WiMAX News & Opinion

A Century of Einstein

I'd like to give a nod to famed physicist, Albert Einstein for a moment since 2005 marks a century of Einstein.

1905 was dubbed the "miracle year", and Einstein published a plethora of scientific papers that still play an important role in science today. In 1905, only a few believed in  the existence of atoms, whereas today, you know the pen you are holding in your hand is comprised of those little suckers because your science teacher told you so. Fact is fact. Didn't you know?

Just as Einstein was a scientist, he was a prized philosopher and philanthropist. Now, I know that physics and philosophy go hand in hand. Quantum physics theories are just that - theories - ones that we can only accept as a working idea. My guy, who happens to be a physics teacher, often likes to demonstrate the laws of physics while pontificating the theories behind them and how they pertain to our existence (he can be such an existentialist in the making as well!) and I often find myself wondering about technology and how the laws of physics have had an impact on how we communicate today.

It's funny, because Einstein once said "You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat."

I wonder, then, if Einstein were still around, how would he describe VoIP or WiMAX?

Your ideas are welcome.

Indonesian Government to WiMAX: You're Not Welcome

The tsunami-stricken Indonesian archipelago won't be visited by the WiMAX fairy anytime soon. Goverment regulations are blocking this sought-after technology, citing frequency licensing issues.

A shame, really considering that this is holding up comminication endeavors in the area. Given that WiMAX is top choice for areas with poor infrastructure, it seems that Indonesia will be missing out as far as catching up with the rest of the world technologically.

Sources state that Intel did, in fact, try to ship wireless peripherals to Indonesia, however the government intervened with a big "not welcome" sign. Add to the fact that WiFi licensing is rather expensive so those offering the service are forced to share stations and cost of fees.

So, no flag on my "Where in the World is WiMAX?" map for Indonesia. At least, not yet.

Developing the Gear

Intel's recent news of the erstwhile "Rosedale" chip, the Intel Pro/Wireless 5116 chip based on the IEEE 802.16-2004 specification, has WiMAX fans standing by. I just read that carriers are joining in on the WiMAX fun and vendors are getting the gear ready for the new Intel chip.

Companies included are Alvarion LTD, Aperto Networks, Proxim Corporation, Redline Communications, Siemens AG, and Huawei Technologies in China. A recent article states that "Carriers planning trials include heavy hitters AT&T Corp., BT Group PLC, Brasil Telecom SA, Qwest Communications International Inc. and Telefonos de Mexico SA de CV. "

The article also mentions WiMAX testing in Jersey ....as in New Jersey. Yes. The United States! Looks like I can finally put a tack close to home on my "where in the world is WiMAX?" map.

WiMAX in the U.S.?

Contributing editor Johanne Torres reported on some interesting news yesterday and one part of her report grabbed my attention:

NextWeb and CommPartners announced today that they joined forces to deploy what the companies claim will be the largest VoIP service over a pre-WiMAX network in the US.

Pre-WiMAX, eh? U.S., eh? VoWiMAX perhaps? It seems NextWeb is pioneering the largest VoIP over wireless deployment yet. So will we see WiMAX here in the good ol' U.S of A., starting with the state of California?

Johanne's report is full of good information. Here it is in case you missed out:

NextWeb and CommPartners announced today that they joined forces to deploy what the companies claim will be the largest VoIP service over a pre-WiMAX network in the US. To accomplish this, NextWeb, a California-based fixed-wireless Internet service provider for business, will combine its VoIP services with CommPartners’ IP-to-PSTN interconnection carrier services.

The new system would enable the companies to serve a potential customer-base of 500,000 small and medium-sized businesses throughout the state of California. NextWeb's VoIP service is in the final stages of beta testing and will be rolled out to NextWeb coverage areas beginning next month.

New customers to NextWeb's VoIP service will be able to purchase the service on a stand-alone basis or have the option of bundled VoIP and data services at a lower cost. For customers with multiple offices, NextWeb offers extension dialing, giving each office on the network an extension reachable via the main phone line, even if the offices reside in different area codes.

