Trucker Tech

Net Neutrality: Consumer Right or Privilege?

What is Net Neutrality?

Simply put, it's the concept that all Internet Traffic should be treated equally. Those promoting Net Neutrality, however, have established three general definitions, as follows:

• Absolute non-discrimination: University of Michigan Law School professor Susan Crawford "believes that a neutral Internet must forward packets on a first-come, first served basis, without regard for quality-of-service considerations."
• Limited discrimination without Quality of Service tiers: Allowing for QoS discrimination as long as no special fee's are charged for higher-quality service.
• Limited discrimination and tiers: Allowing tiered fees; higher fees for higher QoS and lower fees for lower QoS, as long as all get equal access - receiving the QoS level that we each pay for.

Net Neutrality nothing new

The current concept of "Net Neutrality" has its roots in the The Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860 which created a Federal subsidy to build a coast-to-coast telegraph line. Language included within the Act stated:

"messages received from any individual, company, or corporation, or from any telegraph lines connecting with this line at either of its termini, shall be impartially transmitted in the order of their reception, excepting that the dispatches of the government shall have priority ..."

What does this mean to all of us?

On one side of the issue, the side that opposes "Absolute Non-discrimination", sit the major Internet Service Providers, cellular providers and hardware producers. On the other side sit consumer advocates, web-based businesses, and a few technology companies.

iPhone Apps

For years, I took an anti-Apple stance. Really. I went so far as to adopt Oranges as my fruit of choice. Well, I'd eat a Fuji. I mean, they're really just another cheap Japanese knock-off; aren't they? Hmmmm....

Anyway, I'd purchase almost any mp3 device - as long as the name of said device didn't start with an i. Being staunchly opposed to Mac's I found it difficult to order a Big Mac - or wear worn jeans with a comfortable sweater. When the iPhone was introduced, I sneered at the hipster fools standing in long lines, begging for the opportunity to plunk down way too much hard earned cash for another overpriced Apple product.

I've changed my tune. Literally. Last year, after my most recent non-i-mp3-playing thingie bit the dust, I bought an iPod. It's the greatest thing since sliced bread and I've started to rethink my bias. How could I have been so wrong?

Recently, I visited my local Mac store and, after playing with the various laptops and desktops, I've decided to stick with PC computers. But I bought an iPhone. How have we lived so long without this device. Calling it a phone, as a matter of fact, is entirely insufficient. I know that 24 is sponsored by Sprint but, for crying out loud, if Jack Bauer had an iPhone it wouldn't take him a whole day to save the world.

The thing that makes the iPhone most amazing is the absolutely endless number of things you can do with it. There are seemingly thousands of applications that have been developed. So many that I know I can't possibly keep track of them. In case you're curious though, PC Magazine has collected, in several articles, 35 Blockbuster iPhone Apps, 21 Cool iPhone Apps, and Apps you won't find at Apple.  

Over the Road Wireless for...the Future, Part 1

Over the last several weeks I've been inundated with articles and blog posts regarding one new wireless technology after another. The nature of these journalistic efforts seem to fall into a couple of categories; they either focus on a new technology as the overarching future that'll squash all competitors or they focus on a technology they pompously proclaim as dead.

Since I don't have a crystal ball I'm not going to make any attempt to predict the future but I thought it might be interesting to pull together some of the things I've been reading and see if we can draw any quasi-conclusions. (Nope, not gonna draw any hard conclusions based on supposition; sorry.)

As you've probably surmised from reading the title, this will be a multi-part post focusing on wireless technology as it relates to those of us living an over-the-road lifestyle. Of course, the impacts that varying wireless technologies have on the general public have to be taken into account since it's the wider population that'll largely determine which technologies will be widely adopted. So let's get to it.

Turning a Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone or PDA into a Wi-Fi Router

Way back before the introduction of WiFi to truck stops, before cellular services offered "broadband" data transfer, I sometimes used a PCMCIA modem card connected via dongle to my Nokia cell phone; all in an effort to at least get my email. This Internet connection method was painfully slow, usually less than 10kbps and never faster than 20. This first experience using a cellular connection to the Internet is likely the source of my bias for WiFi and against cellular.

Still, I use cellular as a backup to WiFi. There are times when the means and methods I have available to me just aren't sufficient to pull in a truck stop Wi-Fi signal so I tether my cell phone to my laptop and surf away.

Recently, though, I was made aware of a method by which certain SmartPhones, those running Windows Mobile 6, and possessing both Ev-Do and Wi-Fi capabilities, can be turned into a Wi-Fi Router. Oh, sure, there's a good chance that doing so will run afoul of your cellular carriers terms of service agreement, and you'll want to be sure that you don't overrun the bandwidth limitations of your "unlimited" service account, but, if you don't mind installing "beta" software or fiddling with some of the settings, your phone can, for all intents and puposes, become a Wi-Fi router.

Honestly, I can't imagine more than one or two situations in which going to this effort makes any sense but, if you want to share, say, your Verizon cellular connection, you can do so.

Here's how:

• Download a utility call WMWiFiRouter, which, essentially, enables Internet Connection Sharing on your Windows Mobile 6 (and possibly WM5) device.
• Visit the XDA Developers Forum where you'll find a fairly good guide/tutorial and where you can, if you get confused, ask some question.

As Gizmodo points out, it's one way to get 3G access to your iPhone. Just don't complain to me if your battery bites the dust after 20 minutes of using both radios at once...best use it when plugged in.

