Advantages & Disadvantages of WiMAX

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)  is one of the latest wireless technology designed to enable high-speed mobile Internet access to devices including notebook PCs, mobile phones, gaming devices,and more. It is known as fourth generation (4G) wireless technology as it outruns 3G technology by means of data transmission and coverage area. WiMax delivers low-cost, open networks and is the first IP mobile Internet solution enabling efficient networks for data, video, and voice. WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access(BWA) u to 50km for fixed stations, and about 5 to 15km for mobile stations.

Advantages:

 Wide-Area Wireless Network:

1.  Provides mobility to user with access to the Internet.

2. Convenient to user because of the ubiquitous connection.

3. High speed radio wave data transmission (up to 10Mb).

4. Does not require telephone line.

5. Designed with better quality of service (QoS)
6. Non-line of sight connection.
7. Provides wide area connectivity up to 50km radius from transmission tower.

Disadvantages:

1. New technology which is still unstable, frequent disconnections.

2. Many interference disruption/slows down connection (weather, cordless phone, microwave oven)

3. Connection weakens when distance increases, away from transmission tower.
4. Wireless technology more prone to hackers.

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P1 WiMAX is one of the first and  leading WiMax companies established in Malaysia. They provide WiMAX connections in various location in Malaysia. Currently improving  and expanding area of coverage in strategic locations in Malaysia.

P1 WiMAX modem which receives signal from transmission tower. 

                                                                                          By, George Sieow
References:

http://www.intel.com/technology/wimax/

http://www.wimax.com/general/what-is-wimax
http://pcworld.about.com/od/wirelessnetworking/WiMax-Is-Here-What-You-Need-t.htm
http://www.p1.com.my/

Apple vs Microsoft

Microsoft has been at the top of the heap for almost as long as people have used PCs. They’ve managed to sustain an overwhelming competitive advantage.On the other hand, Apple who had been striving hard finally surpass arch-rival Microsoft in becoming the world's biggest technology company.

Changes in the share price values of the two:- 

Value of Apple by investors is at $222bn (£154bn). 
Microsoft is now valued by investors at $219bn.

However Microsoft still enjoys higher profits than Apple. Its most recent annual net profit was $14.6bn, compared with $5.7bn for Apple. Microsoft also reported bigger full-year revenues of $58.4bn, with Apple on $36.5bn.

Is Apple really making a dent in Microsoft’s long-standing Windows monopoly? 

Are mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad taking over tasks that used to be done by PCs?

Apple is still gaining on Microsoft, thanks to iOS-based devices. 

There’s no doubt that the Mac has been a big success for Apple over the past couple of years. While Microsoft was stumbling with Vista, Apple used a very aggressive advertising campaign that resulted in considerable growth. Apple’s overall share of the Internet  continues to go up steadily, thanks to mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad. Added together, Apple’s iOS has been a clear winner. It will be interesting to look at these figures again in a year.

                          Data provided by > Net Market Share

The mobile Internet is growing at an astonishing rate. 

This was the most fascinating result that should have Microsoft most concerned. Back in 2007, Internet traffic from mobile devices was nearly nonexistent; today, mobile operating systems account for nearly 3% of all Internet traffic. The percentage of Internet usage on mobile devices has been doubling every eight months or so. Due to the trend, it is easy to imagine a world in which mobile devices consume 20% or more of total Internet usage within the next two or three years.

                          Data provided by > Net Market Share


So where is all that traffic coming from? 

Not surprisingly, Apple’s iOS-based devices (IPhones,IPads) are the leader in the mobile category, as measured by usage, accounting for 42% of the total traffic from mobile sources.

We are indeed moving rapidly into a world where mobile devices are taking over many tasks that were previously handled by PCs. This is a market that is only beginning to explode, which means things can change very quickly. For instant, the quick response of Microsoft jumping into this space so aggressively with Windows Phone 7.

Questioned on the news that Apple was now a bigger company, Microsoft's chief executive Steve Ballmer said his firm would continue to follow a long-term strategy.

"It's a long game, we have good competitors... we too are a very good competitor," he said.

"We are executing very well and that is going to lead to great products and great success."

References:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10168684

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/microsoft-vs-apple-whos-winning-the-numbers-dont-lie/2504

Protect Your Wireless Network !

50% of wi-fi networks can be hacked in under 5 seconds

The "ethical hacking" experiment shows the vulnerability of UK home wi-fi networks

According to a study conducted across the UK, almost half of home wi-fi networks could be hacked within a matter of seconds.Insurance company CPP set loose their "ethical hacking experiment" on the UK public in six major cities. Out of 40,000 home networks in those cities, almost 20,000 had no password or basic security encryption. In addition, almost a quarter (9,249) of the private networks had no password, although 82% Britons believe their network is secure.

The ethical hackers spent half an hour using laptops and freely available software to access as many unsecured wireless connections they could. Upon finding those networks which had password protection, they hacked it within seconds. Wherever the ethical hackers found a password protected Wi-Fi network, most of them were bypassed within seconds.

The Telegraph was told by CPP identity fraud expert Michael Lynch that: ''This report is a real eye-opener in highlighting how many of us have a cavalier attitude to wi-fi use, despite the very real dangers posed by unauthorised use."

He also urged wi-fi users that information inputted while on a public network can be visible to hackers.

The experiment showed it's not too hard to hack into people's internet lives, especially if people aren't careful enough. Time to introduce password protection to your home network, we say.
Is your home wi-fi network password protected? 


Article by Devina Divecha, Sat 16 Oct 2010 
http://www.t3.com/news/50-per-cent-of-wi-fi-networks-can-be-hacked-in-under-5-seconds?=50055