Wireless networking

Wireless networking has freed IT users from the confines of their desk and the wired network. Technologies such as 802.11 Wi-FI, Bluetooth and even satellite links have opened up new opportunities for IT innovation. We analyse the latest trends and technologies.

News 25 May 2023
WBA releases standardised technical framework for operator-managed Wi-Fi

Report from global wireless ecosystem proposes interoperable reference architecture for managed Wi-Fi deployment, operation, remote management and diagnostics of home networks Continue Reading
News 22 May 2023
Telstra makes 400Gbps services available through key Australian city routes

Wholesale division of Australia-based global telco offers customers ability to use 400Gbps wavelength services after enhancements made to advanced, high-bandwidth optical infrastructure based on optical technology Continue Reading

News 28 Sep 2011

Amazon launches Kindle Fire tablet but experts doubt its use as a business device

Amazon has confirmed its much-anticipated entry into the tablet market with the US launch of its Kindle Fire device - but analysts doubt it will appeal to corporate IT buyers. Continue Reading
News 13 Sep 2011

Openreach expands fibre to 114 more exchanges

BT Openreach has unveiled 114 exchanges that will be upgraded to deliver fibre broadband as part of its plan to deliver fibre to two-thirds of the UK by the end of 2015. Continue Reading
News 01 Sep 2011

Ofcom gives green light to use TV spectrum for rural broadband

Telecommunications regulator Ofcom has given the go-ahead for internet providers to use unused TV spectrum to deliver broadband to rural areas. Continue Reading
News 24 Aug 2011

Nokia launches three smartphones running Symbian Belle operating system

Nokia has unveiled three smartphone devices running its new operating system, Symbian Belle. Continue Reading
News 22 Aug 2011

Unified network management: Wired and wireless together for good?

With an integrated network management vision, two organizations improved security and reliability, and have made steps towards a fully integrated network. But will we get there? Continue Reading
News 16 Aug 2011

Information Commissioner calls for more privacy improvements at Google

The Information Commissioner's Office says an audit at Google's London office shows the company has taken reasonable steps to improve its privacy policies, but could do more. Continue Reading
News 02 Aug 2011

Amazon closes Android appstore submissions in Germany after Apple lawsuit

Amazon has closed submissions for its Android app store in Germany following a lawsuit from Apple. Continue Reading
News 01 Aug 2011

CIO interview: Michael Foster, European vice-president of IT, FedEx Express

What role should IT play in business? This is the question Michael Foster, vice-president of IT at Fedex Europe, tackles at the global courier. Cliff Saran reports. Continue Reading
News 29 Jul 2011

Apple and Samsung overtake Nokia as worldwide smartphone shipments grow 76%

Nokia's woes continue as Apple and Samsung overtake the Finnish giant to become the largest global smartphone manufacturers, according to analyst figures. Continue Reading
News 28 Jul 2011

KLM deploys RightNow natural language search for mobile website

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has rolled out software-as-a-service provider RightNow's CX Intent Guide on its mobile website. Continue Reading
Photo Story 01 Jul 2011

The IT that serves Wimbledon 2011

IBM provides an integrated end-to-end scoring system that delivers live tennis results to the BBC TV graphics, on-court scoreboards, match information displays, official web site and Wimbledon's own iPhone app. Continue Reading
News 01 Jul 2011

Betfair sees 120% increase in mobile customers

The online gambling firm increased sales via mobile applications by 88% as customer mobile use grows. Continue Reading
News 15 Jun 2011

Pizza Express rolls out Wi-Fi for smartphone connectivity

Pizza Express has rolled out Wi-Fi across its 384 stores to meet growing customer demand for mobile internet connectivity. Continue Reading
News 09 Jun 2011

Visa predicts 20 million contactless payment cards in UK by 2012

Visa Europe expects the number of contactless cards being used in the UK to reach 20 million by the end of 2011. Continue Reading
News 08 Jun 2011

TfL makes real-time information available for ‘Boris Bikes’ apps

Transport for London (TfL) has made real-time information available on its "Boris Bikes" scheme for developers seeking to create mobile apps. Continue Reading
News 12 May 2011

SME technology trends in 2011: Analysys Mason talks cloud and mobility

European SME technology trends in 2011 will see the rise of cloud-based services and mobility applications, predicts Steve Hilton, principal analyst for Analysys Mason. Continue Reading
Tip 04 May 2011

Your enterprise wireless LAN questions answered

Got wireless LAN questions? Our expert has solutions to 802.11n migration, wireless LAN troubleshooting and mesh network design. Continue Reading
E-Zine 01 May 2011

Wired and wireless: Can you achieve an integrated network?

