It seems everything's going wireless these days, including Internet access. An exciting new technology, it's an attractive draw for coffee shops and the ultimate in convenience for home users. Some universities and even cities have committed themselves to providing free access throughout their areas. Why, then, can't it be everywhere?

Some kinds of Internet connections delivered by radio already successfully link carefully positioned antennae across metropolitan areas. SWCP Direct, our own dedicated business wireless service covering Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, is a good example. But these systems only work by line of sight. The required dish antenna must be aimed at a radio tower visible from the rooftop. Though unaffected by rain or dust storms, wind can shift the antennae and snow can cover them. Worse still, buildings and especially trees can completely block the signals, making it impractical for the East Mountains and other forested regions. Radio and electrical interference from other sources can be a problem, too, especially in crowded cities.

Building a widespread Wi-Fi ("WIreless FIdelty") network for local Internet access without directed dishes is expensive. Lots of special utility poles are needed to mount antennae upon, for instance. It's also harder to deliver the high speeds DSL users expect - not to mention the mobility cell phone users want. And of course, the technology is rapidly changing. Providers are naturally reluctant to commit to one system when a better one might be introduced tomorrow.

Together, these problems can sink many optimistic schemes. Rio Rancho and Sandoval County, for instance, which invested heavily in municipal Wi-Fi, just recently gave up their plans. Even an attempt to build one in Silicon Valley seems to be on the rocks. So it may be a while yet before you can flip open your laptop just about anywhere and surf.

Yet for home end users and patrons of cafe's, wireless remains a useful option. However, there are important security issues users need to be aware of. Without special precautions, it may be easy for hackers cruising by outside to hack into one's connection and steal bandwidth or even user data.

These issues will be examined in depth next month.

by Jay Nelson, Editor

from SWCP Portal, October 2007