Research Paves Way for Better Wi-Fi in Autos

Researchers find a way to stabilize mobile internet access
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 25, 2008 6:20 PM CDT
Research Paves Way for Better Wi-Fi in Autos
A GO Networks Wi-Fi base station can be seen installed on an Osseo, Minnesota Lamp Post in this undated file photo.    (AP Photo)

Researchers at Microsoft and two US universities have designed a system to give drivers better Wi-Fi connections, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. The technology, presented last week in Seattle, allows a moving computer to hook into one Wi-Fi station as an "anchor" while using other stations as support. Researchers say this will avoid "hiccups" that occur when traveling computers jump from station to station.

"Today's Wi-Fi handoff protocols are incredibly fragile in outdoor environments and mobile environments," one Microsoft researcher said. But he doesn't encouraging web surfing behind the wheel; the new system is mostly for satellite navigation and online phone calls. (More Microsoft stories.)

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