60-Mile Wireless Ranges Coming From Intel
Earlier this week we reported on the new AirPort Express wireless router from Apple, which delivers an impressive 820-foot range. It's perfect, we thought, for those with expansive abodes. But what about those with expansive estates? Sorry, but 820 feet isn't going to cut it then; 60 miles, however, should be enough for all but the most palatial of digs, and that's just what some new technology from Intel promises. Intel has developed software that promises to extend the reach of a typical Wi-Fi router well past the typical sub-kilometer range. There have been some interesting attempts with giant antennas to boost ranges up to multiple-miles, but this system from Intel uses simple (and relatively cheap) off-the-shelf equipment and no gigantic satellite dishes. The anticipated cost is $500 for the router and antennas; $1000 for the full system (one on each end). It all uses just a few watts of power, too, meaning solar could be an option for truly wireless broadcasting.
So, does this spell the end of Wi-Fi dead zones? We hope so. But if home networks are going to start spanning into the next county, then you'd better make sure you read up on how to secure yours before upgrading.
From textually.org and Technology Review
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
steve kably @ Apr 7th 2008 4:00AM
technolgy can screw our minds so easy,but still we look for the latest.
steve kably @ Apr 7th 2008 4:05AM
by the way anyone knows about the best access software for wireless overseas.(US Army Iraq)