the Flash speed test on a server located in one area, then running it again on another server at a totally different area. If this is done from East Coast to West Coast then the results would be better.

Previous tests showed that most vendors’ wireless cards performed the same when downloading data. However, some cards like the one from Verizon showed faster speeds when uploading. This would be beneficial for those who perform uploading activities as much as downloading. With very little difference in the performance of the cards, the selection process moves on to software and service.

Testing the Software

Each wireless broadband mobile card provided by a vendor comes with the necessary software that is proprietary to the service provider. This software is needed to establish a connection between the wireless card and the service station.

The testing procedure for the software includes the ease of use when performing the basic functions which include: installing the drivers; configuring the device; access authentication process; and establishing the connection with the provider.

The Type of Service Provided

Most wireless broadband mobile card vendors have their own websites where you can access their services like managing your account, paying bills, and coverage maps that show where services are available. With performance basically at par with each other, these vendors can only excel from one another in terms of the ff: coverage area, reliability and customer service.

The other thing to consider when choosing a wireless broadband card vendor is their readiness to handle new technologies coming in the near future, such as Wi-Max and LTE. They should be ready to compete with these new technologies or adapt them to their own existing services.

By : Kevin Wynn

Business Networking For Women Entrepreneurs: Connecting Is The Key To Magical Networking

2009-01-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

Something strange happens to many women when they approach networking opportunities. They suddenly forget how to connect, simply going through the motions of shaking hands and exchanging business cards. Networking becomes a chore -- part of a business plan that is carried out with apprehension and some degree of loathing. It doesn’t have to be this way. Networking magic happens through your connections - and your connections can create the fulfilling life you’re looking for.

Your First Step: Start With Your Heart

Real connections come from true, heart-felt, and honest interactions. Shed your business persona and be yourself. If you have a line drawn between your personal and business connections, then erase that line. Start connecting with others as if each person might end up as your best friend. It’s a simple formula for connecting from your heart with other entrepreneurs: Be yourself, and you’ll naturally attract like-minded, quality people. People you meet are more likely to introduce you to their friends and associates if they like you.

Honesty, curiosity, and vulnerability are keys to success. Intimate connections are the foundation upon which we build satisfied lives and the best connections are heart-centered connections. Don’t think for a minute that success in business requires a stoic business persona. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Maintain an attitude of service

Great connections are the ultimate life and business builders and all great connections are based on a positive attitude of serving. Yes, it’s true that we can’t stay in business for long if we give everything away. But, there’s a fascinating paradox that I’ve discovered in my many years of networking and creating connections. The more I give, the more I get.

Approach each interaction with an eye toward providing service. Find out what your prospect needs, and if you can’t provide the answers, then steer her towards someone you know. You’re not giving your business away, but you are always thinking of ways you can be of service to others. A service-oriented attitude is perhaps the most magical networking tool available. You’ll be amazed at how swiftly and abundantly it comes back your way. Simply put - the more you give, the more you get.

It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you

Those with the largest database of business cards don’t necessarily win. Unless you’ve honestly connected with the most influential people in your database, having their names will do you little good. Put your energy toward creating close connections with those who can have the most positive influence in your life, and don’t limit your search to business connections.

Think in terms of how you can help these people by connecting them with others you know, by providing a unique service, or simply by being a friend. Make yourself available and they’ll respond in kind when you’re in need. Ask yourself: Who are the most influential people in my industry? Who are the people with whom I’d most like to associate with? Then, start developing strategies to meet these people. It’s most important to connect with those who are most like how you want to be. And don’t for a moment believe that some people are out of your reach. Aim high and you’ll reach high.

Connecting isn’t a solo trip

Great networking isn’t about out-maneuvering your competition. The best networkers think in terms of collaboration, not competition, even with their fiercest competitors. How might two or three of you band together to provide products or services to more high-end, high-paying customers? How can you enlist the help of people around the globe in your R&D efforts?

Connecting by its very nature is collaborative. Instead of collecting business cards and sending out brochures, seek out people with whom you might collaborate and build strong connections. You might meet someone with a brilliant idea who’s looking for a partner with your expertise. Or, you might form a mastermind group to brainstorm innovative ways to improve your business while holding each other accountable for implementing these new ideas. Best of all, you’ll create new friendships that enrich your life.

By: Jill Lublin

The Power Of Networking

2009-01-08T00:16:00.000-08:00

"If you don’t network, you don’t get work." - Unknown

How powerful is your network? What would happen if you got fired today? What would happen if you had to fold your business and declare bankruptcy? What would happen if a loved one needed emergency medical surgery not covered by insurance and it was a matter of life and death? How many people in your network would be able to really help you out when the going gets tough? Would you be able to pick up the phone, call up one of your contacts, and get a decent job referral or have them lend you some money to tie you over?

