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Linksys' WTR54GS Wireless-G Travel Router reviewed
We sure wish we'd had Linksys' WTR54GS travel router a few months ago at CES, where press room Ethernet connections were few and far between, and the single venue offering free WiFi seemingly devoid of techs to keep the network running. Mobile Tech Today also seems to think that this 802.11b/g router would have served us well, providing both basic SecureEasySetup-compatible WEP and WPA encryption along with more advanced Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and browser-based fine tuning options for regulating traffic. With four out five stars from MTT, the only downside to this 5.2-ounce router is its range, due mostly to the internal antenna, but when you're sitting five feet away from it in your hotel room that probably won't matter too much.
Westchester County passes WiFi security law
Late last year we told you about Westchester County Executive Andy Spano's law, which proposed making it illegal for Westchester County business to have open WiFi. Well, guess what: it passed. Granted, we've learned a few things about this law that makes us a little less sketch; for example, it only applies to WiFi networks of businesses that store customer credit cards or financial information -- or, to a lesser degree, cafes and hotels and the like, which if operating an open WiFi hotspot, must now post signage advising patrons to use a firewall and be wary of their network security. And even when the law goes into effect in six months it'll just be wrist-slaps: a third-offense business risks receiving a paltry $500 fine. Granted, we have no idea how Westchester plans to enforce scofflaw companies who won't change their default SSIDs (how you gonna identify who's got the Linksys?), install firewalls on servers, and implement WEP or WPA crypto, but we will definitely be keeping an eye out for city positions that read something like: "looking for hacker experienced in wardriving and snarfing / must know kismet, snort, nmap, like tools."[Via Ars Technica]
WPA-2 support left out
The manual for Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adaptor clearly states, "Your wireless networking adaptor support WPA-2, WPA, and WEP security." Unfortunately, the device does not support WPA-2 and that got rSYN plenty steamed. After tracking down the Xbox connectivity project manager, gamertag Delta4, he was told, "We are aware that WPA2 is not supported by the Xbox360 Wireless adapter and that is by design." rSyn updated his page today writing, "Three more polite messages from Delta4. WPA2 was removed late in development. Apparently it shouldn't be in any documentation or any websites." For a $100 wireless adaptor I hope they update the software to support the feature. While it might not be the most widespread protocol, it does offer increased security. For the users that have a home network that relies on WPA-2, the option to revert down would be plenty frustrating. Other options include an wireless bridge that supports WPA-2 or a good old-fashioned LAN cable.Read on for a screenshot from the manual (PDF link). [Thanks, rSYN]
