mesh
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TP-Link jumps aboard the mesh WiFi bandwagon
Mesh networking is a pretty big trend in home WiFi these days. Google, Netgear, Plume, Eero and Linksys are all current offering routers that make it super simple to add another router and expand your WiFi coverage, and now TP-Link is getting in on the action. The "Deco M5" system consists of three access points for your WiFi-enabled devices to switch between, depending on which one is offering the best speeds at any given time.
Netgear releases two (slightly) cheaper Orbi routers
Mesh WiFi networks, which use a handful of base stations to eliminate black spots in your home, are great but for one thing: the price. After all, dropping the better part of $500 on a router set is pretty steep when you've got bills to pay and food to buy. Netgear feels your pain, which is why it's adding a pair of cheaper models to its Orbi range of whole-home routers.
Linksys is the latest company to unveil a WiFi mesh system
Mesh networking has become trendy for folks looking to fill every nook and cranny of their homes with WiFi. So it should be no surprise that the makers of the most iconic router ever is unveiling its own system. The Linksys tri-band Velop setup is a modular system that the company says is made to expand as your needs do.
Google WiFi review: A hassle-free router comes at a price
Google's not new to the hardware game, but with its "Made by" range, the company is making a concerted effort to marry its smart software with the gear we run it on. We've already tried the Pixel phones, Daydream View VR headset, Chromecast Ultra and Google Home, but until now, there was one Made by Google gadget we'd yet to test, and it's the one that arguably ties all the rest together: Google's aptly named WiFi router.
Google's WiFi mesh router is now available for pre-order
Google announced on Tuesday that the home mesh network it debuted back in October, Google WiFi, is now available for pre-order. This system replaces your single router with Eero-style access points. Each of these individual nodes acts as a signal relay which reduces WiFi dead zones throughout your house.
Engadget giveaway: Win an Amplifi HD home WiFi system!
Whether you're in a spacious home or cramped apartment, WiFi coverage isn't always what it could be. That's usually solved by upgrading your router to something with more power and range. Ubiquiti Labs has just launched its Amplifi HD (high density) WiFi system to help power users get the most out of their wireless network. The router includes a color touchscreen, as well as a mobile app for easy setup and is said to be ideal for connections of 200Mbps or more, making it a good option high-capacity streaming, gaming and IoT households. Two mesh antennas help to provide up to 20,000SF in range and offer convenient signal indicators for quick status checks. The company has provided us with two of these Amplifi HD systems in advance of its November 21st release for a pair of lucky readers this week. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this power-packed WiFi system. Winners: Congratulations to Lucas A. of Atlanta, GA and Jay J. of Beverly Hills, CA!
Scientists work out how to wire up your brain
Imagine a future where neurological disorders are cured with a single injection into the top of your skull. That's the expectation placed on the shoulders of Charles Lieber, a Harvard chemist who has developed a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to change medicine. The process involves building a tiny fishing net out of conducting threads that can support microscopic sensors across its surface. It's so small that you can use a regular-sized but stronger needle to inject it via a tiny drill hole straight onto the brain. Then, this mesh begins to unfurl and sit on the top of your noggin, shifting around as your grey matter does normally.
US funds networks that help dissidents avoid internet spying
The US doesn't mind dealing in irony, it seems. While many criticize the country for its aggressive internet surveillance, it's also pledging millions of dollars towards mesh networks in Cuba and Tunisia that help dissidents avoid online snooping. As with earlier efforts, these automatic, ad hoc grids aren't connected to the internet; they exist to help locals communicate without fear that the government will watch or block what they're doing. They're not completely spy-proof, but they're designed from the start with secure services in mind.
ZigBee IP spec goes public, offers open IPv6 mesh networking
While ZigBee hasn't become as ubiquitous in wireless as the likes of Bluetooth or WiFi, it has carved out niches in home automation and low-power gear. The format is about to expand its world a little further now that a more network-savvy spec, ZigBee IP, is officially available for everyone. The upgrade adds IPv6 and tougher security to the open mesh networking formula, letting it more easily join an internet of things where there's potentially billions of connected devices. The ZigBee Alliance isn't naming customers at this stage, although it's quick to note that ZigBee IP was built for smart grid use: don't be surprised if you first see it behind the scenes, keeping energy use in check.
