WiFi.com Blog

As you may have noticed, our blog has been off collecting dust for some time now. We were working diligently with our BETA testers to get our wifi client nailed. In conjunction with this we determined through independent research we were better off moving toward a web-based client. Furthermore, we want to offer our visitors the best wifi hotspot directory: Free, Paid, or otherwise.

For the time being we are moving servers and unfortunately the hotspots database is not working correctly. The database was connected to our client and the new one will be untied from the client, so this will take a few days to get it all converted.

For those of you trying to use or download the client, it is no longer available on any platform. There are specific directions to remove the client from your system on the FAQ page.

We hope you continue to use our wifi database of hotspots and also check out some of the deals we will be offering in the way of low-cost wifi and wimax services. These will be available very soon and we will update you right here and on the main page of the site.

Recently two researchers found one of the wifi encrypion standards which was previously not cracked can be overcome when used in conjuction with a feature which improves VOIP using a wifi network. This is a simplified explanation, of course, and without going to extreme detail about the various encryption standards it can now be said a wifi connection may not be safe when using WEP and WPA/WPA2 (TKIP).

Unless you are using a software or hardware package which addresses your security issues, WiFi.com recommends setting up your network using the Advanced Ecryption Standard (AES). If someone really wants to get into your network, they will do it. However, considering the US government uses this standrad for their own networks and it is the b est one can get at this time, you should feel relatively secure using AES for your wifi network.

As our home networks integrate more and more technology we find more and more of our lives are lived and stored digitally.  Beginning with multiple computer homes, the private home network has grown to include a myriad of devices and gadgets.  Our new toys are now becoming sophisticated enough to communicate with one another and, as they should.  Now that my phone, computer, television and game console can store and display my photos, it only makes sense that personal home networking becomes more commonplace.  Photos are the perhaps only the first step but the need for easy and integrated home networking has become obvious.  In recent developments within Cisco Systems and Ruckus, your home network may be changing again.
Naomi Graychase at Wi-Fi Planet reveals Cisco Systems’ recent announcement to acquire Seattle-based networking software company Pure Networks.  Pure Networks is the provider of Network Magic, an easy-to-use home networking software tool.  Cisco Systems sees this acquisition as an important step in maintaining their juggernaut status in the networking industry.  The Network Magic software and Pure Networks geared toward OEMs, service providers and small business/home users, has a history with Cisco Systems already.  They have been partners in providing Cisco Systems’ Linksys Easy Link Advisor tool.
Why might you be interested in the new focus on home networking?  Why might you want to keep a tab on the business developments of software like Network Magic?  The numbers surrounding HDTV use and desire seem to reflect a growing demand for spiffy television and not just one set but multiple HD sets, a network if you will.

According to Ms. Graychase’s article at Wi-Fi Planet, Ruckus Wireless has released their newest MediaFlex 7000 series to satiate your HD appetite.  While your telecom company will be responsible for purchasing and implementing the MediaFlex series, it means your HDTV availability; quality, service and pricing will all change (again).  Providing more consistent service at higher bandwidth speeds hits home at the wallet and the increase in capacity on networks with multiple high-use outlets such as HDTVs is an important factor in pricing.  As David Callisch, Ruckus Wireless VP of Marketing explains, “carriers care about actual capacity, what they can actually charge for,” Ruckus Wireless is taking a pointed approach to the WiFi end-solution game.  Their focus on multimedia distribution guided the development of the MediaFlex 7000 series.  A product that is designed to do one thing and one thing well, as it’s so billed, will solve the WiFi end-solution game piece by piece.