networking
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Cisco goes minimalistic with new Linksys E-Series routers and switches
If you dig the stylish look on the Linksys E4200 802.11n router but prefer something more wallet-friendly, then Cisco's latest range of home routers and switches will likely suit your taste. Gone are the curved grooves and blinking LEDs on the top, but these routers -- ranging from $59.99 to $159.99 -- still go about their usual wireless business at up to 300Mbps, with additional simultaneous dual-band support on the pricier E2500 and E3200. Like their predecessors, you'll also find a refreshed, feature-packed Cisco Connect software suite in the box, which promises to make installation and management a whole lot easier. Also notable is the upcoming virtual USB feature that connects printers and storage devices to the network -- the E3200 and E4200 are expected to receive this update in the summer. As for the switches, you have a choice of three new models going from $29.99 for five 10/100Mbps ports, all the way up to $74.99 for eight gigabit connections. All these good-looking fellas are up for grabs starting today, and you can check out the spec sheets after the break for all the nitty-gritty.
Twitter finally gets a legitimate search function, lets you filter tweets using smiley faces
Like Google's web search, Twitter started off life doing one single thing and doing it very well. And, just like Google, it's kept adding subtle little enhancements along its way to becoming a mature internet tool. Today, its own famously simplistic search functionality has take a turn through the makeover booth and has emerged shinier, happier, and much smarter on the other side. No longer do you need to have, for example, the specific names of your favorite smartphone jailbreak artists, you just search for the general term and Twitter will do some actual searching for you instead of merely matching your query to usernames. You can even step up to an advanced search, where adding the ":)" and ":(" operators determines whether you'll get happy or downbeat tweets on the topic. Come to think of it, that is pretty advanced. Yo Google, where are your emoticon operators?
London scraps plans for cellular coverage on the tube, bums Huawei out
Technical complexity and financial naiveté have meant that London's ambitious plans to cover its underground train network with cellular signal by the 2012 Olympics are hitting the scrapheap. In spite of Huawei's most generous offer to provide £50 million ($81m) of equipment for the project for free, the London Mayor's wish that UK mobile operators be the ones to foot the installation bill -- without a penny coming out of public coffers -- has unsurprisingly found little favor. Compounded with the logistical hellride of trying to get everything up and running by next summer, that's now led to a mutual agreement among all parties concerned to abandon the project. Mind you, the plans to get WiFi up at 120 stations in time for the Olympics are still on track, so at least we'll be able to pull down some data before diving into those dark, damp tunnels.
Logitec's new wireless router is crazy-looking, crazy fast
The new Logitec (not Logitech) LAN-WH450N/GR offers four Gigabit Ethernet ports, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking that maxes out at a theoretical 450Mbps, and just about the wildest router design we've yet seen. Yes, it's justified by improved wireless throughput as a result of having three antennas sprouting out of the thin-bodied device, but who is Logitec trying to kid? It's a futuristic, desktop-straddling robocopter and everyone at that company knows it. Should you or the geek in your life be interested in obtaining one, the new routers are going on sale in Japan in mid-April for ¥19,000 ($230).
Google's gigabit fiber network to be built in Kansas City, Kansas; people of Topeka reportedly crestfallen
We were just wondering what Google was doing with that super-fast gigabit network it promised to set up in one lucky city and here's finally a fresh development. The winner has been chosen and it's Kansas City, Kansas. Having the winning community in its own state will be quite the bitter pill for the people of Topeka to swallow, as they actually renamed their town to Google, Kansas, just to try and appease the Mountain View overlords. Hey, we're sure Google knows best! An agreement has now been signed to roll out the fiber goodness in Kansas City, which should result in gigabit service becoming available to locals in 2012. A press event is scheduled for 1PM ET, which will be livestreamed at the YouTube link below, and you can check out the announcement video after the break while you wait. Update: That livestream is rolling, folks! Google's reps just said "this is the beginning and not the end." Kansas City, Kansas, will be just the first market where this 1Gbps goodness will be installed. Guess there's hope for the rest of us yet.
