China Releases Own WLAN Security Standard

Lownewulf writes "This NetworkWorldFusion article describes the release of the GB15629.11-2003 wireless networking standard in China, a wireless standard similar to 802.11, but with better security. The IEEE is worried that this may lead to the need to support two different standards in wireless networking hardware." ziggyboy adds a link to CNET's article, noting that "all wireless devices sold in China are required to comply to this standard from December 1."

Comments

Re:Dual Standards

[Rosco P. Coltrane]

For your information, current 802.11b hardware can pose problems when you use them outside the country they're meant to be used. For example, France uses channels that are different from US channels. If you buy cards that aren't anally retentive, like Orinocos, you'll be able to find common channels (channel 10 in that case), but not always.

One standard, several ways of being shafted. Just like DVD zoning ...

Re:802.11i?

[spacecowboy420]

OK, why do we always judge what the engineers do by the crapalicous activities of some webmaster/secretary etc....? Granted, you should always put your most professional foot forward, but to doubt an entire project because someone exported from word? The document was probably in word already and this was the easiest way to maintain consistency between their printed materials and the web page.
Judge the product on the merit of the standard's details, not on your expert html skills.

Re:Tinfoil hat or not?

[Zeinfeld]

In short, the relative security of 802.11[bg] is a red herring. They don't give a crap about that, and they won't change their mind if the security in their standard gets busted tomorrow.

If you are looking for an excuse for a non-tarrif trade barrier China picked a pretty good one here. The IEEE group that designed WEP was originally a closed US only cabal taking its security advice from the US NSA.

The 'standard' will be required for all WiFi gear sold in China, to gain access you have to have a license from one of 11 Chinese companies and the appropriate rake back paid to the party apparachiks.

Compare this to the US where to sell a television you are required to license certain technology (V-Chip, HDTV patents) held by US companies.

The US recently imposed tarrifs on textiles from China. They are almost certainly as illegal as the steel tarifs and the motivation is the same. China has probably observed that Bush was forced to back down after the EU threatened retaliation against US companies who made donnations to the Bush election fund and have large numbers of employees in key states