Watch Out WiFi, Here Comes MiFi
Novatel Wireless last week announced it will release the MiFi, a portable wireless router that will deliver wireless 3G data network access to multiple users in a small area. Much the same size as a credit card, the sleek looking MiFi will let users select access to EVDO or HSPA high speed data networks.
This "cloud" of high-speed Internet connectivity that MiFi offers can be shared not only between users, but between devices such as laptops, cameras, gaming devices and multimedia players. Perfect for carpooling and relieving boredom in the back seat during that long road trip with kids - think Nintendo DS or Sony PSP - the MiFi will support up to five users simultaneously.
The pocket sized MiFi is capable of connecting users and devices
In addition to being a portable Internet hotspot, the EVDO blog notes that the MiFi has an onboard Linux processor capable of hosting software applications and additional content storage capabilities via MicroSD.
Novatel claims the internal battery will provide over forty hours standby and up to four hours of active use on a single charge, and that certain configurations will support applications like auto VPN, automatic syncing of e-mail and remote management capabilities.
The MiFi will be available in the first quarter of 2009 through a variety of retail outlets and Engadget reports the MiFi should be priced under $300.
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Wow! This new release of technology is great! Now, 3G users in a group will experience fast connectivity via wireless network. Cool!
I can see this being an issue with mobile carriers. I use my phone for the internet more than I do talking. So, in theory I could buy a G1 or iPhone and browse the web over Sprint's (my current carrier) network using wifi ANYWHERE now :) Awesome.
So are 'people' basically going to be hotspots now? Is anything stopping everyone that has one of these from making access publicly available? I could have my MiFi open to anyone and let people at any restaurant have wifi access now.
So perhaps I jumped to a conclusion there. I thought for a moment it could be used on any carrier but I didnt think to research it. Im guessing the real way this will work will be paying Novatel a monthly fee for the router to work.
But that doesnt invalidate the idea I mentioned.
Everything is meant to be hacked. Circumvention will find a way around the fees and the limitations, it is only a matter of time. The idea is great. The hacking potential is even greater.
Isn't this like fon.com?
Chris,
No, it's not like Fon.Com – they just offer a router, but MiFi is a 3G router as I understand. Meaning it will work anywhere your cellular provider has fast internet connection (pretty much everywhere in Europe, for example), not only where you have wi-fi.
So for example you could bring your MiFi on the train, turn it own, and the whole carriage has access to the internet over your connection (if you choose to open it up). Or you could install it in your office or a cafe and do the same thing.
when will this product come to Indonesia?
Broadband everywhere! That is the future! Obviously.
Isn't this basically clearwire?
A portable signal repeater seems like. But its well known the more people connected to any one hub of clearwire, the slower the whole system feels.
If you've got a PPC phone with wifi and 3G, WmWiFiRouter lets you do this right now.
http://www.wmwifirouter.com/
Pretty cool technology... could be very useful :)
I can foresee a lot of hacking (more than usual) going on in the near future
ummm, they have been selling the junxion box for almost 4 years now; this is nothing new...it's just small with an onboard os which isn't necessary...
http://www.junxion.com/product/junxionbox#specs-6
As far as I can tell, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but this only works in areas that are already covered by 3G with devices that are 3G enabled. So, if your phone can connect to a 3G network, and there is a 3G network in your area, you can buy this device and connect. Or connect without buying this device. A lot of money went into research and development here, please tell me that 30 seconds worth of critical thinking did not just prove the device worthless...
reverendsteveii : I think reading the article again might help. I don't think you really get the point. It's about connecting wifi capable devices anywhere, not 3g capable devices. This device is the bridge between the two.
As Nathan says for WinMo/PPC phones, you can also do this already with a Symbian/S60 smartphone and Joikuspot software (http://www.joikuspot.com/).
Smaller has been better so far. I carry a small briefcase. Every year I can get more in it.
Ken Stepp
I can see some Internet security issues there...
One word... Portable :)
"...the MiFi has an onboard Linux processor..."
What's that supposed to mean? Is someone making linux-specific hardware?
Don't they have to get the "OK" from Verizon or Sprint to get this on their EVDO networks?
If the iPhones taxed AT&T's network, what is thing going to do?
Can't you share your PC's connection enabled by PCMCIA with 3G via WiFi?
I'm not sure this makes the least bit of sense except in the most obscure circumstances and the chances of it being abused are great.
Telco distribution deal prospects?
wifi out mifi in
thanks lidija
haber sitesi www.nbchaber.com
It seems that cell phone software has already made this product obsolete. Probably a good thing because the manufacturer sounds like they were getting ready to slap some hefty usage fees on this device to offset the R&D costs.
Wow that looks great! Hopefully 3G would be more widely available.
wifi out mifi in
thanks lidija
Great! Mobile Internet technology just got easy.
Looks great!
[i]onboard Linux processor[/i]
hurr
cool Technology!! useful portable wireless router!!
Great idea! For those concerned about hacking though, hacking mobiles has been a concern amongst people for quite some time since the spread of phones and internet usage on phones and sharing applications and sending/receiving emamils over phones. As long as phones are used in the same manner as computers, it is going to happen. But makes more job security for people in the IT field for users who get as many viruses and such on their phone as they do computers:) And certainly from a network security (in both IT and telecom), makes great job secuirty for that too!
i cant wait to have this..really portable!
"onboard Linux processor"= lots of hacking
So how much is it going to cost for me to share my mifi 3g network with others?
I love Nortel good technology