Researchers manage 448Gbps on commercial hardware, coming soonish to a trunk near you
We've seen many a theoretical demonstration of lightning-quick networks, but most use some rather special purpose hardware -- like lasers and such that your average ISP doesn't have hanging around. However, this new benchmark of 448Gbps is a little more impressive because it was achieved on commercial fiber hardware. A few teams of researchers were the ones shoveling the bits, including the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, the National Inter-university Consortium for Telecommunications (CNIT), and good 'ol Ericsson. It's said to be the world's first transmission line operating at that speed, and what's most impressive is that it'll be tested on further network segments in the coming months ahead of becoming an actual product at some point in the not-too-distant future. Not soon enough.
KonnectUs cloud-based software makes easy cross-platform sharing a reality, we swoon (video)
Last year, we expressed a yearning for something we called the Continuous Client that would allow us to pick up on one device where we left off on another, and in less than a year we saw the advent of HP's "Touch-to-share" technology, but our dreams weren't fully fulfilled -- we longed for a platform that would offer seamless sharing across all of our devices. Well, it's like we rubbed a bottle and KonnectUs popped out. The cloud-based software is a collaborative effort between Sensus and Open Exhibits that enables you to transfer files and information across platforms -- including Windows, iOS, and Android -- with a simple swipe of your finger. As it turns out, KonnectUs was built with museums in mind, but the company is offering APIs for integration into third party applications -- so maybe the perfect world isn't that far off after all. Oh, that's right -- we still don't have a robot to shake our martinis after a hard day at the office. Video after the break.
Apple to drop Samba networking tools from Lion
Changes to its licensing may lead Samba, an open source suite of tools for networking with Windows systems, to be chopped from Mac OS X Lion, according to a report from AppleInsider. Instead, Apple will develop its own solutions for interacting with neighboring Windows systems over a network. Samba's primary goal is to improve interoperability between PCs with Microsoft Windows and computers running other operating systems. Notably, the software enables UNIX-based systems like Mac OS X to speak the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol that Windows uses for file sharing and network directory services. Apple began integrating Samba into its operating systems in 2002 with the release of Mac OS X v10.2 "Jaguar." With Samba, Mac OS X's ability to interact with Windows has grown over the last several years, evolving from everyday file sharing between co-workers into Mac servers capable of hosting account profiles and entire home directories for Windows users to access from their networked PCs. As Mac OS X adopted more of Samba's tools, the team behind Samba gradually transformed the open source licensing for its software. The latest version of Samba is offered only with General Public License Version 3 (GPLv3) licensing, which includes restrictions that essentially prevent Apple from incorporating it into commercially packaged software like Mac OS X. Although Samba has been voted off Lion island, it's unlikely Apple will entirely drop support for Windows networking technologies. Apple is reportedly hard at work building a new suite of built-in tools that will allow Mac OS X Lion to continue dancing with Windows networks. Unlike Samba, however, Lion's networking tools will likely end support for NT domains, networking technology introduced by Microsoft in the late 1990s. Although some networks still rely on NT Domain Controller configurations, even Microsoft ended support for the aging technology with Windows 7. On the bright side, Apple will no longer by trapped by the limitations of Samba. For example, the version of Samba currently bundled with Mac OS X can run into issues with PCs running Windows 7 that are set to Microsoft's most secure options for file sharing. Apple now has the opportunity to address this shortcoming and perhaps introduce its own innovative improvements to networking between future versions of Mac OS X and Windows. For now, it's possible (and likely) the first version of Apple's tools for integrating with Windows networking technologies will face a few initial setbacks and limitations. In this event, Samba can potentially still be added to Mac OS X Lion by tech-savvy Mac users who can survive without a simple installer, graphical user interface and tight integration with the rest of Apple's software. Or Mac users who need Samba's toolset can hope an enterprising developer builds a compelling, easy-to-use Samba package before Mac OS X Lion ships this summer. [via CNET] Updated to note that Mac OS X can work with Win 7 sharing if security options are changed.