Free for All: Looking at Second Life's mesh with Bernhard Drax
I've been hearing the word "mesh" thrown around the Second Life community for quite some time now. I'm no dummy, so I have a pretty decent idea about what it is and how it works. Essentially it is a modeling tool that allows creators more flexibility when it comes to building in Linden Lab's sandbox. Mesh creations can seem more realistic, flowing, and smooth when compared to much of their prim counterparts. But I'm getting ahead of myself already and now need to explain what a prim is. I decided to get some help from Bernhard Drax, known in Second Life as machinima artist Draxtor Despres. He works with Bytegang, a group responsible for Flufee and the first series of fully-mesh avatars in Second Life. Even with his explanation, it won't be easy for me to explain mesh, but let's have a go at it. Mesh is important to understand because it represents a huge shift in not only how Second Life residents build, but how they play as well.
North American Eagle project pumps out WiFi, takes aim at land speed records
Most folks would be content if their jet-powered vehicle did nothing but break land speed records, but not so with the team behind the North American Eagle project. They've gone and also stuffed some WiFi equipment inside the nose of the vehicle, which they hope will be able to transmit data back to an experimental mesh WiFi network set up around the dry lake bed while the vehicle is in the process of breaking the sound barrier. That hasn't happened just yet, but the vehicle itself has already topped speeds of 400 miles per hour -- which is only half of what the team eventually hopes to reach.
Deltenna's WiBE rural broadband device: swans and geese now free to browse
At last, progress. We've heard whispers of "rural broadband expansion" thrown from halls of politicians for months on end, but it looks like a small company across the pond is cutting through the red tape and getting down to business. Deltenna's WiBE -- described as a device to deliver fast broadband to rural areas that are far from the phone exchange -- is available starting today in the UK and Ireland. It's purpose? It connects to nearby 3G networks and creates a mobile hotspot, not unlike a MiFi. The difference is that it delivers a data throughput around 30 times greater than a 3G USB modem, and the connection range is "typically between three and five-times that of the 3G dongle." The theoretical maximum is 7.2Mbps, with extensive testing demonstrating a typical download rate of 2.8Mbps in rural regions. Cetag Systems in Ireland and Buzz Networks in the UK will be first to offer it, with pricing set at £425 (less with bundles) in England and €299 through Cetag. Wildfowl sold separately, though. %Gallery-105993%
Sonos CR200 controller outed by the FCC
Without a doubt, Sonos makes an excellent wireless distributed audio system. If we had to nit pick (and we do), then its massive controller, the CR100 is easily the first thing to complain about. For starters it's a $400 remote control that does one thing, it controls your Sonos audio system. Granted, the CR100 is rugged, splashproof, and turns on in an instant thanks to a built-in accelerometer; features that can't justify the price, however, in light of the solid Sonos did its user base when it released a free Sonos controller app for the iPhone and iPod touch. The app even one-ups the CR100 with its on-screen QWERTY since the CR100's scrollwheel isn't exactly the best interface for typing out the name of an artist search. So imagine our intrigue when we saw a new CR200 Sonos Controller pass through the FCC. The new controller appears to prefer a portrait orientation (instead of landscape like the CR100) and was tested across 802.11g WiFi frequencies with a 24Mbps fixed data rate. While that doesn't give us much to go on, at least it passed the tests meaning we could be close to an official announcement. Considering the controller's physical design hasn't changed since its launch in January of 2005, a few more days or weeks of waiting shouldn't be a problem.
Tropos rolls out new line of 802.11n outdoor mesh routers
Looking to give your massive outdoor wireless network a bit of boost? Then you might want to consider one of Tropos' new 802.11n mesh routers, which offer a little something for anyone with upwards of $3,000 to spend. At the top of the heap is the dual-band Tropos 7320 (pictured above), which boasts a modular design that can accommodate a whole range of antennas to suit your needs, and the ability to be powered by either a regular power adapter, Power over Ethernet, or an optional built-in battery backup module. The mid-range Tropos 6320 hangs onto most of those features but drops the modular antennas, while the basic Tropos 6310 goes one step further by ditching the dual-band capabilities in favor of plain old 2.4GHz. If that's all a bit too much for your needs, however, you may just want to snag one of Tropos' previous 802.11a/b/g routers, which have all been given a 29% price cut to make way for the new models.
Microsoft and Blockbuster hook up to offer mobile media content
Just about a year ago today we heard whispers that Blockbuster was shopping hardware manufacturers to launch a mobile video service. Leveraging Microsoft's Live Mesh network, Blockbuster hopes to get video out to average joe consumer's portable media device -- which we will assume includes Windows Mobile sets -- initially through Airport kiosks that'll offer quick downloads while you wait for your flight. Blockbuster's CIO, Keith Morrow went on to say "Eventually, we'll give customers instant access to any movie on any device with an Internet connection and a screen" and to that we say, cool beans! This all seems to still be in the demo-app stage, and while we know these ventures really have to fight to get consumer attention, we're sorta hoping this takes off.
