Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category

Who wants a bulky router taking up valuable living room space?  Enter D-Link’s DIR-602 Wireless-N router.  This device measures only 4.25” x 2.4” x 1.0”, yet it provides much of the functionality offered by a full-sized wireless router, with a form factor that can fit in your pocket.

The DIR-602 also features two 10/100 Ethernet ports for wired users.  The router does require an AC adapter, however.

No word on pricing or a release date, but the device made its way through the FCC today, so we should be seeing it soon.

It looks like Novatel is updating their lineup of MiFi portable wireless hotspots.  Yesterday, the company passed two new versions of the MiFi, the 3352 and 3372, through the FCC.  Both devices offer download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps and 5.76 Mbps upload speeds.  Other features include support for up to five devices, and microSD slot for additional storage, and support for HSPA, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS networks.

The MiFi 3352 and 3372 will be making their way to Europe, North America and Asia/Pacific regions.  No word on pricing or a release date.

The USB WiFi adapter from ZyXEL pictured above passed through the FCC today.  Known as the NWD2105, this tiny device is less than 40mm long (about 1.4”), but brings 802.11 b/g/n goodness to your favorite USB-equipped device.

We don’t have any word on pricing or availability yet, but you can view the NWD2105’s data sheet here.

TV manufacturer Vizio announced plans to release a wireless router at this year’s CES, and today the device made its first appearance on the FCC.  Known as the XWR100 Dual-band HD Wireless Internet Router, the device offers 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi capabilities, including, as the device’s name suggests, dual-band wireless-N goodness.

As you can see above, the XWR100 features a sleek, glossy black exterior – a big improvement over the traditional bulky, plastic router form-factor.  The XWR100 also rocks a 4 port, 10/100 switch, USB 2.0 port for connecting to hard drives, and WPS, WEP and WPA wireless security.

Vizio claims that the XWR100 is ideal for streaming HD video and audio, and optimized for Vizio VIA-enabled products.  However, looks aside, we don’t see any major differences between the XWR100 and other dual-band wireless-N routers.  Still, dual-band wireless-N is ideal for HD video streaming, and the XWR100 looks good enough to be mounted on a wall or placed prominently atop an AV stand.

The XWR100 will cost $100, and is scheduled to be released in the first half of this year.

Today, three components from Microsoft made their way through the FCC.  Two of the devices, the 1409 and 1410 are described as 2.4 GHz short range RF modules.  The other, known as the 1400, is a 802.11 b/g/n WLAN client.

We don’t know much else about these devices at this point.  However, according to test reports these modules are designed to be installed in a host device.

So what are these modules?  Microsoft often passes peripherals such as keyboards and mice through the FCC, but these devices are usually complete products – not just modules.  However, Microsoft isn’t really in the module manufacturing business.  There are lots of RF and WiFi modules available from OEM vendors, so why would Microsoft develop these modules on its own?

Label location pictures, above, don’t reveal much either.  Our guess is that these modules are part of an upcoming Microsoft product that is being kept tightly under wraps.  The Courier is the first thing that comes to mind, of course.  But at this point our speculation is just baseless wishful thinking.

Another possibility is these modules are part of an Xbox 360 peripheral, such as Natal.  Again, this is just speculation.

We’ll keep you updated on this as we learn more.

Netgear passed the N600 dual band wireless router through the FCC yesterday.  The device provides 802.11 a/b/g and dual-band wireless N goodness.  The N600 has four 10/100 LAN ports, and supports Netgear’s Readyshare technology.

Unfortunately, we don’t have any external or internal pics of the device, although label pics suggest that the device will have a similar form factor as Netgear’s DGN3500 wireless router.

No word on pricing or availability.

Have a 3G USB modem and feeling like sharing?  Surf on over to Woot.com.  Woot’s deal of the day is a Cradlepoint PHS300 portable WiFi hotspot for $100.

The PHS300 turns your 3G USB modem into a WiFi hotspot.  The device even works with tethered 3G phones.  The device works with both GSM and EVDO 3G networks, so you can use the PHS300 worldwide.

You can plug in the PHS300 into an outlet with the included AC adapter, or take the device on the road.  The PHS300 relies on a Li Ion battery that provides ‘hours’ of wireless goodness.

Although the PHS300 isn’t as sleek as the MiFi, it is priced attractively.  Also, the device allows you to use any 3G USB modem, unlike the MiFi that is carrier-specific.

At first the Audi audio unit above appears to be a typical CD/DVD drive.  That is, until you notice the SIM card slot placed between two SD card slots.  Yes, this head unit is really a 3G WiFi hotspot on wheels – taking your SIM card and filling your car with glorious WiFi.

Audi announced their Mobile Media Interface (MMI) system with WiFi earlier this month, and today the device showed up on the FCC.  As you can imagine, there are a ton of benefits to having a car constantly connected to the net.  You can download all sorts of real-time navigation and POI data, as well as traffic information and satellite imagery.

But lets be honest, what we’re all looking forward to is driving around while surfing the web.  At least for Audi passengers.  Imaging taking a road trip without losing Internet access.  That means Hulu on the road, not to mention mobile TV if you have a Slingbox.

We’re not exactly sure if you need to provide your own SIM, or if Audi will partner with local mobile phone carriers.  Hopefully, Audi will negotiate a low monthly rate for data access.

Audis with mobile WiFi are expected to hit showrooms in July 2010.  It’s unclear if Audi will offer MMI WiFi in all of their models, but we do know that at least the A8 will be available with this feature.

WiBRAVO thinks your router is boring.  The Taiwanese company strives to blend art and design with home networking gear to create products that are both functional and pleasing to the eye.

WiBRAVO’s Virtu 901 wireless access point, which passed through the FCC today, is a prime example of the company’s penchant for unique-looking networking products.  The device features a curvy design that reminds me somewhat of a maroon, Brita water filter.

But the Virtu 901 isn’t just about good looks.  The device rocks 802.11 b/g/n capabilities, and also supports 3G USB data modems, giving you a wide range of networking options.

You can purchase the Virtu 901 online from Asia RF.  You’ll need to login for pricing.

Over the past month or so we’ve seen several, seemingly new Cisco routers pass through the FCC.  These included the E2000 and E3000 dual-band wireless N routers, as well as the M10 and M20 wireless N models.

We initially thought that these routers were part of new E and M series networking lines from Cisco, however a tipster has informed us that these new routers are actually just rebranded Linksys routers with slightly different firmware.  According to our source, the most notable improvement on these routers is a simplified hotspot set-up process, suggesting that these routers will be targeted at SMBs, not consumers.

The hardware on the Cisco M and E series products correspond to their Linksys brethren as follows:

Cisco M10 shares the hardware of the Linksys WRT160Nv3
Cisco M20 shares the hardware of the Linksys WRT310Nv2
Cisco E2000 shares the hardware of the Linksys WRT320N
Cisco E3000 shares the hardware of the Linksys WRT610Nv2

Thanks to our tipster who sent this in.