"NextWeb is a pioneer in the fixed broadband wireless market and continues to lead industry trends by spearheading the industry's biggest deployment of VoIP over wireless to date," said Graham Barnes, CEO and founder of NextWeb. "By teaming NextWeb's extensive pre-WiMAX network with CommPartners' advanced VoIP solutions, thousands of small- and medium-business customers will be able to take full advantage of greater services at an affordable cost."

The new service bundle will include traditional custom calling features such as call waiting, voicemail, caller-ID and call forwarding. Additional benefits will include a user-friendly Call Manager Web portal for easy self-management of advanced options such as personal phone lists and Outlook integration, as well as Web based 'click-to-call'.

"NextWeb is a leader in the field of fixed wireless broadband and we are pleased to be working with the company to provide high quality VoIP services," said Dave Clark, co-founder and chief executive officer of CommPartners. "We look forward to building a strong partnership with NextWeb as the company continues to expand its network."

Intel & WiMAX

The news is out: Intel announced its first WiMAX product!

The erstwhile "Rosedale" is based on the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard and according to a recent article, "is designed to power devices that will receive WiMAX signals in users' homes".

Here's the full release from Intel's Web site:

Intel Corporation today announced the availability of its first WiMAX product, providing equipment manufacturers and carriers the ability to deliver next-generation wireless broadband networks around the world.

In addition, several service providers worldwide announced plans to begin commercial WiMAX trials based on Intel silicon products later this year, giving consumers and businesses a glimpse at this emerging wireless high-speed broadband technology. Key equipment providers also announced WiMAX solutions based on Intel's product.

WiMAX, short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a standards-based wireless technology for providing high-speed, last-mile broadband connectivity to homes and businesses and for mobile wireless networks. Intel's WiMAX silicon delivers the features needed to provide cost-effective, high-speed wireless modems for homes and businesses. Initial deployments will enable delivery of broadband Internet access to remote areas not currently served by DSL or cable, and will make it possible to wirelessly connect buildings up to several miles apart. Because it is standards-based, WiMAX technology is expected to make it easier and more cost-effective for new and existing broadband users to enjoy wireless Internet access.

"As a standards-based, high-speed Internet access solution, WiMAX can provide the platform for the next generation of Internet expansion, connecting the next billion Internet users," said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel's Broadband Wireless Division. "In addition to delivering the first flexible, highly integrated WiMAX system-on-chip, Intel has worked with a number of parties, including carriers and equipment manufacturers, to prepare the industry for the next wave of wireless technology."

Optimized for Broad Adoption
Previously codenamed "Rosedale," the Intel® PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface device is based on the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard, giving carriers and end-users the confidence that equipment from different vendors will work together. WiMAX solutions based on 802.16-2004 enable the creation of high-speed, fixed wireless broadband networks, providing Internet connectivity, Internet Protocol (IP) and TDM Voice capabilities and IP-based real-time video at high speeds.

The Intel PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface is the first 802.16-2004 system-on-chip optimized for cost-effective WiMAX modems and residential gateways. These units may be placed in either homes or businesses to receive and transmit a wireless broadband signal.

The product is designed with a high level of integration to streamline the development process and reduce costs for equipment manufacturers. It also offers a programmable architecture that makes it easier for equipment manufacturers to add innovative, unique applications on top of the standards-based Intel solution.

To bring WiMAX connectivity to a broader audience, the Intel PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface enables both outdoor WiMAX products as well as new indoor solutions, such as self-installable WiMAX modems and residential gateways.

Ecosystem Working to Bring WiMAX to Reality
Some of the carriers working with Intel to enable a broad ecosystem around WiMAX include: AT&T* (US), Altitude Telecom* (France), BT* (UK), Brasil Telecom* (Brazil), ETB* (Columbia), Iberbanda* (Spain), Millicom* (Argentina), Qwest* (US), Sify* (India), Speakeasy* (US), Telkom* (South Africa), Telmex* (Mexico), TowerStream* (US), UHT* (Ukraine).