Live Mesh now available for Mac OS X
[Editor's Note: Several comments objected to the comparison between Dropbox and Microsoft that implied Dropbox's reputation was less than ideal; we also heard directly from Dropbox founder Arash Ferdowsi on this point. The post has been edited to clarify the sense Cory intended -- while Dropbox's service is well-regarded and its backers are notable, some may feel comfortable with a more-established vendor for cloud storage. Our apologies to Dropbox and its users for the unintentional slight.]While many Mac users use MobileMe for file synchronization, there are the a few (*raises hand*) who think it's overpriced. Therefore, I have been looking for alternatives. Dropbox is nice, but I wanted more storage, and I wanted it from a reputable company with a longer track record. I had heard about Live Mesh, Microsoft's up and coming synchronization service so I decided to check it out. While there are plenty of anti-Microsoft Mac users, I tend to like some of their products (i.e. Microsoft Office). Their Live Mesh service just recently came to the Mac platform, and is well built. Once you create/sign-in with your Windows Live ID, you can add new devices for file synchronization, including Macs and PCs (phone support coming soon). To add a Mac to your Mesh account, you'll need to download a small application. This menu bar application will upload your specified folders to Mesh, and keep them in sync. Two things about the Live Mesh service that I really like are: (1) You have the ability to sync up to 5 GBs of data. (2) You can access your files anywhere with the Mesh.com website. However, you'll be presented with a Windows Vista theme, which can be unfamiliar for some Mac users. Overall, I have really liked using this service, but there are a couple of complaints. While the desktop Mesh client is a menu bar application, the Dock icon remians visible -- I found this annoying. Also, the web service is somewhat buggy, and I had problems deleting some older files. However, if you're looking for a good, cheap solution to MobileMe file synchronization, then you might want to give Mesh a try.
Oklahoma town provides real-time streaming from cop cars, free WiFi to residents
Traffic wardens over in the UK have been wielding handheld camcorders for well over a year now, but Ponca City, Oklahoma is making waves here in America with a slightly more sophisticated alternative. In conjunction with Honeywell, the town is implementing a broadband mesh network comprised of over 490 wireless nodes and gateways from Tropos Networks, and aside from providing free WiFi to some 30 square miles of residents, it's also hoping to use the abundant connectivity to help public safety. For instance, the city has installed wireless video cameras in police vehicles so "dispatchers and supervisors can monitor activities during traffic stops, and quickly deploy additional officers and resources if necessary." 'Course, that's just the official word -- everyone and their mother knows this is just the beginning of "C.O.P.S.: Live in Oklahoma."[Via Slashdot, image courtesy of CanMag]
Live Mesh for Windows Mobile beta released, ready for brave souls
Ready to get your Mesh on, Windows Mobile 6.x users? Fantastic. The Live Mesh team has just released (and updated, interestingly enough) the Live Mesh for Mobile client in beta form for users in the US and UK. After following the lead in the read link, you simply sign in with your LiveID and wait to be redirected to a device ring where you'll "Use Live Mesh for mobile devices." If your digital life has just seemed all sorts of out-of-sync lately, why not give this a go and see what it does for clearing things up? [Via the::unwired]
Aruba Networks, Babylon provide WiFi for US soldiers in Iraq
Aruba Networks already installed the "world's largest" WLAN network at The Ohio State University, but its latest deployment just seems strangely more, how do we say... patriotic. Tag-teaming with Babylon Telecommunications, the pair has rolled out a WiFi network that will provide internet access to over 20,000 US soldiers at Joint Base Balad in Iraq. Believe it or not, there was no existing authorized web access at the base before these two stepped in, but thanks to a contract awarded by the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES), troops at the largest US military base in the region can now e-mail loved ones with ease, test their ping times from the sandbox and join a few online poker tournaments during down time. [Via InformationWeek, image courtesy of DefenseLink]
New Windows Mobile peeped in Microsoft Live Mesh video?
Granted this only gives us a glimpse -- by glimpse we mean only a few seconds -- of what could be a new version of Windows Mobile 7 running HTC Touch Slide handset. The media sharing magic of Live Mesh is what's at the center of this vid, from Mac, to Windows, to mobile, your pics and content will wander -- but the quick glimpse of the sliding pane on the home screen did make us grin a little bit. You can find the video after the break and if you don't want to sit through the whole affair, just zip to about the 30 second mark and you'll be home.
