Cheap Broadband Internet » Wi-Fi Technology

Bridging the Link between Wireless Networks

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:01:28 +0000

Bridging is a technique where linking amongst a number of wireless networks is possible. It is used in packet-switched computer networks as a forwarding technique. In network bridging, a particular address is located by examining the source addresses within received packet headers. As in case of routing, assumptions are made about the destination of a particular address, bridges use the flooding to find the same inside unknown devices. This location destination is saved in a table right upon finding the device. In layman’s terms, network bridging is a convenient way to connect two or more network to create a single big network without using router. By using the bridge, the user can share internet, files or peripheral devices such as printers. Wireless bridging is used to connect two LAN segments via a wireless link. These two segments will be in the same subnet so broadcasts will reach all machines, allowing DHCP clients in one segment to get their addresses from a DHCP server in a different segment. It will look like two Ethernet switches are connected by a cable to all computers on the subnet.

Suppose, a user has access to two machines with different network connections: wireless and Ethernet. Now he/ she may create a network bridge between the two networks with a third machine which is physically connected to both the machines. However, for successful bridging, the computers that need to be bridged must sit in same logical IP network. Nevertheless, it needs to be remembered that only one Network Bridge can be created on a computer and network bridging is not possible on a machine which runs an earlier version of system software such as Windows 2000 or an even earlier one. Windows XP supports the bridging. In fact, XP provides the software for bridging so the user can save on the hardware.

In contrast to wireless LAN bridging, Client Mode Wireless bridging is different. Segments connected via Client Mode Wireless are unable to share a DHCP server. In case of Client Mode Wireless, Linux based firmware DD-WRT is used for several wireless routers. It connects to the remote router as a client, thus creating two separate subnets. Due to two subnets, the computers within the different subnets cannot see each other directly. Therefore, NAT (Network Address Translation) – which is a technique for preserving scarce internet IP addresses, needs to be enabled between the wireless and the wired ports.

Some benefits of network bridging are:

Self-configuring.
Basically inexpensive.
Helps to reduce collision domain.
Above the MAC layer protocols transpiration is possible.
LAN connections amongst different networks can be distinguished and barriers such as segment length, number of stations, or repeaters cannot impede the process.
Bandwidth usage is reduced.

However, some disadvantages are also there:

If the networks comprise of a large range of connection, the bridging may not be appropriate there.
Does not limit the scope of broadcasts.
Delays may occur because of buffering and processing.
Transparent bridges cannot be compatible with types of network topology.

Campaign to bring Free WiFi to Lancashire initiated by MPs

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:26:09 +0000

It has been reported that three Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom has launched a campaign to convert Lancashire into the first wireless broadband (WiFi) county in the United Kingdom by providing everyone with free broadband internet access.

The MPs that have taken the initiative are; Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle, Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans and South Ribble MP David Borrow.

The MPs are reported to have tabled for a relevant scheme an early day motion. The scheme in its turn would involve the launching of WiFi access points across the county in a way inspire by the Swindon plans announced recently. The news was reported by Blackburn Citizen.

According to the fresh scheme, private and the business broadband internet users could both benefit from a free broadband internet service in the county.

Evans, the MP for Ribble Valley told the newspaper that he believed that people , in the 21st century needed a broadband internet connection in the same vein as they needed food and water. He added that the new scheme could also contribute into the eradication of broadband notspots, which could be found throughout Lancashire.

4 Million Admit to have Used Other People’s WiFi Connection

broadband enthusiast — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:30:52 +0000

It has emerged a quiet intimidating fact that four million people in the United Kingdom have admitted to have used the WiFi broadband connections of other people in the last twelve months. This has been revealed by a research that was carried out recently on the context.

It was also revealed by the research that a shocking nineteen per cent of the total WiFi broadband users in the United Kingdom were at the risk from WiFi hijacking for the reason that they hardly secure their WiFi broadband internet network. This becomes increasingly serious as almost half the broadband consumers in the United Kingdom accessed the internet using a WiFi wireless broadband connection.

It was also interesting to know the fact that one in four broadband users in the country that were probed by the research team, admitted to not knowing the reality that other consumers could piggyback their connection without their consent or even their knowledge.

However, it comes as a bit of relief that according to the survey, the majority of the confessed WiFi wireless broadband hijackers admitting that they used the broadband connection of other people simply for browsing the internet for free. Still, the practice can considerably slow down the broadband internet connection of a consumer beside using up a large part of the victim’s monthly download allowance.

The research further has advised the broadband internet users in the United Kingdom to ensure that a latest encryption method was employed with a view to secure their WiFi broadband network.

Macdonald Hotels Teams up with BT Openzone to Offer WiFi

Mersault — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:13:56 +0000

It has been reported that the visitors at the venues of Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, across the United Kingdom will be availed access to high-speed broadband internet service. The impetus force behind this development is the new agreement signed by the hotel chain with BT Openzone.

According to the reports, the public areas of the hotel as well as its bedrooms will be provided with access to wireless broadband internet service (Wi-Fi) by the end of the year 2009. This would be a refreshing as well as welcome change for the broadband consumers and customers of BT and Openzone, and the users of O2 Apple iPhone smartphone to surf the web, email and make VoIP calls.

It is also understood that besides these customer groups, the customers from Boingo, iPass and a range of various partners of Openzone would also be allowed to access the wireless broadband services.

According to BT Openzone’s general manager, Chris Bruce, a large number of people expected to enjoy wireless broadband access at selected venues such as Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, whether through smartphones, laptops or other devices, and the company was delighted to welcome to its network, their guests.

Vouchers of BT Openzone will also be sold by Macdonald hotels. This development enables their guests to subscribe to the wireless broadband service for the full duration of their stay at the hotels. Currently, BT has more than 650,00 hotspots across Ireland and the United Kingdom.

3 UK Adds New Laptops Slashes MiFi Price

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:58:58 +0000

The popular mobile broadband provider operating in the United Kingdom, 3 Broadband has in an encouraging act towards the mobile broadband savvy in the country, slashed the cost of its MiFi WiFi mobile broadband pay as you go products, besides launching a fresh range of laptop broadband bundle packages.

The price slashes are seen on the 3GB pay as you go and 5GB one month MiFi mobile broadband packages of the broadband supplier. The price of the former deal has fallen to GBP 69.99 from GBP 99.99, as the latter deal’s price of GBP 69.99 has taken a nosedive to GBP 49.99.

Currently, the customers are also provided with the opportunity of buying the MiFi system with no usages, outright. Such customers are at the liberty to add credit using top up vouchers when there is a need felt.

Something that coincides with the changes effected on the MiFi stance of 3 Broadband UK, is its refreshed mobile broadband laptop (notebook) deals that have in their turn showcased an array of high-end laptop models. These newly available laptop range of the internet service provider includes HP 311, Compaq CQ61 powered by Windows 7, Toshiba T-130 and Samsung N-130.

The late developments also – in another vein – indicate that 3 is gearing up for a go in the Christmas market of the United Kingdom.