Here are the latest tidbits in heterogeneous networks — the wireless connections beyond traditional cellular networks, including Wi-Fi, distributed antenna systems and small cells.
Cox Communications launched a new Wi-Fi network for its customers in northern Virginia. Cox’s Wi-Fi service allows the company’s high-speed Internet subscribers to enter their Cox user ID and password and connect to one of 750 hotspots in Fairfax City and Fairfax County with no additional fees.
Once a user has logged in, their device will automatically connect for 30 days without having to re-enter credentials. Cox allows three Wi-Fi devices to be connected per user, and up to 10 per account.
Boingo Wireless released an enhanced version of its Wi-Finder app for iOS 6. The new version of the app identifies Boingo networks in Wi-Fi settings when more than one network is available, and automatically notifies users that Boingo service can be used. The company’s subscribers can also enable automatic logins for participating Boingo hotspots for seamless Internet access. Boingo has more than 600,00 hotspots worldwide.
Also in WiFi news, Syniverse recently conducted a Twitter poll that found that 75 respondents connect to WiFi daily, and that 70 percent of them would be “very happy” if their mobile devices could automatically connect to WiFi whenever it is available.
Most respondents –65 percent — said they access WiFi most often at home, with another 30 percent usually accessing WiFi via an office network. 58 percent said they’d be willing to pay for WiFi access, and more than 22 percent said they’d fork over $5 or more. Nearly 50 percent said they use WiFi mostly for checking email, and 23 percent spent the majority of their time on WiFi checking social media.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Mary Clark, senior vice president of roaming at Syniverse. “With the mass adoption of smartphones and tablets, it is becoming increasingly important for consumers to have WiFi access on their mobile devices. Based on our findings, it is critical for mobile operators, cable and network providers to continue to invest in WiFi solutions that deliver seamless, high-quality experiences for end-users, whether they’re on mobile networks, WiFi or anywhere in between.”
NetGear recently introduced three new switches with offerings that range from as little as $125 to $250 per port for small and medium-sized businesses. The new switches range from the lightly managed ProSafe 8-port Gigabit Plus Switch for small networks, to the ProSafe 12-port 10 Gigabit Copper M7100 series Managed Switch, which is designed for enterprise and campus-style networks for up to 500 users.
