// Network Computing Mobile Observer #3.33
\\ Your Mobile and Wireless Resource
// Powered by CENT
\\ http://www.networkcomputing.com/mobile/
// Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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In This Issue:
1) The Wireless Edge: Linksys WRT54G--Not What It Used to Be
2) In Focus: Cellular's Big Year
3) Mobile & Wireless News and Opinion
4) Calling All Readers
5) White Paper Pick: Enterprise Remote Access
6) Product Watch
7) Resource Tools
8) Subscription Information
Look for the next Network Computing Mobile Observer newsletter
on Wednesday, December 7, 2005!
Until next time,
--The Mobile Observer Team
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1) The Wireless Edge: Linksys WRT54G--Not What It Used to Be
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By Peter Rysavy
The Cisco Linksys WRT54G is one of the most popular SOHO 802.11 b/g wireless
routers available. However, because of a recent redesign, this product is
nowhere near as reliable as it used to be. Worse yet, it's difficult to tell
whether the version you are getting is the old version or the new version.
I stumbled across this a couple of weeks ago when I decided to update my home
small-office router, a Linksys BESFR41 v1. Though functional, I had to reset
the product once or twice a week, and having had good success with a WRT54G
(router, four-port Ethernet switch, 802.11b/g access point) at another
location, I decided to get one for my office. As part of my due diligence, I
contacted my local ISP, which has well-informed technical support, and asked
them about the WRT54G. They assured me it was "rock solid." That was good
enough for me.
After obtaining the product, a WRT54G v5, I installed it and instantly found my
first problem: extremely slow Web admin screen updates that took five to 10
seconds to update. I then looked at the firmware version: 1.00.0. That was
scary. Then I downloaded the latest version of the firmware, release 1.00.2,
dated Nov. 1, 2005. This fixed the slow admin page updates, and I completed the
installation. It was then that the real problems began. The router ran fine for
a while, then I lost wireless connectivity but still had wireline connectivity.
I checked all the router wireless settings and found that the MAC address
access list I had enabled had disappeared. A one-time glitch, I thought, so I
reentered the information. Things continued to work for another several hours.
Then I lost Internet connectivity again. I reset the router, which restored
operation. However, from that point forward, I had to reset the router at least
a couple of times a day. Another problem occurred when I tried to change
wireless security settings. I was unable to do so without first restoring the
router to its factory settings--not exactly convenient and anything but rock
solid.
I then started researching these problems on the Internet and found no shortage
of complaints about the product, including stability and throughput issues. The
comments were all consistent: people complained that their WRT54G v5 products
were unstable, whereas their WRT54G v4 products were highly stable.
Further research into this issue revealed that Linksys changed the operating
system in v5 from Linux to VxWorks. Motivations for this change are not
entirely clear, though the open-source license requirements for Linux (see
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html ) did require that Linksys publish the
source for the router. This resulted in people customizing software for the
router, thereby allowing the device to perform the functions of repeaters,
bridges, VPN servers, VoIP gateways, etc. (There's an interesting story about
this at http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3562391 .) Linksys
does not support any of these extensions, of course, but the platform did
create a legion of devoted supporters and developers. It's likely that scrutiny
of the source also helped debug the software and may be one reason the earlier
versions are as stable as they are. By going to VxWorks, Linksys closes off and
retains full control of the platform.
However, the two versions are almost indistinguishable--same model number, same
case, same packaging and same screens. The only difference is that the model
number on the bottom of the unit indicates the version number; the serial
numbers for v4 begin with CDFA and the serial numbers of v5 begin with CDFB.
Luckily, these are on the outside of the package. Since my local Wal-Mart
carried the WRT54G v4, I eagerly replaced the router, and for the last 10 days
it has indeed been reliable, with not a single glitch of any kind.
I personally feel that Linksys has executed a "bait and switch" by not
revealing the change, keeping the model number the same and not even putting
the version number on the package. I contacted Linksys a week prior to writing
this column to offer the company a chance to comment but received no reply. I
would like to hope that Linksys will have the commitment to bring the v5
quality level to that of v4, but having no assurance of this, I went back to
Wal-Mart and bought a spare v4 router. It was only $50. Maybe that was Linksys'
plan all along--to get paranoid owners to double up on their router purchases!
Peter Rysavy is the president of Rysavy Research
( http://www.rysavy.com/ ),
a consulting firm that specializes in wireless technology assessment
and integration.
For more analysis and opinion from Peter Rysavy.
http://www.nwc.com/channels/wireless.jhtml
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2) In Focus: Cellular's Big Year
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By David Haskin, Mobile Pipeline
At this time of year, pundits and analysts offer their predictions for the
future. But it's worth pausing to note that 2005 was a huge year for cellular,
with long-discussed, often-delayed trends and technology becoming realities.
For instance, 3G cellular data service is now widely available in both major
metropolitan areas in the United States and a surprising number of smaller
cities. I've found the service to be both compelling and limited.
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/blog/archives/2005/11/evdo_compelling.html
It was also the year in which cellular markets in many developed nations became
saturated--almost everybody who is going to get a cell phone already has one.
As a result, cellular operators are desperately trying to find new revenue
streams.
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=170102482
A third trend that became reality in 2005 was that converged devices,
smartphones in particular, started selling like hotcakes and PDAs became niche
products.
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=166402491
This remarkable progress means that the cellular industry will have to deal
with radical changes. New competitors and technologies are emerging and,
perhaps more important, users are starting to perceive mobile voice and data
service differently. The operators that embrace these changes are the ones that
will succeed.