In addition, market-leading equipment manufacturers have announced their own products based on the Intel PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface, including Airspan*, Alvarion*, Aperto Networks*, Axxcelera Broadband Wireless*, Gemtek*, Huawei*, Proxim Corporation*, Redline Communications*, Siemens Mobile*, SR Telecom* and ZTE*. With the delivery of the Intel PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface, these vendors expect to participate in upcoming certification testing by the WiMAX Forum*, an industry group chartered to test and certify interoperability among WiMAX products from different manufacturers.

Vatican: I Have A Solution

Pope John Paul II saw the papacy through the Internet age. Heck, he started the official Vatican Web site which was launched in 1995 in an effort to further publicize his sermons and speeches. People were alerted of the pope's death via text messages and other various technological means. With the conclave just on the horizon, it seems technology might have a way to hack into this all-too-secretive meeting in which cardinals will elect a new pope.

It's a classic tale of espionage: spying on the princes of the church to get the earliest word on the new pope.

Not that the Vatican hasn't already forseen this. Security has been years in the making for this exact reason.

James Bond-types could possibly score the news via satellite camera or lasers - you know, those nifty beams that could shoot right in a window and pick up conversations.

Ah, but the pope is no stranger to spies, especially since his involvement with the communist regime in Poland. Surely, there was a spy or two present. However, the Vatican has already banned cell phones, recorders, radios, televisions, and anything electronic from the premises.

Perhaps I should suggest to the Vatican that they do a little painting. In January, Force Field Wireless released a latex house paint that is laced with copper and aluminum fibers that form an electromagnetic field, blocking most radio waves so hackers and other vile beings stay out.

Who knew?

New Triple Play Blog

The TMCnet blogging team welcomes NetCentrex, sponsor of the Triple Play channel to its family of bloggers. If you're just as interested as I am in the world of triple play, then be sure to head on over to the triple play blog and hear what Brian Mahony of NetCentrex has to say.

Welcome NetCentrex to the TMCnet blogosphere!

A TMC Welcome

Allow me to remove my WiMAX hat for a moment and direct your attention to a special announcement from TMCnet....

TMCnet has just added Maxine ("Max") Sandler to our channels team as our new online channels designer.

Max comes to TMCnet with a background in Web design and production. As the channels editor, I'm extremely excited to work alongside a very talented person. We're excited to promote all of our channel sponsors through customized portals and I feel that all of our sponsors will benefit from Max's expertise.

We released the announcement on our site, so be sure to read for further details. And of course, be sure to visit all of the channels on TMCnet!

Welcome Max!

WiMAX: It's Not Unhealthy

A recent article published by the Inquirer investigates the beaming WiMAX signals and their effect on (and I quote) "humanoids". It seems that this monster technology is, in fact, harmless to WiMAX city dwellers. I suppose this is good news given that in most case scenarios when one is exposed to rays or beams of various types, they usually end up large and green with super strength or somehow find a way to crawl up skyscrapers. But in all seriousness....

...according to the article, Intel is weighing heavily on this matter. They are continuously watching the effects of WiMAX radio emissions. ("No one seems to be turning into spiders yet, sir".) Said Sean Maloney, Intel guru, "since concerns were first raised about cellular transmissions, not one case of them having an effect on human tissue had been proven."

So there you have it folks. If you're in a WiMAX city, worry not. WiMAX is good for you.

Blue Tooth Vs. The Floppy: An Epic?

Neil Gaiman, one of my favorite authors, posted a funny little blog today. I was perusing through my RSS feeds and noticed that Neil gave a nod to technology.

First of all, I was happy to hear that Mr. Gaimain has finally started the drafting process of Beowulf, along with Roger Avary. The epic of all epics has landed into the hands of a prized writer and I am anticipating a bloody good product. Moving on...