University of Central Florida's miniature laser diode aims to speed up networking
The use of laser as a means of data transmission is hardly anything new, but the current crop of laser diodes can only handle so much stress, provided that they don't fail in the first place. Luckily, the geniuses over at the University of Central Florida are about to deliver a smaller yet more intense and more reliable diode, which will lead to many more potential applications even beyond the scope of networking -- think cheaper, more effective hair removal. Little is said about how Professor Dennis Deppe's team made this possible, but once they work out how to optimize the operating voltage for better efficiency, Deppe reckons we'll see diode-embedded high speed, high bandwidth cables in the shops in four or five years' time. Seriously, we'd do anything to keep our latency low for some HD gaming action.
Networking firm attempts 1000-player FPS battle
Huge multiplayer battles are the goal of a large percentage of the online games released every year. Whether they're making an MMO, an FPS, an RTS, or some weird and highly experimental hybrid, game developers love to stuff players onto their servers in a neverending competition for the biggest numbers. Pikkotech, a networking technology firm, is aiming for what it says is the world record for the number of players in a single multiplayer battle: 1000. Pikkotekk consulted with CCP, the noted developer of EVE Online and a pioneer in the field of single-shard massively multiplayer technology, and has created a server backend that works in a manner similar to the tech used by overlapping cell phone towers. The firm has thrown together a tanks vs. robots video demonstration complete with a humorous disclaimer. "We were so excited about our revolutionary network technology that we wanted a game that had it all [...] But our CEO said that Pikkotekk is a company that only does networking for games. So here you go: A crappy looking 1000-player shooter that you can play in the browser."
Intel Thunderbolt: a closer look (updated with video)
So what's this Thunderbolt stuff, and why is it in your new MacBook Pro? Intel just broke it down for us, and now we'll do the same for you. Simply put, Thunderbolt's a familiar-looking port, a brand-new chip, and a cord, which allows devices to pipe two data streams simultaneously -- in both directions -- over a single cable at up to 10 gigabits per second to start, primarily using PCI Express x4 for data and DisplayPort for video. The Thunderbolt controller chip -- required for the system, but Intel says it's hardware-agnostic and doesn't require an Intel processor or chipset to use -- acts as a miniature router of sorts that rapidly switches between the two bidirectional channels of data. Sounds great, but why would you want to buy into yet another copper cord? Intel defends that Thunderbolt will be backwards and forwards-compatible depending on the cable used. Representatives explained that the basic system can work with any other PCI Express 2.0-compatible I/O system with, say, a FireWire or eSATA adapter doing the dirty work --Intel wouldn't specifically comment on USB 3.0 -- and that the port you'll find in new MacBook Pros and storage devices can actually take an optical cable when those are cost-effective enough to roll out, because Intel will eventually bake the optical transceivers into the cables themselves. In the meanwhile, you can get up to three meters of range out of a basic cable, plus a fairly generous 10 watts of power over the bus, and since Thunderbolt devices are designed to be daisy-chained, you may be able to get another three meters for each device you add on that sports a pair of the ports. Though Intel wasn't talking about likely prices for the chips or cables in even the most general terms, Promise and LaCie had prototype devices on hand headed to the market soon -- get a peek at them and a closer look at the cable in our gallery below, and we'll have video up in a little while too. Update: Looks like LaCie's product now has a name and vague release date: it's the LaCie Little Big Disk, coming this summer, with a pair of solid state drives inside. Update 2: Video after the break -- get a load of Thunderbolt streaming four 1080p clips from a MacBook Pro and attached Promise NAS simultaneously! %Gallery-117530%
Switched On: When gadgets talk in their sleep
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. The Nintendo 3DS stands to democratize stereoscopy in a way society hasn't experienced since the View-Master craze, by offering 3D hardware more affordable than the current crop of televisions and PCs, and without requiring special glasses to see images pop out of the handheld's screen. But when it comes to innovation, the 3DS could represent a two-way street, for even as its 3D screen is focused on enhancing the handheld gaming experience, its "Pass" network technologies -- SpotPass and particularly StreetPass -- could have broader implications for the way we discover the world around us.