This European edition of Network Evolution E-Zine discusses the myths surrounding integrated wired and wireless LANs, security considerations, and wireless and mobile technology trends the UK should be on the lookout for. Continue Reading
Tutorial 28 Apr 2011

Wireless LAN authorisation guide: Controlling users and their devices

As wireless LANs become core access technology, it is crucial to implement WLAN access control that manages both corporate and personal devices, as well as Wi-Fi embedded clients. Continue Reading
News 15 Apr 2011

Computer Weekly marks the end of an era as a new one begins

The first issue of Computer Weekly magazine in 1966 marked the start of an era in the UK IT industry - the first ever weekly technology publication. This is the story of how it all began. Continue Reading
Photo Story 04 Apr 2011

How pay-as-you-behave technology could transform car insurance

New IT systems can help calculate unique insurance premiums based on driver behaviour Continue Reading
News 01 Apr 2011

Community networks to be part of Devon and Somerset broadband projects

Devon and Somerset county council has issued requests for tenders worth... Continue Reading
News 01 Apr 2011

Samsung and Visa team up for mobile NFC payments

Samsung and Visa have formed a partnership to provide mobile payments in time for the 2012 London Olympic games. Continue Reading
News 25 Mar 2011

UK wireless technology trends: Enterprise tablets take hold

What's next in wireless technology trends? IMS Research analysts predict enterprise tablet adoption, as well as growth in Near Field Communication, Wi-Fi Direct and M2M communication for businesses. Continue Reading
News 07 Mar 2011

Intel launches second generation Core vPro processor

Intel says new chip will increase the speed of business applications by 60% Continue Reading
News 25 Feb 2011

Huawei asks US to investigate it for threats to national interest

Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment maker, has called for the US government to make a formal investigation of the company to lay to rest allegations that it represents a threat to US national interests. Continue Reading
News 11 Feb 2011

Enterprise mobile computing spurs change in UK networking trends

A driving demand for enterprise mobile computing devices and applications is driving a shift toward unified wired and wireless networking in the UK networking industry, according to HP Networking UK chief Barry Bonnett. Continue Reading
News 02 Feb 2011

O2 to apply for e-money licence to support NFC payments

O2 will apply for an e-money licence this year, signalling its commitment to support contactless payments in the UK in the near future. Continue Reading
News 01 Feb 2011

Interactive crime map site experiencing problems as millions log on

An interactive crime map has been launched to allow people to monitor criminal activity in their area. Continue Reading
News 28 Jan 2011

Tesco rolls out in-store mobile phone network

Supermarket Tesco is rolling out a converged fixed and mobile voice network across its stores based on GSM technology. Cliff Saran finds out how the rollout is progressing. Continue Reading
News 27 Jan 2011

Sky buys The Cloud

BSkyB has confirmed plans to acquire UK Wi-Fi network provider The Cloud. The deal allows the broadcaster access to 5,000 public wireless hotspots Continue Reading
News 24 Jan 2011

Bluwan's FTTA promises cheap high-speed comms

Start-up French wireless comms company Bluwan has previewed microwave technology that promises to slash the cost of providing high-speed broadband to rural areas to between 2% and 5% of traditional microwave and fibre networks. Continue Reading
News 24 Jan 2011

McDonald's to roll out contactless payments in 1,200 UK stores

Fast-food restaurant chain, McDonald's, will roll out contactless payments in all of its 1,200 UK stores by the end of October Continue Reading
News 11 Jan 2011

BT to develop Goonhilly satellite site for deep space comms programme

After closing the Goonhilly visitor's centre in March 2010, BT has announced it is planning to invest in the historic telecommunications satellite site. Continue Reading
News 05 Jan 2011

BCS CEO David Clarke talks about the future of the IT industry

David Clarke, CEO of the chartered institute of computing the BCS, talks to Computer Weekly about being awarded an MBE, the future of the IT profession and tackling a membership revolt against his leadership last year. Continue Reading
Photo Story 10 Nov 2010

