DataTech International, LLC announced today that its
new DirecStar auto-pointing and deploying mounting system has been certified by Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS), for use with HNS’ DIRECWAY® broadband satellite system.

Available with a .74 or .98 meter dish, the DirecStar system deploys rapidly, providing instant Internet connectivity with a simple touch screen interface and is also easy to install.

Transportable, high-speed connectivity enables customers to access broadband from all remote locations, without the need for phone lines. The DirecStar system includes single platform connection for all users and cost-effective pricing with uniform monthly service fees. Such applications as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Secured Private Networks (SPN), transportable Wi-Fi access, real-time Web casts via multicast delivery and streaming and much more, are now available with the DirecStar system with just a click of a button.

By Glenn Fleishman

Wi-Fi network detectors have become a large class of disparate items. Designed ostensibly to alert you to the presence and signal strength of nearby Wi-Fi networks -- and sometimes the network’s name, security setting and channel selection -- none of them works well enough to replace firing up a laptop.

Until getting my hands on ZyXEL’s AG-225H -Wi-Fi Finder and USB Adapter, the best Wi-Fi detector I’ve seen to date is Canary Wireless’s Digital Hotspotter, which uses an LCD display to provide text and symbol details. But it can show just a single network’s details slowly scrolling across the large territory of its screen.

The ZyXEL has a small but highly readable LCD display that shows you every useful piece of information at a glance. Unlike the Canary detector, ZyXEL’s Wi-Fi Finder distinguishes between an open network, one using WEP, and one using WPA/WPA2. Full Story...

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) today announced that it has boosted the speed and performance of its DIRECWAY(R) satellite broadband service for consumers and small businesses.

Powered by technology advancements in its latest DW7000 modem, HNS is improving the Internet experience by offering new plans with speeds up to twice as fast as existing offerings. The technology, previously available only to larger companies, delivers high-quality, high-speed Internet to everyone. Full Story....
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n a bid to boost downtown revitalization efforts, Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) on Sept. 7 launched a free Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) mesh network or "hot zone" in downtown Kissimmee.

The network makes it possible for people outdoors using a laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) to check their e-mail, download material and have full access to the Internet for free within the wireless coverage area.

Initially, the network covers one square mile, but by next summer, KUA.net expects to cover two square miles or 80 percent of the downtown area. Current coverage includes Kissimmee City Hall, Kissimmee Police Department, Osceola County Courthouse, Community House, Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Amtrak and Greyhound stations and numerous restaurants along Broadway. Full Story...

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS - When the city decided to expand it's WI-FI computer network, helping reunite families wasn't a specific goal. This week the system has helped dozens of evacuees at Memorial Coliseum and the American Bank Arena do just that.

Volunteers with "Family Link Online Services" have set up several computers that have allowed folks to find and in some instances contact loved ones they've been separated from. Full Story...

As more and more people acquire wireless notebooks and logon to the Internet at their favorite public Wi-Fi hotspot, hackers lie in wait, anxious to exploit the vast security vulnerabilities inherent in Wi-Fi. The following discusses four tips that you can use to fortify your defenses while continuing to enjoy the benefits of public Wi-Fi. Full Story...

The addition of wireless Internet service at most interstate visitor centers in North Dakota should improve safety on the highways, a Department of Transportation official said.

Last week, wireless service became available along Interstate 94 at Beach, the two Hailstone Creek visitor centers west of New Salem, the two Apple Creek centers east of Bismarck and the Oriska rest stop east of Valley City.

Along I-29, drivers can connect to the Internet at the Elm River visitor center south of Hillsboro and the Alexander Henry center just north of State Highway 17 near Grafton. Full Story...

Workers are getting ready to launch Canandaigua's wireless internet system on a rooftop in the center of town next week.

Businesses like the Pickering Pub are ready to offer their customers a chance to sit outside and use their laptops.

The signal will start in Commons Park in the center of town and will go for about a quarter mile in all directions. Full Story...

U.S. Wireless Online, Inc. today announced the Company is offering full Wi-Fi access for free at its Baton Rouge Hot Zone and all Hot Spots in Louisiana.

The Company operates Wi-Fi networks at 40 Sonic Restaurants in Louisiana and Wi-Fi Hot Zones in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Los Angeles, as well as various hotels in these areas.

"We are in the process of planning additional network services in New Orleans and how to expand coverage in the Baton Rouge area, which has grown to become the largest city in the state of Louisiana," said Carlo MacDonald, General Manager of Louisiana. Full Story...