Wi-Fi Article Round-Up: 2011/04/29

Here are a collection of Wi-Fi related articles that I have found useful, interesting, or enlightening. As always, for a complete list of articles check out my shared article feed from Google Reader.


My Stuff:

• I provided tips for Cisco CCIE Lab Exam Preparation for engineers considering or already studying for Cisco's expert level certifications.
• I ran down some of the more important features included in the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller 7.0.116.0 (J-MR1) code release. John Cox over at Network World was also very kind and linked to my post! Thanks John!
• I compiled Wireless Access Point Feature Matrices for most enterprise wireless network vendors for easier feature comparison.
• I continued my series on deploying an Aerohive wireless network with posts on the HiveManager Configuration Workflow and on completing a HiveAP Initial (Guided) Configuration.
• I started a series on Wi-Fi protocol analysis tips, beginning with the use of Wireshark Packet Colorization for easy visual identification of packets of interest, common frame exchanges, and anomalies in large trace files. I also detailed how to identify the SSID to BSSID Mappings on Cisco wireless equipment for focused analysis.
• I described how to use the Cisco Notification Service and IOS Software Checker tools to stay abreast of the latest information on Cisco products and security advisories.
• I was quoted in the press release for Fluke Networks AirCheck product version 1.2.
• I attended the CWAP version 2 beta course, along with many other Wi-Fi experts. Douglas Haider recapped both days of the class and a spectrum analysis location tip from Keith R. Parsons.

Industry Wi-Fi Articles:

• Secure Wi-Fi Hotspots are continuing to get a lot of attention, as they should. This is a necessary evolution to make Wi-Fi network access ubiquitous and secure for the next generation of mobile applications and services. When the EFF and BBB have come out criticizing the state of the industry, it's time to step up and develop a solution! How much more clear can it be... are the Wi-Fi Alliance and their industry leading members listening? Carrier Hotspots do not go far enough and leave out independent hotspot operators! Is this due solely to backroom financial deals, or are they just out of touch with their own customer's needs?!
• The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) put out a call to action to support an open wireless movement (you can join by sending an email to the address provided).
• The Better Business Bureau cautioned users when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• GottaBeMobile threw out the idea of simplifying hotspot logins with NFC.
  
• Be sure to also read these excellent articles on the subject from the IBM ISS X-Force Team and Chris Byrd at RioSec. Highly recommended!
• Wi-Fi calling is gaining quite a following by current T-Mobile subscribers (and some technically inclined user on other carriers). Personally, I use Wi-Fi calling with Google Voice and Talkatone as an AT&T subscriber and have better voice service and call quality. I can't wait for this service to grow!
• Is Wi-Fi the glue that will hold the AT&T and T-Mobile merger together?
• WirelessWeek analyzed the rise of mobile VoIP and Over-the-Top VoIP providers building services for an increasingly mobile customer base.
• The Independent ran a story about fixing flaky mobile phone issues with Wi-Fi calling and UMA. PC Mag also gave kudos to Kineto, the application provider, proclaiming "Wi-Fi Calling is Awesome!"
• Jay Botelho lays out the Top Five Wireless Trends and how the line between cellular and Wi-Fi is being blurred.
• And interestingly, cellular providers are testing more of a micro-cell architecture similar to Wi-Fi in an attempt to fill in coverage holes and add capacity.
  
• The Enterprise Mobility Forum provided a great interview with the Chairman of AirWatch, a mobile device management solution provider, about the state of enterprise mobility and support for non-traditional devices within organizations. Also, ownership of mobility in the enterprise is a tricky subject.
  
• Mobile payments are coming, as Google, Mastercard, and Citigroup teamed up to develop an NFC payment system. Visa and Samsung are also getting into the NFC game for the 2012 Olympics (pun intended).
  
• Cellular data traffic offload to Wi-Fi continues to march forward in articles by Light Reading and Fierce Broadband Wireless.
  
• Wi-Fi continues to dominate, surpassing 10,000 certified products.

Techie Wi-Fi Articles:

• Marcus Burton, over at CWNP, grounded our expectations of 3-spatial stream access points (and rightly so), and provided an excellent overview of where Wi-Fi overhead comes from.
• Steve Williams highlighted issues with iPhone personal hotspots and co-channel interference. Personal hotspot capable devices are quickly becoming the bane of most network administrators, especially during large events.
• The Eye-Fi card support for Wi-Fi Direct has been released. And Wi-Fi Direct shipments are going to surge this year.
• Aruba released their AirMesh product, completing their acquisition of the Azalea Network product line.
• Cisco released Cisco Prime, their new management solution which includes Network Control System (NCS) for integrated wired and wireless management (way to go Saurabh!), and their Identity Services Engine (ISE) for contextual policy-based network security. ISE integrates with their larger TrustSec initiative.
• Proper wireless design is critical. Remember that Wireless Overkill Can Result in Poor Performance. This is often lost on many engineers. This would be a good opportunity for many to jump into the CWDP study guide!

Other IT Related Articles:

• Managing IT ... people is harder than it looks, and why many organizations get it wrong. 
• Matthew Norwood asks, if everyone has an angle then "Who Do You Trust?" when it comes to vendor or consultant pitches. A good reality check on taking information with a grain of salt and verifying claims.
• The stifling of digital media delivery models by big content producers proves they are still clueless as to what their consumers want, and are even strangling American innovation!
• Don't let your IT career get stuck in a rut, courtesy of Network World. Also, Aaron discusses the Four Stages of Expertise (In Your Mind), which is an interesting take on self-assessment psychology.
• Ethan Banks at PacketAttack stereotypes useless participants involved in incident resolution conference bridges. Absolutely hilarious, and accurate. Great job!
• Check out this interesting TED Talk on Cracking Stuxnet. Are you scared of the changing threat landscape yet?

Comic for the Week:
It's not "off-shoring", it's "best-shoring"...





Cheers (and happy reading),
Andrew