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networking posts

Are some Apple Time Capsules locking themselves up for good?

by Donald Melanson posted Oct 6th 2009 at 8:02PM

A backup device that's not reliable is what some may consider a "very bad thing," but that's just the charge that a sizable number of users have been leveling at Apple's Time Capsule as of late, and the complaints aren't showing any signs of letting up. What's worse is that the problem being reported doesn't appear to be related to a firmware or software update, or some other configuration issues, but rather that the Time Capsules "just die" randomly -- most after a year or more. Judging from the reports on the official Apple forums, it also seems that folks are having hit and miss results getting Apple to fix or replace their Time Capsule, with some apparently able to get an out-of-warranty replacement and others faced with a $500 bill. So, has your Time Capsule bitten the dust? Let us know in comments.

[Thanks, Michael]

Time Telescope greatly improves optical data transmission, won't undo your past mistakes

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Oct 1st 2009 at 3:06AM

Researchers at Cornell have developed a "time telescope" from silicon waveguides that work like the two lenses of a telescope (or microscope) to compress and decompress data. Using the method, they were able to shift a 24-bit light pulse from 2.5 nanoseconds to 92 picoseconds in length without losing any information -- delivering the it to its destination 27 times faster than traditional fiber optics. Of course, the current 24-bit limit is too small for real world use, but it is a start -- and since this uses industry-supported fabrication technology, there's a chance that we may actually get our hands on one of these things in the not-too-distant future. Insert your own Marty McFly joke here.

[Via Slashdot]

Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter hands-on and impressions

by Darren Murph posted Sep 2nd 2009 at 1:39PM

It's an age-old problem. What do you do when you're just barely out of range of a nearby WiFi signal, and moving closer really isn't a convenient option? hField Technologies has been solving said quandary for years with its continually revamped Wi-Fire, and we were fortunate enough to grab hold of the newest, third-generation version in order to put said company's claims to the test. Quite frankly, we were more than skeptical about this so-called range extender; let's face it, this thing has all the markings of an 'As Seen On TV' trinket that does little more than fantasize about delivering on its promises. Thankfully for all of the parties involved, we're happy to say that our doubts were hastily shelved. Read on for more.

Continue reading Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter hands-on and impressions

Netgear's Home Theater Internet Connection Kit spreads content on power lines

by Darren Murph posted Aug 12th 2009 at 10:29AM

Not so fond of those wireless streaming solutions? Unable to strew Ethernet cables all across your abode for fear of an SO beating? Fret not, as Netgear's now-shipping Home Theater Internet Connection Kit has you covered. The $179.99 bundle consists of an XAVB1004 Powerline AV Ethernet switch and a single Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter (XAV101) to get you started; just connect your web-ready wares to these adapters via Ethernet, and connect said adapters to your home's vast array of power outlets. It's magic, really.

[Via HotHardware]

Apple unveils 2TB Time Capsule, ships today for $499

by Darren Murph posted Jul 30th 2009 at 8:45AM

Nearly four months after we first saw evidence that a 2TB Time Capsule was in the works, Apple has finally come clean and listed said device for sale in its webstore. So far as we can tell, the 802.11n router + NAS drive isn't any different than existing models save for the internal capacity, and it looks to be shipping today for $499. If you'll recall, that's exactly what Apple was charging for the 1TB model yesterday, which has today stooped to just $299. As for that 500GB model? Looks like the clearance / refurbished section is your only option there, where it's currently listed for $199.

hField Technologies intros revamped Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter

by Darren Murph posted Jul 28th 2009 at 8:04AM

Evidently hField Technologies has a good thing going with this inelegant Wi-Fire thingamajig, as it has just followed up versions one and two with the latest and greatest third iteration. The revamped Wi-Fire, which is more formally known as the HFWFG200, is said to be some 40 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the previous incarnation, yet it promises to maintain a solid WiFi signal while up to 1,000 feet away from the source. In one of those classic "two steps forward, three leaps back" moments, the company has added in support for Linux and OS X-based systems, though the device only works with 802.11b/g devices. In other words, you won't see 802.11n speeds out of this thing, and you'll still get looked at funny with it affixed atop your laptop's display. If you're willing to swap dignity for connectivity, you can get one headed your way today for $59.

[Via HotHardware]

Gallery: hField Technologies intros revamped Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter

802.11n finalization just a formality, interoperability to be preserved

by Darren Murph posted Jul 27th 2009 at 3:56AM

C'mon, say it with us: "phew!" Considering that just about everyone has been shipping "802.11n" wireless kit since draft 2.0 was put into play two summers ago, we couldn't be more relieved to see the Wi-Fi Alliance confirm that it won't change the baseline requirements of its 802.11n certification program when the format gets certified this September. Just as we'd heard, the WiFi standard will leave its stagnant draft status and sashay into the wondrous realm of officialdom in merely two months, with the updated test program to "preserve interoperability with more than 600 Wi-Fi certified 802.11n draft 2.0 products released since June 2007, while adding testing for some optional features now included in the standard." Good thing, too -- can you imagine the uproar if your forthcoming 802.11n dongle wouldn't play nice with that draft-N router you snagged last June?

[Via Electronista]

UK ATMs set to offer WiFi access, free for BT and iPhone users

by Vladislav Savov posted Jun 27th 2009 at 4:13PM

BT Broadband customers and O2 iPhone owners, rejoice -- some 2,500 ATM machines near you will soon be converted to serve as free WiFi hotspots, courtesy of BT Openzone and Cashbox, perhaps the most mismatched pair of commercial metaphors ever put together. The initial rollout starts with 10 machines this week and numbers are expected to steadily increase. Non-BT users and iPhone heretics wanting to join in the fun will have to shell out £5.88 ($10) for 90 minutes or a more reasonable £9.79 ($16) for 24 hours.

