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FCC To Expand Wireless Spectrum

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the well-isn't-that-nice-of-them dept.

Makarand writes "According to this article in the SF Chronicle the FCC will expand the wireless spectrum to push broadband into rural areas. However, consumer groups were quick to point out that these frequencies are not powerful enough to handle long range broadband communications. They want the FCC to open lower frequencies that can penetrate through walls and trees for wireless applications in rural areas."

2 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. Re:You don't want much more power! by NanoGator · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "Power level has nothing to do with security."

    Yes it does. The less you use, the closer somebody has to be to your physical location to peek into your signal.

    Think, then reply.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
  2. Re:You don't want much more power! by SheldonYoung · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Again, no. There's security but it's as in false-sense-of.

    You can't assume how far your signal can be detected. If you're counting on distance to help protect your signal, unless it's a veeeery long distance without physical access, you are deluding yourself. What if someone is listening with very sensitive equipment? What if a firmware upgrade increases the output power of your gear? What if it's the office in the floor above you doing the evesdropping? There are a lot of what-ifs.

    If you're thinking about signal strength in the same breath as security you have a lot to learn about what it means to be secure.