Wilson Electronics today introduced the AWS 70 Indoor Signal Booster at CTIA Enterprise and Application 2011. Designed to amplify the Advanced Wireless Services(AWS) 1700/2100MHz signal, this signal booster has a maximum gain of 70dB, which provides a reliable signal strength to an indoor coverage area. The Wilson Electronics AWS 70 also provides the ability to manually adjust the amount of gain for uplink (device-to-tower communication) and downlink (tower-to-device communication) separately. If you are interested, you can purchase the Wilson Electronics AWS 70 Indoor Signal Booster for $359.95 a pop. [Engadget]
Although the use of wireless, satellite-based internet is now availabe from companies like Clear Internet, this method comes with unavoidable latency issues. Two primary problems that affect wireless Internet are signal stability and signal strength. Signal stability will depend on temporal environmental changes and other signals present in the air. Signal strength mainly depends on the distance the signals have to cover and obstructions along the path.
In case of geostationary satellites, the signals cover a distance of around 22,236 miles to the orbit before returning to earth. Even though the signals travel at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second) the distance still results in notable delay between transmission and reception. Assuming there are no other delays, it still takes about a quarter of a second (250 milliseconds) for the signal to travel to the satellite and back.
The theoretical minimum for receiving internet packets is twice the delay. When you factor in delays from other normal sources, it takes between 1000 and 1400 milliseconds for the signals to travel to the satellite and back to earth, which makes latency a significant issue.
Signal stability also leads to latency issues because there is always a need to add more processing to compensate for the signal instability. Although the signals always travel at the speed of light, the interaction of hardware and software in processing them leads to more delays. While further fine tuning can lower the latency, the theoretical minimum will still be higher than for wired Internet connections.
Latency creates some pertinent problems, particularly in gaming and VoIP communications. Even if people’s voices do not have a robotic sound, callers still have to grapple with odd silences as the signals travel to their destinations. Have you ever watched television communications where one speaker has finished speaking while the other still waits, leading to awkward silences? The same applies to such VoIP calls as Skype. Gaming also becomes less natural as players wait for signals to travel back and forth.
Obviously, wireless internet access is going to become the norm over the next few years. Technological solutions to these latency problems are on the way. You can learn more about the convenience of portable internet solutions at www.clearwirelessinternet4g.com and see what the future has to offer.
The HIOD One sport communicator is designed specifically for cyclists. This gadget will help them to stay safe, focused and connected while on the road. The HIOD One uses a Bluetooth-based system called PalTalk to offer an instant link with up to five other cyclists within 400 meters radius. The HIOD One also helps you to make and receive phone calls and to stream music while cycling. Sadly, there is no info on pricing or availability at this time. [HIOD]
LaCie has released the LaPlug, which is a competitor to the PogoPlug from Cloud Engines. Designed by Neil Pouton, the LaPlug is a low-cost way to make files stored on your USB hard drives more accessible than ever. It will turn any USB-based drives (external HDDs, USB thumb drives, etc.) into wireless backup devices. All you have to do is connect the LaPlug to the network and then attach drives to it via a USB port. Priced at $74.99, the LaCie LaPlug offers several connectivity options such as Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and USB 2.0. [LaCie]
Japan Trend Shop has started selling the new Elecom nendo Orime wireless laser mouse. Available in red, black, white, or silver, the mouse has a unique design that resembles the B2 stealth bomber. The Elecom nendo Orime communicates with your computer via a 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for up to 10-meter range. This input device requires a couple of AAA batteries(included) to operate. Measuring 81mm x 108mm x 40.5mm and weighing 85 grams, the Elecom nendo Orime wireless laser mouse retails for $90 a pop. Read more
D-Lnk today introduced the HD Media Router 2000 (model: DIR-827) that is equipped with both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz 300Mbps frequency bands, offering up to 600Mbps data transfer rates for streaming HD videos and surfing the web at the same time. The device also supports HD Fuel bandwidth polarization, 4 high bandwidth Gigabit ports for connecting Ethernet-enabled devices, an SD card slot, and the SharePort Plus Technology for connecting USB 3.0 devices. The D-Link HD Media Router 2000 retails for $169.99. [D-Link]
Novatel Wireless and Bell have collaborated to release the 4G LTE Novatel Wireless U679 Turbo Stick that provides Bell Mobility customers in LTE coverage areas mobile Internet download speeds as fast as 75 Megabits per second (Mbps). Known as the slimmest 4G LTE USB modem on the market today, the device features an internal MIMO receive antenna. What makes the Novatel U679 Turbo Stick more interesting is that it is also backwards compatible to both Dual Carrier HSPA+ networks (up to 42Mbps) or HSPA+ (up to 21Mbps). The 4G LTE Novatel Wireless U679 Turbo Stick retails for $59.95 on a three year contract, or for $199.95 with no contact. [Engadget]
Logitech has announced the availability of the Wireless Boombox in the U.S. and Europe. Designed for Apple’s iPad, the portable speaker supports Bluetooth wireless audio profile (A2DP), allowing you to place it wherever you want within 10 meters range. The Logitech Wireless Boombox features a pair of 3-inch laser-tuned neodymium drivers, two 0.5-inch neodymium tweeters, four 2-inch passive radiators, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Its rechargeable NiMH battery provides up to 6-hour of continuous playback time. If you are interested, you can purchase the Logitech Wireless Boombox for only $149.99. [Logitech]
If you are searching for a new wireless speaker for your Bluetooth-enabled gadgets, then check out the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker. Priced at $299.95 a pop, this portable speaker is ideal for those who want to enjoy music while on-the-go. It is compatible with your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry smartphone. What’s more, the compact speaker also allows you to play music from Pandora, Rhapsody, or other Internet apps and stations. The Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers up to 8-hour of continuous music playback. [Bose]
Logitech today introduced a competitor to the Apple’s Magic Touchpad. Designed for Windows 7-powered computers, the Logitech Wireless Touchpad features multi-touch navigation and gesture-based controls, allowing you to surf the internet in a more fun and natural way. The device connects to the computer via an RF wireless connection. It comes equipped with a tiny Logitech Unifying receiver that enables you to add as much as five other Logitech wireless devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a number pad. The Logitech Wireless Touchpad is currently available in Europe and the US for around $50. [Logitech]