This might sound like too serious and morbid a topic to even think about during the holiday season, but let’s face it – many employers wait until after the holidays to break the bad news, and many businesses fold after a bad holiday shopping season. So if you haven’t asked yourself this question, now is a good time to ask and honestly answer the question.

Do you think that someone you haven’t called in months, maybe years, is going to open up their wallet or rolodex and help you out of the kindness of their heart. Maybe. And that’s a BIG maybe. But in all likelihood, I think not. In fact, it would be insulting to the person and demeaning to you, that you never bothered to stay in touch, and are only calling to hit them up for some money. In some cases, people do have the financial and/or human resources to help out but it’s more likely they will help out someone they know and trust over a stranger.

Networking is not about handing out and collecting business cards. It’s about developing relationships. It’s about picking up the phone and calling people and staying in touch with them. Do something nice for someone in your network. Refer them a lead for their business. Offer to help them out on a project or to lend a helping hand if they’re moving. They’ll remember you for it.

Stay in touch! And for heaven’s sake, if someone gives YOU a lead, follow up right away!! Life is too short and fragile. I remember getting a good lead from someone in regards to contacting the legendary Canadian author, Pierre Berton, who wrote 50 books in 50 years, and won three Governor-General’s Awards and 14 honorary degrees. I kept putting it off, and putting it off, thinking I had all the time in the world, and eventually the lead got filed away somewhere and I forgot about it. Mr. Berton died recently at the age of 84 at Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto of complications from diabetes and heart disease. Canada is at a loss. I most certainly am at a loss.

By: Sharif Khan

Wireless Broadband: Overview Of Ieee 802.11 Wireless Lan Technology

2008-12-20T01:07:00.000-08:00

Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a wireless broadband technology that utilizes radio frequency (RF) to transmit and receive data through the air, minimizing the need for wired networks.

There are two competing RF technologies in the use of Wireless LAN, the IEEE 802.11 standard and proprietary technologies. Both fall under wireless broadband technology. Broadband means the ability to transmit high-speed voice, data and video traffic using a wide range of frequencies on a single wireless medium or device.

This page aims to give you an overview about Wireless Broadband -IEEE 802.11 standard commonly called Wireless LAN. 802.11 is a standard agreed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology. 802.11 is the standard adopted by IEEE to define an over the air interface between a wireless client and base station or between two wireless clients.

The 802.11 standard has evolved over the years and became one of the most successfully deployed technologies. The standard now covers 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g systems.

Radio Frequency (RF) is the medium use by wireless networks in the transmission of information over the air. RF works by converting electrical current into radio waves and transmit those waves over the air using a defined frequency of the radio spectrum. An example, the AM and FM radios two most commonly known uses of the RF spectrum.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the one administering the use of radio spectrum between the frequencies of 9 Kilohertz (KHz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). 802.11 WLAN systems operate in the radio spectrum available to the public, also known as the unlicensed frequency band. These radio spectrum bands are unlicensed, free for use by anyone provided FCC regulations are complied with.

The FCC as a regulatory governs the maximum transmit power of wireless radios as well as, type of encoding and frequency modulations to be used. In 802.11 operations, it is provided for by the FCC that non-licensed radios (such as 802.11) must accept interference from licensed electronic systems. FCC considers licensed device as the primary equipment.

802.11 Wireless LAN Standard Operating Frequencies: The 802.11 standard are assigned frequencies 2.4 GHz (2.4-2.4835 GHz) on ISM Band and 5 GHz (5.15-5.25 GHz, G.25-5.35 GHz, 5.725-5.825 GHz) of the U-NII band. 802.11b and 802.11g operates on 2.4 GHz while 802.11a is operating on the 5 GHz band.

802.11 assigned frequency range has different characteristics. Lower Frequencies (2.4 GHz ) exhibit better range but with limited bandwidth and lower data rates. Higher Frequencies (5 GHz) have less range but higher data rates but is prone to blocking by solid objects.

These are attributable to attenuation and interference. Attenuation or the loss of signal strength during transmission is higher when the receiver is farther from the transmitter. Obstacles such as mountains and buildings also contribute to attenuation by blocking or weakening radio signals, causing signal loss or dead spots. Depending of what they are made of, floors, walls, and ceilings can either strengthen or weaken WLAN signals. Interference can be caused by nearby stations operating in the same frequency on the same channel. 2.4 GHz cordless phones for instance can cause great interference on 802.11b wireless networks.

