Informed Wireless tag:www.informedwireless.com,2008-09-16:/blog//167 2009-07-17T23:39:14Z Wireless information for web users. Movable Type 4.34-en GoGo Wireless tag:www.informedwireless.com,2009:/blog//167.15765 2009-07-17T23:31:06Z 2009-07-17T23:39:14Z What took the airlines so long to put this together? It can't be the most complicated setup, and the value proposition is great.$5.95 for the entire flight is a bit pricey, especially when there is the possibility of running... Albert 20090718_wifi_onboard.jpg

What took the airlines so long to put this together? It can't be the most complicated setup, and the value proposition is great.

$5.95 for the entire flight is a bit pricey, especially when there is the possibility of running out of batteries, but I sprang for it as I have a lot of work to do online today.

The speed is good, and so far I haven't had any issues at all. I'm running Debian GNU/Linux, but that shouldn't matter thanks to the fact that wifi is an industry standard.

I'm flying Airtran and apparently most of their planes have wi-fi setup. Good stuff!

]]> Manually Switching Wifi Channels to Avoid Interference tag:www.informedwireless.com,2009:/blog//167.2260 2009-05-20T06:32:09Z 2009-05-20T06:37:06Z This past Sunday I returned from a week long vacation to Los Angeles, Hingham, Pawtucket, and New York City. When I got back I fired up my laptop's wifi card (I had been using my EVDO modem) only to find... Albert Los Angeles, Hingham, Pawtucket, and New York City. When I got back I fired up my laptop's wifi card (I had been using my EVDO modem) only to find horrific latency. Pings were taking several thousand milliseconds when they should have been taking less than one millisecond.

I loaded up pfSense and switched a few channels until I found one without much interference. Unfortunately there are a ton of wireless networks around me, as well as many other apartments. The interference could have been caused by a number of things - microwaves, most likely.

I don't like to use the auto setting, as that has caused me more trouble then aid in the past. I don't have to manually change my channel very often. Maybe once every other month, not enough for it to be a bother.
]]> Community Wireless tag:www.informedwireless.com,2009:/blog//167.1588 2009-05-01T01:20:38Z 2009-05-01T01:29:42Z I've had two Meraki networks setup for over a year, and they have earned a little over three dollars for paid use by the community. Its practically negligible, but its not negligible.Besides, I'm glad I have it set up for... Albert
Besides, I'm glad I have it set up for other reasons, like:

  • My main wifi is encrypted, if I have a new device or a friend is visiting, the open network is available.
  • The open network is available for traffic that doesn't need to be encrypted - I use my Meraki for Netflix television.
  • If anyone needs a quick internet connection for an emergency, I'd like to think that I could help out.
Hopefully soon there will be wireless internet everywhere!
]]> Wireless Antennas tag:www.informedwireless.com,2008:/blog//166.1097 2008-12-07T03:24:19Z 2008-12-07T03:32:32Z Wireless antennas are very important when it comes to wireless network performance. Here's a great antenna design:I believe this style is called a parabolic pole antenna.... Albert
Wireless Antenna

I believe this style is called a parabolic pole antenna.
]]> Wireless is everywhere tag:www.informedwireless.com,2008:/blog//166.1076 2008-12-05T19:18:12Z 2008-12-05T20:16:27Z These days fewer and fewer products require being "wired" to a wall. Whether it's wireless technology that allows you to use your laptop in an airport terminal, a wireless guitar to enhance your Rocking out with "Rockband" or a wireless... rae
When do you think they'll have wireless rechargeable units? Something where you just have to be close to the docking bay in order for the battery to be charged. I don't think it's as far off as it sounds, but what are the implications of such devices, in the realm of public health? Even more electromagnetic waves traveling through the home.

It amazes me how fast the technology has popped up, just with in the last quarter century. Things like the internet, and cell phones really only became common place in the last 15 years or so. The innovation only seems to be accelerating too, which blows my mind, kind of like infinity used to blow my mind as a kid. I wonder what Nikola Tesla would say about technology today if he were still around. 
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