Google's WiFi in Mountain View sounds ho-hum
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| Google WiFi |
But the more we here about Google's plans for Mountain View WiFi service, which could launch within two months, the less compelling it sounds.
In the latest communication effort at a community meeting, Google says it will work outdoors, but to get coverage indoors you need buy a router to amplify the signal. And if we are outdoors using WiFi in sunny California, we'll probably want to sit in the shade under a tree. However, Google says tree, buildings and other physical impediments could weaken the signals.
It is early days, and there are lots of people at Google working on this, so we hope they get it right eventually.
http://www.siliconbeat.com/cgi-bin/mt331/mt-tb.cgi/1593
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It's not Google's fault. That's a problem of the WiFi spectrum. Well, I guess it is Google's fault for choosing WiFi. EVDO rocks, but that's verizon only now.
rickfeynman on July 14, 2006 10:21 AMComment link
Insert technical argument on why 802.11 is throwing a LAN solution at a WAN problem.
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Because almost every laptop sold today has an 802.11 adapter built-in, and older machines can pick an adapter up for < $30. There is no charge for the use of Wi-Fi spectrum.
Compare that to what a cellular carrier wants upfront with a 2 yr. contract ($50-$150) and without (up to $250) plus monthly fees of $60-$80 on data only for PC connectivity.
Wi-Fi needs more infrastructure equipment, its footprint is smaller, the signal is less consistent and many people may need add'l equipment to get whole home coverage. Yet you can still buy all that for every single household in Mountain View, and still come out way ahead.
sli on July 14, 2006 1:04 PMComment link
I think it is best for people who pays so much money for their broadband to try free wifi. The bridge itself cost only $80 ( PEPLINK) or BUFFALO. Same price as netgear and D-link or linksys from Fry's electronics and you can broadcast your wifi anywhere in your house.and its FREE!
Earthlink i beleive offers $20 monthly payment in selected areas in cali (Anaheim?).
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Sli is quite correct. 802.11 is recapitulating the evolution of Ethernet. In the early days of Ethernet, the establishment described it as a toy, would never work in the enterprise. Then after it took over the LAN enterprise, they said it would never work in the WAN. Now Ethernet spans every level of connectivity and has blown away all competitors.
802.11 is doing the same thing. Its out evolving all other wireless tech, reaching more performance at lower cost.
Muni-wireless is in its very early stages. There is more hype than reality. There will be some big failures / over reaching in the begining. But it will continue to spread like kudzu, being just "good enough" but lots cheaper than anything else. All the time getting better.
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The strength may just be in the people that use the free WiFi. Each laptop or computer besides being a receiver of WiFi is soon to be a transmitter easign the "spotty" reception points of WiFi.
TJ O'Malley on July 18, 2006 5:33 AMComment link