Wireless broadband and WLAN devices are called transceiver devices since it both transmit and receive at the same time. Each component both transmits and receives IP traffic. Antennas direct RF power into the air over a coverage area. An Antenna provides wireless LAN devices gain, direction and polarization. Gain is the measure of increase in power while direction is the shape of the transmission pattern. Polarization is dependent on antenna alignment and can be typically described as vertical or horizontal. Most Access Point antennas are designed to operate in vertical pattern for maximum horizontal coverage plane or polarization. Putting the antenna in a horizontal position will result in a vertical plane limiting coverage.

The factor to consider in increasing the range of Wireless LAN devices is the Antenna and EIRP. EIRP or Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power is being governed or limited by FCC regulations to a maximum of Four (4) watts with additional restrictions/limitations depending on type of antenna (directional or omni-directional) and antenna placement (indoor or outdoors). Some countries limit EIRP to as much as 100mw, above this will require a license to operate. This applies mostly for outdoor WLAN equipments.

To deploy long-range outdoor wireless broadband and WLAN devices, please consult your country’s telecommunication commission guidelines on use of outdoor wireless broadband (WLAN) devices.

The goal is to reach people yearning to start their own home-based business even in remote regions thru cost-effective internet business and long-range wireless communication solutions.

By: Allan Ampoloquio

Wireless Router & Security: A Step-By-Step Guide

2008-12-20T01:04:00.000-08:00

Setting up a wireless router is easy. Essentially you turn your cable or DSL modem off and your wireless router on. Then, you connect the router to the modem with a cable, and turn the modem back on. You are more or less done. The wireless network wizard on your computer will pick up the router and, if your ISP does not have any special requirements, away-you-go, you are on the Internet.

For ease of setup and configuration, manufacturers ship wireless routers with all security disabled. Therein lies the problem. If you do not take any further steps to secure your router, and a surprising number of people don’t, your network will be wide open to all passersby and strangers. It’s like you’ve hung out a sign, “The door is open. Please come in and help yourself.”

The problem is not that strangers will be able to use your router to access the Internet but that, without further protection, would-be intruders will be able monitor and sniff out information you send and receive on your network. Malicious intruders can even hop on to your internal network; access your hard drives; and, steal, edit, or delete files on your computer.

The good news is that it is relatively easy to secure your wireless router. Here are three basic steps you should take.

1. Password protect the access to your router’s internal configuration

To access your router’s internal setup, open a browser and enter the routers setup URL. The URL will be specified in the manual. The URLs for D-Link and Linksys routers, two major manufacturers of wireless routers, are http://192.168.0.1 and http://192.168.1.1, respectively.

For Linksys routers, leave the user name blank and type “admin” (without the quotes) in the password field and press enter. To change the password, simply click on the Password tab and enter your new password.

For other routers, please consult your manual. Alternately, you can search on the Internet with the term “default login for ”. Don’t be surprised to find quite a number of pages listing default login parameters for many different routers, even uncommon ones.

2. Change the default SSID (Service Set IDentifier)

The SSID is the name of a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). All wireless devices on a WLAN use SSIDs to communicate with each other.

Routers ship with standard default SSIDs. For example, the default SSID for Linksys routers is, not unsurprisingly, “Linksys”. As you can see, if you don’t change the default SSID of your router a would-be intruder armed with a few common SSIDs from major manufacturers will be able to find your wireless network quite easily.

To change the SSID, click on the Wireless tab. Look for an input item labeled SSID. It will be near the top. Enter a new name for network. Don’t use something like “My Network”. Use a name that is be hard to guess.

3. Disable SSID broadcast

Wireless enabled computers use network discovery software to automatically search for nearby SSIDs. Some of the more advanced software will query the SSIDs of nearby networks and even display their names. Therefore, changing the network name only helps partially to secure your network. To prevent your network name from being discovered, you must disable SSID broadcast.

In the same screen that you changed the name of your network, you will see options for SSID broadcast. Choose “Disable SSID” to make your network invisible. Now save all your settings and log out.

Since your wireless network is now invisible, you will have to configure your computers to connect to your wireless network using the new name. On Windows XP, start by clicking on the wireless icon in the Notification Area and proceed from there.

With these three steps, your network now has basic security. However, if you keep sensitive information on your computers, you may want to secure your wireless network even further. For example, you can

- Change the channel your router uses to transmit and receive data on a regularly basis.
- Restrict devices that can connect to the router by filtering out MAC (Media Access Control) addresses.
- Use encryption such as WEP and WPA.

As with most things in life, security is a trade off between cost (time, money, inconvenience) and benefit (ease of use). It is a personal decision you make. However for the majority of home uses, the three basic steps plus WEP/WPA encryption provides reasonably strong security.

