jumping between access points with 802.11b networks?

[Packy]

article

The article discusses free networks that are popping up in metro areas (I'll be in Portland in 6 months, whoop!). Would it be possible (or is it already possible) to signal hop from one 802.11b network to another, similar to how cell-phones jump as you switch from one tower to another? Considering the way security and encryption are handled, maybe it would be possible to have a list of access points in an area, and each point would be logged into before switching from the old one. Unless this is beyond the technology?

I haven't researched 802.11b extensively, so maybe someone with more knowledge could give us some insights?

 

[lukatmyshu]

From what I know about 802.11b it can't 'hand-off' signals like cell-phone towers do. The biggest problem I would see would be the fact that when you are moving from area to area you would be getting a new IP address (not a big deal if you're just browsing because you would not realize your pc renewing your IP) but I don't think you could easily use IM or download some files.

 

[CTho9305]

I think the IPs would be the biggest issue.

 

[crypticlogin]

I actually think the bigger problem (although the IP issue in itself is quite a big obstacle) with the free-roaming is getting a high enough density of access points spread around that there aren't huge gaping holes in coverage. Cell towers have the strength to cover several miles and permeate walls and floors without serious issue so you can make do with a couple of towers to cover (say) a large city. Your average consumer grade 802.11b AP would be lucky to reach a half mile radius without a new antenna that easily adds another hundred bucks per unit to the cost.

and the article mentions the Pringles can high gain antenna but that's a unidirectional tool and unless you've got some awesome directional gear, moving around with a continuous line-of-sight on the AP would be tough.

 

[Packy]

Thanks for the responses.

I wonder if any of the new protocols (802.11a, etc.) will support switching? Then again, there is still the issue of distance and coverage.

 

[Beethoven]

From what I have read, 802.11a will support hand-offs and load balancing. I doubt things will work correctly if you jump between physical networks however. 802.11a will also suppot more access points in a location without interferring with each other.

 

[PandaBear]

The technologies should be fairly easy to do, just copy the one developed for cellphone roaming, but to do that you have to have redundant coverage and all of the AP needs to be maintained together. If you realize that WiFi is using a public spectrum, you will realize that it is going to get interference from EVERY 2.1Ghz device, so it is not worthed.

Nice try, I would do Ricochet instead of this, since it use a reserved spectrum.