Intel developing software hack for long-range WiFi

The idea of extended range WiFi has been around the block before, but amidst all the talk of mass WiMAX deployments comes a swank new idea to get vanilla WiFi out to more people without breaking any laws or relying on expensive hardware upgrades. Apparently, researchers at Intel have "created a system that lets WiFi signals, which ordinarily carry a few hundred feet, instead travel 100 kilometers, or more than 60 miles." Interestingly enough, the system supposedly relies on "modified software" running on regular WiFi equipment, and wireless access points with the newfangled software can seemingly daisy-chain directional network traffic through "several carefully aligned steerable antennas in order to eventually reach a fiber link connected to the internet." Unfortunately (for us, at least), Intel has emerging markets on the brain rather than rolling this out in the US or UK, as it reckons the "$700 to $800 long range WiFi towers" would do quite well in locales that balk at $15,000 WiMAX towers. So if you're currently stealing some dignitary's WiFi in Uganda in order to read this, fret not, as Intel's looking your way for testing "later this year."

[Dan @ Mar 27th 2007 3:35PM]

That's pretty amazing. Although, I do find it funny that this wasn't worked out a while ago before the Draft N, WiMax, and other longer range wireless technology crazes were kindled. Perhaps there's more to it, but daisy-chaining routers and whatnot seems pretty simple. With extreme organization and designated syncing locations this could much more easily cover a city or even a county in Wifi.

[Dan @ Mar 27th 2007 3:36PM]

country*

[The Engineering Student @ Mar 27th 2007 3:43PM]

i cant think of anything sexier than this off the top of my head... beyonce has nothing on 100 km wifi

[Bizam! @ Mar 27th 2007 4:47PM]

124.9 Miles was achieved about two years ago with 802.11b.

http://www.wifiworldrecord.com/

This has totally been done before, go Intel..original idea there....grumble..grumble.

[Sam @ Mar 27th 2007 7:01PM]

with a 12 ft dish...Now how about you try it with a 6" antenna?

[Traitorous8 @ Mar 28th 2007 6:43PM]

Bizam! -

The long distance runs were voiding part 15 FCC rules. The FCC part 15 rules say that an antenna cannot be modified unless it is accepted - meaning it's passed testing. No home made antenna will ever past muster with the FCC. Ever.

So, while the idea of a long throw is not new, doing it legally is!

- Traitorous8

[toby s @ Mar 27th 2007 6:37PM]

There's an article about this in the 4/9 issue of Forbes (not available online). It focuses on Eric Brewer--from Inktomi--who developed the technology while at UC Berkeley. He calls it Wildnet for "Wi-fi over long distance." It also seems to rely heavily on antennas--not just a software hack--to get the work done...

[spaceman @ Mar 28th 2007 12:52AM]

A 12' Dish? I'm never gonna get that in my laptop bag!

[John Stracke @ Mar 28th 2007 10:04AM]

Makes me glad my laptop has Intel WiFi.

[KDigg @ Mar 28th 2007 3:34PM]

Beats Hughesnet and WildBlue

[mmwilhelm @ Mar 29th 2007 7:03AM]

The guys with the dish were all licensed ham radio operators, who are the actual primary users of those frequencies. Most of you folks with Part 15 wi-fi gear are on the edge of breaking the law, but these kids were not.

[ace @ Mar 29th 2007 7:45AM]

Amazing.
Wonder what will the hackable maximum reception tange will be be like.
What a job.
www.aceemploymentservices.net

[Mostafa Waheed @ Apr 29th 2007 8:31AM]

for which wifi PHY standard it testes for 802.11b or 802.11a? if it is for 802.11b so the 2.45GHz frequncy is unlicensed behind 300 meters and if it is for 802.11a European regulates will refuse it because it is in the same range of radar (5GHz) so it couldn't be world wide standard.

[Tauseen @ May 3rd 2007 3:44PM]

wow!! for $ 700-800!

iT would be Hit if they plan on taking the Pakistani Broadband Market!

There are companies here spending on WiMAX but they are currently unlikely to allow consumers, other then big companies who can pay Big, access to it.

iTs indeed a light of hope! :D

[Chad @ Jun 19th 2007 12:40PM]

Oh to live in a country with no FCC nazi's.

The FCC really needs to butt out of things they know nothing about.
Oh that's right thats everything...

They really need to stick with their expertise, wardrobe malfunction or those bad word lists.

FCC = Federal Cretin Coup