Turning on encryption is a two-step process. First you configure your router to use encryption using an encryption key of your choice. And then, you configure your computer to use the encryption key. The actual process of configuring your router for encryption varies from router to router. Please consult the router’s manual.

There are even stronger methods for ensuring security. A strong and robust security method is RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service). Using RADIUS requires additional hardware and software. However, there are companies that offer RADIUS security as a subscription based service. The fees are reasonable and dropping.

Therefore for example, if you run a business on your wireless network, have sensitive data on your computers such as credit card information, and have a number of users who access your network, you should consider using RADIUS. Since the service sector for RADIUS is dynamic and growing, a search on the Internet with terms like “RADIUS subscription” or “RADIUS service” is probably the best way to locate one.

By: Brian Medini

Understanding Wireless Lan Networking And Long-range Wireless Lan Communication

2008-12-20T01:02:00.000-08:00

Understanding wireless and wireless LAN networking enable you to properly plan and design the effective deployment of wireless networks be it home-networking or using outdoor long-range WLAN for rural internet connectivity.

Wireless networking allows computers and peripherals to communicate using radio frequency (RF) transmissions rather than over conventional network cabling. Using wireless Ethernet adaptors, any device capable of being used on a regular computer network can be accessed over a wireless connection for task ranging from file and printer sharing to multimedia and internet access.

Wireless Ethernet Technology is outlined by a set of standards called IEEE 802.11. Although other wireless technologies and protocols exist, the term wireless is generally used in reference to the IEEE 802.11 standards.

The communication protocols for wireless networking are defined by the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, which incorporates the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g protocols (although other standards are in progress). The most widely used of these is 802.11b (Wireless-B), which is more reliable than the faster 802.11a (Wireless-A) standard, and is more cost-effective to produce and operate as well. Wireless-G or 802.11g, is a newer protocol that is becoming more widely adopted by vendors as it is capable of speeds up to 54Mbps rather than the 11Mbps of 802.11b devices.

It is no longer rare to find devices that support all three standards, but generally, Wireless-G is designed to be backwards compatible with Wireless-B devices. Thus Wireless-B and Wireless-A devices will not work with each other, and neither are they compatible with Wireless-G devices.

Some manufacturers offer models with dual-band (Wireless A & G/B) auto-switch mode for greater communication flexibility. Network planners can plan their network deployment by using a combination of Wireless-B,G or A.

Wireless 802.11 standard utilizes the license-free radio frequency bands around the 2.4GHz and/or 5GHz ranges. The 802.11b and 802.11g protocols use the 2.4GHz band whereas 802.11a uses the 5GHz band. Wireless-B is by far the most popular standard, with the newer Wireless-G (802.11g) and Wireless-A (802.11a) closing in fast.

Wi-FI or Wireless Fidelity is a certification program established by the Wi-Fi Alliance to ensure interoperability of wireless devices. Originally, the term Wi-Fi was intended to be interchangeable with 802.11b, but more recently it has broadened to cover any 802.11 network.

WLAN or Wireless Local Area Network, is a computer network –or part thereof- that incorporates wireless devices. In a WLAN network, a conventional LAN set-up can be extended to include wireless devices using an access point. Although wireless networks can be completely independent of conventional network, WLAN usually forms part of an existing wired network.

Wireless Transmission ranges vary greatly and lowering the bandwidth will increase the coverage area, a standard 802.11b or 802.11g device will typically have a range of about 30m indoor and up to 120m line-of-sight outdoors. The main reason for the variance between indoors and line-of-sight coverage is that walls and other objects do impede the wireless signal. Because wireless transmissions are actually low frequency radio waves, they will pass through walls and other solid matter relatively easy. As distance increases, the throughput decreases. This is because lower signal strength result in dropped packets and result in a general decrease in network efficiency.

Understanding the technology in wireless and wireless LAN/WAN networking allows the planner the flexibility of using wired and wireless networks. There are areas that wired networks can not go owing to distance, terrain or topography thus if the planner has knowledge on wireless LAN networking, the simpler, faster and easy it is to deploy an effective wireless network.

Understanding how wireless LAN works will also help you plan deployment of a rural wireless internet access service. Wireless LAN is a very cost-effective solution for much needed internet connectivity requirements in far, remote villages. WISP is a good and potential business in remote areas.

Either you use commercial "off-the-shelf" WLAN gadget, tweak and improve its performance by using higher-gain outdoor antenna or buy a true-outdoor long-range Wireless LAN. For assured network performance, service-quality and less network downtime, we recommend using the latter.

The goal is to reach people yearning to start their own home-based business even in remote regions thru cost-effective internet business and long-range wireless communication solutions.

By: Allan Ampoloquio