Neil was sending files to Roger's powerbook via bluetooth technology and Roger, as comical as this is, was sending them back via e-mail. In his blog, Neil reveals his conversation with Roger: "How did we get files back and forth back in 1998, when we did the first draft?" asked Roger, puzzled, the other day. "There were these things called floppy disks," I reminded him. "Oh yes," he said.

And I have to admit, I was thinking the exact same thing. How did we transfer files without e-mail or FTP or bluetooth?

I can't recall the last time I used a floppy disk. It was probably 1998....you know, the days of yore.

The Tiger's Roar

Back in July of last year, I blogged about a certain cat that was soon to be revealed. Apple is finally launching its latest version of OS X - not Jaguar, not Panther - but this time, Tiger.

Squeeing Mac fans can pre-order their Tiger for a delivery date of April 29. The recent installment of OS X is showing some new tricks, one by the name of Spotlight. Spotlight allows users to find virtually anything on the computer - scan your files, e-mails, contacts etc. (Yes, it does sound like Google Desktop) And there is the new Dashboard, a handy little tool that you personalize to make it easier to check flights, stocks and other things as such.

I'm not going to jump for joy just yet - I've only had my Panther for less than a year. I'm still getting used to that operating system. Besides, I'd feel really guilty for abandoning it so quickly.

Barking WiFi?

I'd like to take a moment to draw your attention to TMCnet's newest member, Robert Liu and his great article on WiFi Dog, a PHP-enabled authentication server.

According to Robert's article, "WiFi Dog works by redirecting a user’s initial request through a local port on a gateway, which serves up a customizable splash page to either log-in or sign-up. Similar to NoCat, the information is relayed to the authentication server and, upon successfully logging in, the user receives an ID that is used to continually validate the user as well as record important usage information."

A very interesting WiFi technology indeed. To learn more about WiFi Dog and to read Robert's article in its entirety, click here.

A Day In Work History

32 years ago on April 3, Martin Cooper made the first private call from a cellular phone. The then VP at Motorola (and inventor) was on his way to the first ever public demonstration of cellular-phone technology when he called Joel Engel - a rival in the field at AT&T's Bell Lab.

The phone weighed 2 pounds and looked similarly like a brick. (Imagine that!) The mobile phone didn't hit the market until 10 years later - Motorola then debuted the first cellular phone - the DynaTAC - in 1983. The price? $3,500.00 smackers! That's a heck of a lot more than the "buy one for $49.99 and get one free" deals you see today.

Today, there are more cellular phone subscribers than landline users and our phones today weigh as little as 3 piddly ounces.

Thus concludes today's day in work history tidbit. Yes - you really do learn something new everyday.

A Cellular Tale

There once was a group of gadgets called cell phones. Cell phones were such great gadgets because you could talk to anyone, anywhere no matter where you went! Some cell phones helped people organize themselves, make to-do lists, calculate math to balance nasty check books, and even play games! Over the years technology grew and grew and quicker than you can say VoIP.....

....there once was a technology named VoIP who used the Internet to turn PC's into little telephone switches. VoIP helped many people talk for as long as they wanted with any person in the world because people didn't need to maintain or spend extra money for a seperate line to make telephone calls. VoIP made it easier to reach out and touch someone.

There once was another technology named WiFi. WiFi was associated with freedom because WiFi allowed people to connect to the Internet from a couch in their home, a bed in a hotel, or at a table in Starbucks. WiFi loved radio waves because these made wireless networking easier and more convenient. Where there is a base station, there is WiFi.

One day, WiFi and VoIP thought about getting together and changing thier name to VoWiFi, but the cellular phone was very upset. When VoIP and WiFi got together, they made cell phones feel old-fashioned - VoIP and WiFi made it easier for people to use other nifty gadgets like PDAs, laptops, or super-cool, specially designed phones to make VoIP calls at any WiFi hotspot for free. Businesses, organizations, or people who just liked to talk could take advantage of fewer communications costs while having a mobile system that offered more indoor coverage and better voice quality.

And so VoIP and WiFi turned to VoWiFi, but people are still buying cellular phones and the cellular phone makers don't feel too threatened yet - afterall, roaming access and security are still an issue.