Unified Comms for the smaller business

Bob Tarzey from Quocirca looks at how smaller businesses can benefit from deploying unified communications Continue Reading
Photo Story 23 Jul 2010

British Airways launches mobile phone apps

BA has launched apps for iPhone, Android and Blackberry mobile devices to allow mobile check-in and travel updates to passengers Continue Reading
Photo Story 29 Jun 2010

Microsoft Home explores future uses of technology

The Microsoft Home explores technology that might enhance life at home in the next five to ten years. Continue Reading
News 18 Jun 2010

PRIMER: WiFi sniffers

Learn about WiFi sniffers, how they operate, how they can help to manage your WLANs and why Google is far from alone in its use of the technology. Continue Reading
Photo Story 06 Nov 2009

Photos: An Apple iPhone app for everyone

To celebrate the availability of 100,000 apps on the Apple App Store, we have compiled a list of apps with something for everyone Continue Reading
News 01 Oct 2008

Using iPerf to measure WLAN performance

Learn how to measure TCP/UDP, throughput, loss and delay with iPerf, an open source network testing tool. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Aug 2008

How do I increase network signal strength over a large distance?

Want to build a WLAN that covers a large area? Lisa Phifer explains that you'l need mutiple access points and clever use of antennae. Continue Reading
News 15 Jul 2008

Linksys WAP2000 Business Access Point: Review and configuration

Our labs run their eyes over Linksys' new WAP 2000, a VoIP and WLAN router for small businesses. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Jun 2008

What are the best methods for handling rogue access points?

Michael Gregg explains how to enforce network policy and handle rogue access points (APs) in this expert response. Continue Reading
News 29 May 2008

Cisco smartens up the wireless network with Motion platform

Cisco will soon release a new product that integrates wireless devices and wired networks to enable seamless handovers and uninterrupted data access. Continue Reading
News 20 May 2008

What is 802.11n "Greenfield" mode?

802.11n has a special facility called "Greenfield" mode to help it increase speed. Continue Reading
News 13 Mar 2008

Wireless security protocols -- How WPA and WPA2 work

WPA and WPA2 improve upon WEP's encryption methods for better 802.11 wireless security. Continue Reading
News 24 Feb 2008

Six steps to create a wireless LAN

Wireless LANs are deceptively simple to create. Follow our guide to ensure your WLAN has perfect coverage, can handle your applications and is easy to manage. Continue Reading
News 17 Feb 2008

Introduction to wireless networks - from "The book of wireless"

Learn about the standards and specifications that control wireless networks and explains how data moves through the network from one computer to another. Continue Reading
Tip 10 Jan 2008

Understanding 802.11n wireless antennas

Learn how 802.11n wireless antennas increase network footprint, available bandwidth and resilience to problems that crippled older 802.11a/b/g access points. Continue Reading
Feature 19 Nov 2007

Wi-Fi linked to childhood autism

A study published this week in the Australasian Journal of Clinical Environmental Medicine warns that wireless communication technology may be responsible for accelerating the rise in autism among children. Continue Reading
News 15 Nov 2007

Wireless LAN performance

Benchmarking your wireless LAN performance is tricky. This tip examines key issues and offers advice for effectively measuring your WLAN performance. Continue Reading
News 05 Nov 2007

Google announces open source operating system for smartphones

After months of speculation, Google has officially announced Android, an mobile devices OS it's developing in partnership with a wide variety of companies. Continue Reading
News 01 Nov 2007

ISCSI storage gets performance makeover

Suppliers, including Ibrix, Mellanox, Alacritech and EqualLogic, are offering juiced-up new iSCSI configurations, while 3PAR, CipherMax and NeoScale boost data security products. Continue Reading
News 23 Oct 2007

How to manage mobility

Planning a new mobility deployment? This tip and podcast offer eight strategies to make sure you get it right. Continue Reading
News 20 Sep 2007

Wireless troubleshooting

Wireless network troubleshooting basics are discussed in this guide. Continue Reading
News 19 Sep 2007

802.11 protocols

802.11 wireless protocols and deployment basics are discussed in this guide. Continue Reading
News 18 Sep 2007

Cisco to acquire Cognio

Cisco will acquire wireless spectrum analysis and management vendor Cognio in a deal that will give Cisco a leg-up on wireless and mobility. Continue Reading
News 18 Sep 2007