[Via Tech Digest]

Linksys announces WRT160NL Linux-powered media sharing router

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jun 23rd 2009 at 1:27PM

Do you have some media to share with yourself (or with those in close vicinity)? The Linksys Wireless N Storage Router is a sleek and sexy refresh of the tried and true Wireless G, throwing in external R-SMA antenna connectors, USB connectivity (for your fave external drive) and an integrated media server. This bad boy can stream to PCs or UPnP AV digital media adapters, and it supports FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS file systems in both read and write mode. Available now for $109.99.

Cisco signs on to provide infrastructure, build Linksys WiMAX routers for Clearwire

by Darren Murph posted May 14th 2009 at 8:41AM

Clearwire may not be as ubiquitous as you'd like it to be, but it's taking a huge step forward in hopes of wildly expanding by linking up with Cisco. In essence, the two have joined hands in order to "enhance and expand CLEAR 4G mobile WiMAX services throughout the United States," with Cisco providing the core infrastructure and Clearwire providing the guidance. Potentially more interesting is the notion that Cisco's Linksys brand will soon be delivering "new mobile WiMAX devices," such as routers that will presumably tune to WiFi and WiMAX waves. Specific product details are sorely absent, though Clearwire does reiterate that it's hoping to have WiMAX service to more than 80 markets across the US by the end of next year.

Netgear's MoCA coax-ethernet adapter kit now available, explained with bizarre cartoon

by Ross Miller posted Apr 22nd 2009 at 3:43AM

Netgear's coaxial-hijacking adapter kit MCAB1001 MoCA is now available. The pair of devices, which turns your cable outlets into a home networking solution with transfer speeds up to 270 Mbps, is retailing on the company's online shop for a penny under $190, and if you'd like to watch an infomercial on how it works, chock full of oddly-chosen metaphors and trippy visuals, we've got the perfect read link for you just below.

Read - Product page
Read - "MoCA in a Nutshell" video

Australia's A$43 billion broadband project: up to 100Mbps in 90% of homes and businesses

by Ross Miller posted Apr 7th 2009 at 3:04AM

In what he's calling "the single biggest infrastructure decision" in the country's history," Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's announced an A$43 billion (US $30.6 billion) project to create a nationwide high speed broadband network. The goal's to get 90 percent of homes and business up to 100Mbps speeds with fiber optic connection, with a less impressive 12Mbps wireless / satellite for the rest. Up to 49 percent of the funds will be from the private sector; the government will initially invest A$4.7b, while A$20b will come from a national infrastructure fund and the sale of bonds. The venture's expected to take seven to eight years, and Rudd said the government intends to sell off its stake after five years. Sure, it's not 1Gbps by 2012, but hey, they might end up beating us at the "nationwide broadband" game.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read - Sydney Morning Herald
Read - Reuters

IEEE begins work on wireless standards for white spaces access

by Darren Murph posted Mar 24th 2009 at 10:55AM

We're probably still months, if not years out from seeing this whole white space debate amount to anything productive, but at least the IEEE is already toiling away on two new standards to address architecture and interfaces for white spaces access. In an admittedly jargon-filled release, the group responsible for keeping 802.11n in draft status for 14 centuries has reportedly approved work to begin on a new duo of protocols for "heterogeneous wireless networks based on the existing IEEE 1900.4 standard." The group specifically mentions IEEE P1900.4a, an amendment to 1900.4 which aims to "examine architecture and interfaces for dynamic spectrum access networks in white space frequency bands." Said standard would basically act to define new components for operating in white space frequencies, and with standardization will hopefully come easier implementation of widespread broadband. Check back in a score or so to see if we've made any progress.

[Via dailywireless]

Netgear's Coax-Ethernet Adapter up for pre-order

by Darren Murph posted Jan 29th 2009 at 8:53AM

Netgear quietly introduced us to its MCAB1001 MoCA Coax-Ethernet adapter (among other things) at CES this year, but the curiously useful device has just now set itself up for pre-ordering. Put simply, this is the device to get for those who both loathe wireless (and all those inexplicable dropouts) and can't pony up the courage / fundage / willpower to wire their home with Ethernet. By enabling users to extend Ethernet signals over existing in-wall coax cabling, you can easily pass along web content, Blu-ray / DVD material or practically any other digital signal over the coax network that's (hopefully) already established within your domicile's walls. Yeah, $229.99 is a bit pricey, but go price out a house full of Ethernet and then reevaluate.

[Thanks, Matt]

Internet2 prepped for 100Gbps capacity

by Evan Blass posted Oct 10th 2007 at 4:43PM

Well it will still be vulnerable to a man, a match, and a mattress, but starting in January, the private Internet2 will begin offering 100Gbps bandwidth in 10Gbps chunks over its fiber optic network. The tech behind these ridiculous speeds -- known as Dynamic Circuit Network -- is reportedly complete as of today, with a wrap party being held at the consortium's Fall Member Meeting in San Diego. Of course researchers will naturally tire of those 10Gbps pipes rather quickly, which is why Internet2 is already working on ramping up the bitrate to between 20Gbps and 100Gbps per line. We'd go into more detail, but our employer-supplied 1,000 hours of free dial-up are just about tapped out...