The End.

And Where is This iTunes Phone?

How could we forget the almost-excitement at CeBit and CTIA Wireless earlier this year when Motorola sort of announced the iTunes phone?

Just as Motorola was quick to spill the beans, Apple was quicker to the draw and slapped a thick piece of extra-sticky duct tape right over Motorola's mouth. While Motorola initially stood alone, Apple cited their practice of "never showing before we release" tactics.

So what really happened with the pulled announcement?

A recent article suggests that "perhaps a wireless carrier who planned to offer the iTunes phone balked at the last minute?" Doubtful. That doesn't sound like enough amo to give the announcement the ax.

Or maybe it has to do with the avarice of all evil - cash. Wouldn't it make sense that wireless provider xyz got greedy with the deal and simply wanted some of the dough that Apple and Motorola would share based on phone and music sales? Seems slightly more likely.

Whatever the case may be I'm still waiting for the iTunes phone - now that the cat is half-way out of the bag, one can only anticipate the product.

Are You Podcasting?

iPods are not just for music anymore. According to Pew Internet & American Life Project, 6 million American adults have downloaded a podcast.

According to Wikipedia, "Podcasting" is a web-based broadcast medium in which files are made available online in a way that allows software to automatically detect new files (generally via RSS), and download them. A podcast can be thought of an audio magazine subscription, in that a subscriber receives regular programs without having to remember to go get them, and can listen or watch them at leisure. It can also be thought of as the internet equivalent of timeshift-capable digital video recorders (DVRs) such as TiVo, which let users automatically record and store television programs for later viewing.

According to Pew, "22 million American adults own iPods or MP3 players and 29% of them have downloaded podcasts from the web so they could listen to audio files at a time of their choosing."

I've never podcasted on my 1st gen, 10gig iPod, personally.

Although I hear you can now workout via podcast instead of schlepping out of bed and doing Tae-Bo.

Who would have thought?

Motorola v265

I have to admit that I am very late in this craze of camera phones. Back in December, my boyfriend gave me a Motorola v265 camera phone as an early Christmas present and it was a welcome change from the clunky old Nextel I had been lugging around for 2 years.

I realize now people are taking *eye roll* videos with their phones (see? always a step behind) and I've noticed that the video phones are priced lower than what my Motorola v265 was back in the winter. At any rate, I still take pictures proudly with my Motorola (because I don't own a good digital camera yet...I know! I'm behind!) and I have to say, the Motorla v265 takes some great pictures.

Albeit, viewing them on the LCD screen of your phone isn't the best way to share your photos...the quality is extremely grainy and heavily pixelated. However, I noticed upon e-mailing the photos to myself, the pictures are decent when viewed on a computer monitor.

That said, I present to you my adorable 7 month old niece, Allison Kay who I got to see this past weekend. (yes...I'm the proud aunt holding her...her proud Momma had her try with the Motorola and did a fine job as a photographer)

WiMAX Finally in the U.S.?

If you've been reading my blog (which I apologize hasn't been updated lately...I know, I must have been missed) then you know I'm hot on the pursuit for WiMAX. More importantly, I've been mapping WiMAX and its whereabouts and have often been disappointed that WiMAX hasn't shown its pretty little face right here in the good ol' U.S. of A.

Well, I have news for you!

TMC announced a plan to build the next generation broadband wireless demonstration network....right here in our Norwalk office!

This is good news for TMC- this is the first pre-WiMAX standards deployment to date.

Using FastSwitching/OFDMA-based equipment, full coverage will be provided for the Norwalk vicinity. According to the release, the network will provide key infrastructure for the new Web editorial team and remote workers alike, and will enhance communications capabilities for business operations, and, who knew... e-government.

This establishment signifies the growing realization and demand for wireless broadband support in metropolitan areas as well as rural communities. We are honored to provide the city of Norwalk with  this ground-breaking network!

(April 1, 2005....Happy April Fools Day)