SANTA MONICA, Calif.—Wi-Fi aggregator Boingo Wireless Inc. launched its Embedded Wi-Fi Toolkit, an open source software package that enables developers to integrate Wi-Fi connection management technology into small devices such as dual-mode phones, MP3 players and digital cameras. Carriers, device makers, chip vendors and other parties can use the open source code to build their own solutions and protect their IPR with a commercial license, or publish their porting work for others.
The offering was driven by the increasing number of Wi-Fi enabled devices reaching the market and, according to Boingo, an increased number of service providers looking to access the aggregator’s Wi-Fi network offering. Boingo claims to have access to more than 45,000 public and private hot spots around the world.
Boingo said the toolkit allows devices to detect and connect to public Wi-Fi signals, and incorporates power-saving logic for recognizing known signals to conserve handset power. The toolkit’s modular architecture simplifies porting and adapting to a vendor’s application needs.
The open source software can be integrated into handsets without a recurring licensing fee, but requires publication of toolkit modifications, or a commercial license that protects proprietary modifications.
In related news, device maker Nomadix Inc. is touting its work with chipmaker Intel Corp. on “Seamless Access,” a standard for handoffs between cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
The standard is available on the two companies’ public access gateways, and represents Nomadix’ entry into the fixed-mobile convergence space.
“Seamless Access” is designed to eliminate connection hurdles, increase security and simplify the billing process for carriers and their customers, according to the Nomadix.
