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FCC Approves 802.11b Phased Array

Posted by timothy on from the wear-your-lead-apron dept.

n6zfx writes "802.11b Networking News is reporting that vivato received FCC approval for the 802.11b AP that has a range of 4 miles... This was discussed recently here on slashdot -- There were comments that it might not be totally legal. Hopefully, this paves the way for more WISPs, bigger hotspots, and replacement of outdated wireless technology that seemed to be the only competitor to DSL and tv-cable for the last mile."

3 of 157 comments (clear)

  1. Ho Hum... by User+956 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Vivato's bases reach groups of users on existing laptops and other computers, with an operating range up to 7 kilometers outdoors, the company claims. Software controlling the antennas detects Wi-Fi clients in the area and adjusts the signal across the array many times per second.

    Which is great, except when they overbook in order to maximize revenue, much like cell phone companies. Then we have spotty, intermittent coverage serving only a percentage of paying customers, as the system struggles to keep up.

    Yay technology!

    --
    The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
  2. Is it too powerful? by JakiChan · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So, if the Starbucks a few blocks over installs this, is it going to stomp all over my home network? I mean a WiFi hotspot with a 4 mile radius is great, but hopefully wouldn't affect home users. That'd be like some new cellular tower killing my cordless phone...certainly not appreciated.

    --
    "Where quality is like a dead stinking rat - you just can't miss it."
    1. Re:Is it too powerful? by g4dget · · Score: 4, Insightful
      Over the same area, it should actually reduce interference compared to trying to cover the same area with regular access points.

      Think of it this way. With a normal access point, it's like lighting a stage with diffuse lighting: there ends up being light everywhere. This access point is intended to be like a bunch of spotlights on a dark stage: only the areas where it is aimed are actually lit up; the rest of the stage remains in darkness.