Netgear announces MBR1000 for Verizon LTE, handful of other wireless routers
Because you shouldn't hog all that 4G LTE goodness for yourself, Netgear's announced a MBR1000 mobile broadband router compatible with Verizon's LTE network and its USB modems. It boasts four Ethernet ports and 802.11n WiFi... nothing mind-blowing, but isn't the LTE part enough? Additionally, we've got a quartet of routers with more traditional origins. Without further ado (and all in one breath, if you can): the N300 wireless router boasting Powerline AV (WNXR2000) coming this month for $119.99, the N750 wireless dual-band gigabit (WNDR4000) coming first quarter for $179.99, the N600 wireless dual-band gigabit ADSL modem router (DGND3700) in second quarter for $199.99, and a premium (albeit lacking ADSL) version N600 (WNDR3800) with ReadyShare hard drive / printer access from outside the network, a clear channel selector, and dashboard control for monitor / repair (also second quarter, for $179.99). There, wasn't so bad, was it? %Gallery-112751% %Gallery-112741%
Netgear's Push2TV HD WiDi adapter launched with 1080p support, WiFi range extenders follow
If you've been scouring the world for an adapter to enable your Intel Wireless Display-enabled laptop to do more than just look pretty in the living room, Netgear's got a refreshed box that deserves your attention. The second generation Push2TV adapter has been unveiled today, with an "HD" suffix finding its way in. The revised box now supports 1080p and Blu-ray transmissions, marking a vast improvement compared to the version launched at last year's CES. The PTV2000 is (thankfully) compatible with both existing and future generation WiDi laptops, and the dual-band wireless connectivity ensures that things will hum along just fine over 5GHz when that 2.4GHz band gets too jammed. It's expected to ship later this month in the US for $119.99, with the rest of the world to get it by the end of Q1. In somewhat less exhilarating news, a trifecta of WiFi range extenders are also being revealed. The Universal WiFi Range Extender (WN3000RP; $99.99) touts a compact wall-plugged design, and a pair of powerline solutions should work well for those looking to make better use of their home's power cabling. The Internet Adapter for Home Theater - HD+3D (XAVB5004; $169.99) is hailed as the fastest powerline networking solution currently available on the market, while the Powerline AV 200 Nano Adapter Kit (XAVB2101; $139.99) is described as the world's smallest 200Mbps powerline AV adapter. Per usual, you can find the releases in full just below the break. %Gallery-112749%
Visualized: Facebook's global reach
If you've ever wondered what a map drawn entirely of Facebook relationships would look like, wonder no more. A Facebook intern by the name of Paul Butler has put together the above image by feeding in location data for pairs of friends, with the white lights representing cities, towns, and hamlets, and the blue streaks between them identifying relationships linking them. It's fun to see large swathes of Australia and South America devoid of Facebook activity, but check out the bit on the map where Russia and China are supposed to be -- is Facebook the most capitalist social network ever or what? Hit the source link for the full-scale image, it gets prettier the closer you get to it. [Thanks, Ian]
OnLive iPad app now available, but doesn't support gameplay streaming yet
OnLive has finally released an iPad app called OnLive Viewer -- but it probably doesn't do what you want it to quite yet. The cloud gaming service OnLive has been making a name for itself since it went online recently, by streaming live gameplay out to Macs, PCs and the company's official console box. A full iPad app from OnLive would be pretty amazing -- presumably, it would allow you to control and play any PC game directly on your iPad. Unfortunately, the OnLive viewer app isn't that app just yet -- it doesn't support actual gameplay. What it does support is OnLive's social networking features, so you can make and contact your friends on the service from the app, and see what they're up to while online. You can also watch "Brag Clips," which are uploaded videos of other people's gameplay, and you can even stream straight from certain live games on the service. That's pretty cool -- it at least shows that the iPad is capable of receiving OnLive's gameplay streams. But it's too bad we can't yet play games on the iPad. It's possible this is more of a test release, to see what demand is like on Apple's tablet and how it all runs. At least it is free. And eventually, we will hopefully get OnLive's core functionality running on iOS devices. When that finally comes around, it'll definitely be something to see.