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/blog/archives/2005/11/no_difference_b.html
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3) Mobile & Wireless News and Opinion
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a) When Disruption Becomes Mundane
When disruptive technologies become accepted, they suddenly blend into the
background. Two market studies released this week indicate that's become the
case for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Next up: mobile wireless broadband.
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/blog/archives/2005/11/when_disruption.html
b) Beware Long Cellular Contracts
A major market analysis firm finally has embraced the idea that huge changes in
the mobile communications industry are near at hand. Bottom line: It may not be
the best time to get into contracts longer than a year in duration with
cellular operators.
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/blog/archives/2005/11/the_impending_d.html
c) Most Cellcos Silent About Subscriber Privacy
Verizon Wireless deserves praise for consistently defending its customers'
privacy. Mobile Pipeline Editor Dave Haskin's question: Why aren't other U.S.
cellular operators following Verizon's lead?
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/blog/archives/2005/11/most_cellcos_si.html
More Mobile and Wireless News.
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/
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4) Calling All Readers
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a) Cast Your Vote on Monthly Wireless Minute Usage
Enter the Voting Booth and tell the truth. Come on, you know you want to.
http://nwc.mobilepipeline.com/vote/051114_wireless.jhtml
b) Top 11: Dumbest IT Predictions for 2006
This week, we're looking for the "Top 11 dumbest IT predictions for 2006." Make
us roll over with laughter and we may print your funnies in the magazine and/or
online. Here are a few ideas to get you chuckling:
*The iPod will replace the Wintel platform as the most popular enterprise
server.
*Cisco will stop buying other companies and start giving subsidiaries away with
every router.
*Larry Ellison will invent a new kitchen appliance, quit his job and start
doing late-night infomercials.
Submit your entries here:
http://www.nwc.com/lastmile
c) NWC Channels
Get a daily dose of industry news, commentaries, analysis and reviews from our
editors and industry experts focusing on key technology areas such as security,
business strategy, convergence and more.
http://www.nwc.com/channels/
d) Network Computing Presents the Building, Deploying and Securing Training
Series
Network Computing is offering two specialized training courses on Wireless LANs
and Voice over IP. These hands-on, multi-day courses will offer an immersive
learning experience designed for network administrators and engineers. For more
information on these courses, including course dates, locations and detailed
course outlines, go to:
http://training.networkcomputing.com/
e) Time for The News Show
Ready for an irreverent inside look at the technology industry? Tune in to "The
News Show." Our special media presentation features breaking news, technical
reviews and trend analysis, along with gossip, opinions and an overheated rant
or two. The News Show is available at 12:00 PM EDT every weekday at:
http://www.networkcomputing.com/
http://www.TheNewsShow.TV
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5) White Paper Pick: Enterprise Remote Access
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By F5 Networks
Historically, organizations have used IPSec VPN solutions to provide employees
with remote access to network resources. Learn how F5's FirePass controller
enables enterprises to provide secure, reliable and intuitive remote access to
corporate applications and data using standard Web browser technology.
http://whitepaper.networkcomputing.com/cmpnetworkcomputing/search/viewabstract/76234/index.jsp?pos=3&referer=SEARCH_RESULTS:BROWSE&trkpg=browse_research_abstract
See more white papers, research abstracts, case studies and product
information in the Network Computing Tech Library.
http://whitepaper.networkcomputing.com/
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6) Product Watch
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a) Protect Yourself Against Rogue Wireless Access Points
By Matthew Friedman (originally published on Networking Pipeline)
As wireless networks proliferate, so do rogue access points, set up by
employees or hackers intent on stealing data and customers. Here's how you can
protect yourself against these pests.
http://www.networkcomputing.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=1624rogueAPs
b) Secured Wireless Offers Enterprises More Than Just Peace of Mind
By Jennifer Bosavage (originally published on Security Pipeline)
Two midsize retail operations discover a cost-efficient way to secure wireless
networking internally for greater efficiency and push it out of house as a
customer service offering.
http://www.networkcomputing.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=1624secure-wireless
c) Motorola, Skyworks to Develop Digital Radios
Courtesy of EE Times
A new chipset will be designed to support next-generation mobile handsets
featuring high-speed Web browsing, music downloads and streaming video.
http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=174402433
d) Google Space Test Flies at Heathrow
By W. David Gardner, TechWeb News
The pilot program is believed to be the first public test that could provide
data on Google's plans to establish public and free offerings of its products.
http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=174402173
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7) Resource Tools
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a) Mobile and Wireless Channel
Find mobile and wireless news and commentary by industry experts Dave
Molta, Peter Rysavy and Frank Bulk on our Mobile and Wireless Channel.
http://www.nwc.com/channels/wireless.jhtml
b) KnowledgeStorm Library
Let our KnowledgeStorm library help you find the right information to
make informed technology decisions. Search through top categories
including security solutions, networking and communications solutions,
enterprise content management solutions, business intelligence solutions
and more.
http://whitepaper.networkcomputing.com/
c) Read more Network Computing articles on mobile and wireless
technology.
http://www.nwc.com/core/core3.html
d) Research wireless products and vendors.
http://networkcomputing.telezoo.com/asp/sc/sc.asp?history=^709&idcats=722
e) Read more mobile and wireless stories on TechWeb.
http://www.techweb.com/tech/mobile/
f) Missed an issue of NWC's Mobile Observer newsletter? Have no fear.
We've created an archive of back issues for your reading pleasure.
http://www.nwc.com/mobile/index.jhtml
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