Wireless security

Wireless security and polices are covered in this guide. Continue Reading
News 17 Sep 2007

Wireless network deployment and management

Wireless network deployment and management are discussed in this guide. Continue Reading
News 17 Sep 2007

Wireless access points

The basics of wireless access point (AP) as well as configuration and placement are covered in this guide. Continue Reading
News 16 Sep 2007

Wireless protocols learning guide

Wireless technologies including 802.11, WLAN and Wi-Fi defined in this guide. Continue Reading
Feature 06 Sep 2007

Understanding VoWLAN

Like VoIP, VoWLAN contributes to cost efficiency. Because calls can be routed over the data network internally or over the Internet externally, mobile telephony costs can be eliminated or decreased significantly. In the long term, VoWLAN deployment is a significant step toward interoperability and seamless mobile connectivity between private WLANs and public wireless and cellular networks. Continue Reading
News 04 Sep 2007

Cisco goes next generation with 802.11n

Cisco today released 802.11n WLAN gear, as wireless experts predict the technology will soon kill the need for wired Ethernet LAN access. Continue Reading
News 02 Sep 2007

Wireless network security: Controlling secondary connections

Secondary connections are the latest threat to corporate wireless networks and require more than password protection to remain secured. Continue Reading
News 23 Aug 2007

Nokia Intellisync boosts device management

Nokia Intellisync has released updates to its Mobile Suite to enhance remote device support, loss and theft protection, and management capabilities. Continue Reading
Feature 17 Aug 2007

Voice over WLAN improves a hospital's communications

A Voice over WLAN (VoWLAN) system was the solution to improving communications and response times for staff at one hospital, while boosting employee satisfaction. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Aug 2007

Upcoming wireless standards promise managed WLANs

Learn about two new IEEE standards, 802.11k and 802.11v, which aim to improve wireless the problems over overlapping wireless networks, in this tip. Continue Reading
News 08 Aug 2007

NAS appliance specifications

NAS appliances are noted for their convenience, offering dedicated internal storage that is relatively straightforward to identify and manage. The biggest issue for NAS appliances is avoiding network bottlenecks and supporting expansion without having to proliferate additional appliances across the network. The product snapshots in this chapter highlight key specifications for a cross section of major NAS appliance products. Continue Reading
News 08 Aug 2007

Wi-Fi simplicity edging out Wi-Fi security

Experts say the standards are available to lock down Wi-Fi, but many network and security managers are taking an easier approach. Continue Reading
News 08 Aug 2007

WLANs require investment to yield benefits, study says

WLANs require strong investments in order to yield their benefits, according to a recent study by the Aberdeen Group. Continue Reading
News 08 Aug 2007

WLANs require investment to yield benefits, study says

WLANs require strong investments in order to yield their benefits, according to a recent study by the Aberdeen Group. Continue Reading
News 25 Jul 2007

Cisco issues warning for wireless LAN controller flaws

Cisco Systems is warning customers of flaws in its wireless LAN controllers that initially crippled a wireless network at Duke University. Continue Reading
News 19 Jul 2007

Wireless interference can be frustrating (and fun?)

Since Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands, the enterprise wireless spectrum can be shared by other, seemingly innocuous devices like Bluetooth and wireless game controllers. But interference from such devices, or from having too many devices on one wireless network, can have a strong impact. Continue Reading
News 29 Apr 2007

WEP: Wireless security's broken skeleton in the closet

WEP for wireless security was cracked again recently. Though many will say WEP is obsolete, many companies still use it. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Apr 2007

What can we do to connect our wireless router to our wireless client?

Experiencing a persistent inability to connect a wireless router from your wireless client? Lisa Phifer details how to fix this problem. Continue Reading
News 04 Apr 2007

Wireless VoIP market to grow rapidly

VoIP and Voice over Wi-Fi markets are expected to be strong in 2007 and remain so through 2012. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Mar 2007

How do I get my LAN computers to reach the Internet?

Get your LAN computers to reach the Internet in this response from wireless expert Lisa Phifer. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Mar 2007

What are the criteria for evaluating an indoor wireless network?