Clear launches new at-home WiMAX router with integrated WiFi
Hey, don't knock the naming engineers -- "Clear Modem with WiFi" just works. Indeed, that's the official title of Clear's new at-home WiMAX modem (the same one that flew through the FCC back in September), designed to bring the 4G superhighway into one's home for as little as $35 per month. According to the operator, it's an all-in-one solution that's "around the size of a book," offering 4G reception as well as an internal 802.11b/g/n router to distribute those waves across your home without the need for a separate WLAN router. It's available today from your local Clear store, with a $120 outright price or a $7 per month lease rate. Furthermore, Clear home service customers can add home voice service, with unlimited local and long distance calling in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, for an extra 15 clams per month. Oh, and if your math skills are a tad fuzzy, we'd recommend buying it if you're planning to keep the service for greater than 17 months. You're welcome.
VisionTek Killer HD 5770 combo NIC / GPU hikes frame rates, lowers ping times for $200
Mama always said that one was never enough, and just five months after revealing its first NIC / GPU combo card to us at Computex, Bigfoot Networks has taken the wraps off of its second. This go 'round, the outfit is partnering with VisionTek to produce the VisionTek Killer HD 5770, a single PCIe card that combines an AMD Radeon HD 5770 GPU (with 1GB of GDDR5 memory) and a Killer E2100 networking card. All told, buyers are presented with two DVI ports, a single HDMI output and a gigabit Ethernet jack. The card is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP, and put simply, it's designed to both improve your frame rates (that's AMD's role) and lower your latency / jitter (hello, Bigfoot!). The NIC portion actually has a 400MHz onboard processor that helps minimize the impact of slight changes in your connection, and Bigfoot's management software will be thrown in for good measure. The board is expected to hit North American retail shops within a fortnight or so, with the $199.99 asking price representing a ~$10 savings compared to buying an HD 5770 GPU and Killer 2100 separately. Oh, and you get a pretty sick dragon, too. %Gallery-108536%
Report warns of the increased use of SEO Poisoning to spread malware
You'll undoubtedly be excited to know that the Internet security firm Websense has recently released its annual Threat Report. Other than trying to scare you into buying every single product the company has ever released, the paper highlights the growing problem of Black Hat SEO, or SEO Poisoning, which (if done right) sends malware-ridden links closer to the top of your Google search results. According to Network World, some 22.4 percent of Google searches performed since June produced malicious URLs (such as fake antivirus sites or malware downloads) as part of the top 100 search results, as opposed to 13.7 percent in the second half of 2009. It seems that the old model of cyber-attacks, involving peer-to-peer virus infection, is becoming increasingly ineffective as anti-virus companies step up their game, causing nogoodniks to rely on search results, websites, and zero-day attacks. That said, there is a silver lining: as Network World goes on to explain, these days you are actually less likely to get malware from "adult content" sites than in previous years. Or should we say, that's good news for your "friend" or "co-worker."
HomePlug Powerline Alliance and Wi-Fi Alliance align, hope for wireless home nirvana
Ah, now we're talking. Over the years, HomePlug and wireless HD / HDMI haven't exactly "taken off." Routing internet signals over a home's power network has been hampered by subpar transmission rates, and using wireless in the home for anything other than basic web duties has shown to be either too costly or too much hassle. Now, however, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance and the Wi-Fi Alliance have seen the light, and they're joining hands in order to jointly push their technologies to homeowners. Focused primarily on " facilitating interoperability of smart grid applications," these organizations are fixing to enable SEP 2.0 applications to operate across a diverse mix of wireless and wired networks, and hopefully they'll reach out to product manufacturers while they're at it. Here's hoping they'll be able to nail it -- the demand is certainly there, but the execution thus far has been downright depressing.
