invent me please
Ok, so here's a device that would be very cool. Net, please invent it.
90% of hotels with broadband have wired, not wireless, broadband. That means you must sit at the stupid desk and work when everyone knows, the best place to work is sitting in bed.
So here's what's needed: A device the size of a silver dollar with two ports. One you plug into your computer; the other into the broadband outlet. You configure your connection through the hotel broadband line, and then unplug your computer. The device is then a wireless bridge. Because it would only be broadcasting in the room, its power would be very low. But the key would be ease of configuration and size.
Does this exist?
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Comments (22)
For those of us who don't stay in hotels often, especially the kind offering internet service, what configuration is involved in getting connected? I gather it isn't just DHCP or else you probably wouldn't have mentioned configuring.
solution: 25 foot cat5 network cable
Yep, they exist, they're called wireless bridges. Linksys was the first company to come out with them last year, and now there are both 802.11b versions and 802.11g versions to make any wired device wireless.
WiFi bridges exist. You'd plug it into the hotel's ethernet connection and it would relay the ethernet connection to a wireless network. They are cheaper than basestations (aka routers) because they are a whole lot simpler -- they simply change change the media that the ethernet protocol uses (TCP/IP rides on a layer above the ethernet protocol)
I know about his one (never used it though):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000066JQU/002-5571046-5080010?v=glance
seems like you should be able to get something like it for a whole lot cheaper.
GPRS.
it's not quite broadband (171 kbs) but it's already invented, air time is not too expensive and there's lots of hardware available. it's "always" on just like an ADSL connection.
it's a compromise in speed compared to most WiFi links (but a shared WiFi link can be pretty slow) but for e-mail and blogging it's more than enough - the plus is you have the coverage and mobility of GSM - which means you can work more or less anywhere.
try it when you're on the road and you'll see why GSM - a patent encumbered, closed, proprietary, non open-source system has more subscribers than the internet has users.
I never travel without one. I have a small D-Link which is about the size of two decks of cards stacked on top of each other, and the weight of a feather. It's sometimes a little flaky, but usually works well and creates a little private network bridge, WEP encrypted, etc. No configuration required as long as the hotel's network supports basic DHCP like most do.
I've also found some hotels will provide wireless access in a room if asked -- they just keep a bunch of bridges and routers on hand.
Yup, Wireless bridges. With 802.11b adapters / routers getting so cheap nowadays, why not just carry one around with you? Several companies make extremely diminutive versions that are worth checking out. As for limiting access to the router, just enable WEP and make yourself a key. Piece of cake. (or as someone so intelligently suggested)...25-50ft Cat5 cable isnt a bad idea at all. Its cheap, no one will want to steal it, you dont have to plug it in, and its a small enough weight / size that it wont be a hassle to shove in your laptop bag.
Let's not forget the "game" focused wireless bridges that Linksys puts out. For some reason, these are actually cheaper than the official bridges, although they provide the same functionality.
Linksys WGA11-B
Limited-distance, ad hoc, inexpensive networks are the province of IEEE 802.15.3a, the standards body working on 100-400 Mb/s wireless personal nets. Expect a standard sometime next year.
In the meantime, it's hard to beat a little roll of Cat 5, which you can also use to tie your bags together if Homeland Security breaks them, as a leash to walk your dog, and as a whip to discipline whoever needs it, which makes it all much more useful than that Wi-Fi stuff.
I suspect that Cat 5 was not the professor's solution, because in many hotel rooms these days you simply have a cord running out of the wall with a plug at the end.
-kd
You can easily get a simple coupler to connect the plug at the end to the coil of Cat5 cable. I'll agree, though, that it isn't the most convenient way to do it, though, especially when you get used to 802.11b wireless at both home and work. However, I find hotels inconvenient in general, so...
Instead of the first silver dollar attached to the computer, why not leave that job up to existing WiFi peripherals such as PCMCIA, USB, and mini PCI adapters? Go a little further, don't just bridge broad band connections, bridge phone lines while we're at it... oh wait we could even call it The Apple Airport!
For the short distance bluetooth would probably be what you are looking for. I think what you want is this device: http://www.apcmag.com/apc/v3.nsf/0/303E9F0EB7800B4ECA256D44001A473B only smaller.
I only did a quick search on this one, so there may be a smaller similar device already out there. The key words that pulled this one up were: bluetooth network bridge
Something similar might turn up the device in the size you'd like. If not I'm sure it will be out soon.
The hotel chain "Club Quarters" has WiFi in all of their rooms. You can check out USB wireless adaptors from the front desk. The hotel is strange, your firm has to have a membership to use it, but it's a great perk. More hotels should do the same.
www.clubquarters.com, but there's no information available on the site.
I just carry an Apple Airport in my luggage. Then when I have broadband I plug the Airport into the broadband connection and am wireless in the room.
When there's no broadband connection, I use the Airport's modem to connect and I'm still wireless.
It ain't the size of a silver dollar (yet) but it's very handy.
The Apple Airport works very well. I picked up a used "snow" model for $75 and just throw it in with my PowerBook.
It is also great for ad hoc meetings in the room where everyone needs net. I've had several Hydra - er - SubEthaNet meetings using this setup.
I too will throw a bridge in my luggage for such occasions. However, I am far more bothered by the constant need of a power cord. I am wireless at home and in the office, but I am still essentially tethered to the wall plug.
Oh please, I beg anyone, solve that problem. All day battery life? Wireless power?
I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000088NO6/ref=pd_sbs_e_1/102-9001319-2338500?v=glance&s=electronics
I use it to connect a land-based computer to a wireless network, but the same equipment works both ways, from what I understand.
nice... :)
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Of course, you could buy, decide to your deciding!
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