Slashdot Mirror
Broadcom Accuses Atheros Of WiFi Pollution
eggboard writes "We just posted a story at PC World about 802.11g chipmaker Broadcom's claims that the high-speed 108 Mbps mode available in rival Atheros's AR5004G chipset disrupts all nearby Wi-Fi networks. The Turbo mode, part of Atheros Super G, uses two Wi-Fi channels (5 and 6) to double bandwidth, but Broadcom says this can lead to 'an enormous degradation in the speed of nearby 802.11b and 802.11g networks.'. D-Link and NetGear are shipping Super G-based devices. If Broadcom is right, Atheros gear would pollute neighbors' networks. If wrong, they're putting out a pretty heavy marketing smokescreen just before Comdex - where Broadcom says they'll be demonstrating the Atheros problem."
Worse than that, Broadcom is likely responsible for using Linux and not releasing their modifications to the source code to those who have purchased the product (a base station) containing the GPLed code. So on top of Broadcom playing a marketing game, we have more reason to hate them.
I suspect that Broadcom's network interface module wasn't written right, and rather than be a complete non-depending piece of code, it depends on something that's been GPLed or is part of the kernel itself, and that would mean that it too would have to be GPL. If it is GPLed, then Broadcom would be releasing specifications on their devices that they don't want us to have, and we wouldn't have to pay for the base station anymore, just for the card...
Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
I just realized that GWB's administration must have held back their most outrageous policies since GWB will have to run for the second term.
They've already destroyed our economy and international relations. Our sons are fighting a guerilla insurrection in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What are these idiots going to get us into if/when they get the second term?! I can't bear to think about it...