In this Q&A., learn how to evaluate an indoor wireless network with criteria provided by expert Lisa Phifer. Continue Reading
News 22 Mar 2007

11n will boost speed, prompt upgrades

802.11n's speed will be a welcome boost for end-users, but will create headaches as admins face network upgrades to deal with the demand for bandwidth it unleashes. Continue Reading
News 11 Mar 2007

Wi-Fi interference

In this research report, undertook the challenge to quantify the problem of interference in wireless LANs and defined a methodology for evaluating the effects of interference on WLANs. Continue Reading
Feature 01 Mar 2007

Black Hat RFID controversy has bloggers up in arms

This week in Security Blog Log: Infosec pros slam HID Corp., the firm that tried to quash a Black Hat presentation on flaws in its RFID technology, calling HID the latest champion of security through obscurity. Continue Reading
News 28 Feb 2007

RFID cloning presentation moves forward despite legal threats

Chris Paget, director of research and development at IOActive spoke mainly about the science behind RFID tags and readers and the inherent security issues of the technology. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Feb 2007

RFID dispute: Vendors still hostile toward full disclosure

Many vendors still believe that security by obscurity is still the best policy and make it a priority to silence vulnerability researchers. Continue Reading
News 27 Feb 2007

Black Hat presenter nixes RFID cloning demo under pressure

A demonstration of a device that could easily clone radio frequency identification (RFID) badges, was pulled from a conference presentation under pressure from a chip maker. Continue Reading
Feature 10 Jan 2007

WiMax clearing path to mainstream

A number of industry moves have made WiMax almost ready for the mainstream. But there's good news and bad news to consider before making the move. Continue Reading
News 18 Dec 2006

Cisco WLAN design best practices

Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology has built-in security features, but a one-size-fits-all approach won't ensure adequate security for your organization. This tip provides best practices for designing your security architecture, including user community considerations, controller architecture and access point placement Continue Reading
Tip 18 Dec 2006

What are the fundamentals of ATM and ISDN?

Lisa Phifer explains the fundamentals of ATM and ISDN and why they are used. Continue Reading
News 11 Dec 2006

SIP desktop phone blends functionality, style

VoIP desktop phones are no longer the clunky hunks of plastic that take up space on your desk. Siemens yesterday launched a new family of SIP phones that are as slick as they are functional. Continue Reading
Tip 03 Dec 2006

Access your ISA and Exchange Server from outside the office

Learn how to configure your Linksys router so that you can access your ISA and Exchange Server from outside the office in this expert response by Lisa Phifer. Continue Reading
News 28 Nov 2006

Effective wireless security is available, but holes exist

Specialist vendors offer products that allow even small businesses to run a secure wireless network without paying a high price, but that doesn't mean companies are using it. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Nov 2006

Wireless connections with ad hoc networks

Ad hoc wireless networking in Windows Vista with the IPv6 protocol has its risks, but it also has several built-in security mechanisms. In this tip, Brien Posey explains how these security features help counteract some risks of wireless networks. Continue Reading
News 30 Oct 2006

Wireless network security testing

The abundance of wireless devices is making wireless networks -- both authorised and unauthorised -- more common. Attack your own wireless networks to find vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do. Security testing expert Kevin Beaver covers the tools and techniques you'll need to find and exploit insecure wireless networks. Continue Reading
Feature 17 Oct 2006

Nokia E62 thin mobile productivity device

In this product review, John Shepler weighs in on Nokia's new E62 mobile device for Cingular Wireless. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Oct 2006

Creating a WPA2 compliant network

Our expert, Lisa Phifer, goes through the basic principles of creating a WPA2 compliant network. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Oct 2006

High-gain antennas and the near field effect

In this response, Lisa Phifer explains the use of a high-gain antenna and what the near field effect is. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Oct 2006

Wireless connection in the wilderness

Lisa Phifer explains how to connect office buildings wirelessly where laying cable is not an option due to trees and rocky terrain. Continue Reading
News 15 Oct 2006

Flaw found in Toshiba wireless device driver

Attackers could exploit a flaw in the Toshiba Bluetooth wireless device driver to cause a denial of service or launch malicious code on victims' machines. Continue Reading
News 03 Oct 2006

Cisco, Cognio team up on Wi-Fi interference detection

Cisco and Cognio have partnered to troubleshoot and diagnose problems on the Wi-Fi network. Continue Reading
News 03 Oct 2006

Cisco, Cognio team up on Wi-Fi interference detection

Cisco and Cognio have partnered to troubleshoot and diagnose problems on the Wi-Fi network. Continue Reading