Just How Fast Can Cellular Broadband Get? LTE/SAE Promises 100Mbps

In an article published Thursday, December 20, by TelecomWeb it's been reported that Long Term Evolution/System Architecture Evolution (LTE/SAE) has, during tests, reached data transfer rates of 160Mbps. Of course, these are tests and, although they were described as having been "conducted in a real urban outdoor environment with multiple users", they are, nonetheless, somewhat theoretical in nature.

When this 4G technology is ready for its public debut, a date most experts expect to arrive sometime in 2010, the actual data transfer rates should reach 100Mbps on the down-link, 50Mbps on the up-link, and exhibit far less latency (short transmission delays) than current 3G cellular technology provides. Additionally, since the efficiency of LTE/SAE is far greater than that of current 3G technology, meaning LTE/SAE uses less bandwidth to transfer the same amount of data, the increased data rates won’t come at the expense of network capacity.

This most recent test, like the previous test, was conducted by Nokia-Siemens in concert with the Heinrich Hertz Institute in Berlin, Germany. So, why is this of any interest to you and me?

Trucker Tech Podcast: Episode 4

Download Trucker Tech Podcast: Episode 4

In the Gear and Gadgets portion of Trucker Tech's fourth podcast episode I take a quick look at a specific cellular signal amplifier marketed as the the Arc Wireless Freedom Antenna. After that I discuss the many positive attributes of the Cyfre and Peak Reception line of cellular amplifiers. You may recall an older post, which still gets quite a bit of traffic, regarding, among other things, the Cyfre CA-819 Direct Connect Amplifier; well...both Cyfre and Peak Reception now have more than that to offer those seeking signal boosting devices.

Keeping with the cellular theme, I discuss the recent revelation by Verizon Wireless that, sometime in 2008, they'll be opening a portion of their network to outside devices, applications and services. Finally, I offer a brief discussion regarding the Linksys NAS200 storage device; as well as one or two reasons why you might consider adding Network Attached Storage to your home network.

The tech tip for episode 4 has to do with the issue of setting up a personal Virtual Private Network. I usually suggest that most folks, if they need a VPN for hotspot security purposes, go with the JiWire Hotspot Helper but it's entirely possible, and fairly easy, to get similar security, plus the ability to remotely access and control another computer on your home network via the Internet, by setting up your own VPN.

Lastly, my commentary, not surprisingly, has to do with the probable demise of SiriCOMM. I'm not just rehashing my previous posts here, rather, I'm a bit steamed about the events leading to the eventual separation of truckers from their money; receiving nothing in return.

Quick Links

Cellular Signal Boosters

• Arc Wireless Freedom Antenna
• Freedom Antenna @ 3G Stores
• Cyfre
• CyfreAdapters.com
• Peak Reception
• Maximum Signal

Network Attached Storage

• Linksys NAS200
• Linksys NAS200 Setup Video

Setup Your Own VPN

• LogMeIn Hamachi
• RealVNC
• LogMeIn Hamachi Tutorial
• Remote Control Another PC Securely with VNC and Hamachi: Tutorial
• Hamachi Info from Wikipedia
• Setup a Free VPN (Article)
• Buy "Over the Road Wireless For Dummies" @ Amazon.com

Open Cellular Networks & Google Android Security Concerns

• Google Waves $4.6B in The Face of Spectrum
• Android @ F-Secure
• Google's Android platform could complicate security
• Open Handset Alliance for Developers

The bumper music I use in this podcast comes from the PodShow Podsafe Music Network. Check it out at 'music.podshow.com'. If you'd like more information regarding the songs and artists just leave a comment and I'll fill you in.

My Odeo Channel (odeo/fcbb724b34f9b157)

My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-93a3f84f7a829507233805ec2a81b679}

TV on Your Cell Phone

I guess I don't get it. On the one hand we've got a whole bunch of people building and buying flat panel TVs that are roughly the size of a multiplex cinema screen while, on the other hand, we've got another group trying to squeeze video onto postage stamps. If you happen to be one of those seeking small screen video then Verizon Wireless has just the ticket.

The company's V Cast Mobile TV recently became the first major cellular service to provide true broadcast-style TV on a cell phone. Oh yeah, video clips have been around for quite awhile but this is new; actual full length TV programs. They're currently offering 8 channels, including CBS, NBC, Fox and ESPN, broadcasting 24 hours a day. V Cast debuted in 19 cities but the list has expanded to 39 and is expected to continue its expansion. 39 cities isn't near enough to interest most OTR truckers but I'm sure there's some, especially those having dedicated runs that put 'em in the same place day after day, that can get their money's worth.

If V Cast is something you're interested in then you should know that it requires the use of a compatible phone, like the Samsung SCH-u620 (pictured above) or LG VX9400, and costs between $15.00 and $25.00 per month.

The technology that makes this modern marvel possible is Qualcomm's MediaFLO and the biggest U.S. cellular company, AT&T's Cingular division, will launch real mobile TV, not those silly little clips, using MediaFLO technology later this year.

Maximizing Your Cellular Signal

I have to admit; I'm a Wi-Fi guy and rarely use a cellular connection to access the Internet. But I DO use a cell phone and, because of the weird routes I sometimes run (no - not because I'm always lost), I've often found myself lacking a sufficient cellular signal. I've also noticed there's an ever growing number of truckers and travelers, possibly due to extended coverage areas, reduced costs, and increased features (like the Sprint/TeleNav Data Plan), that are beginning to use cell data services as their primary means of accessing the Internet. Because of this increasing reliance on cellular connections of all kinds I thought I'd highlight a couple of gadgets that, when used in tandem, can increase your cellular signal.

Booster Antennas & Signal Amplifiers

While it's obvious that antennas and amplifiers can't create cellular signals out of thin air, they can, obviously, help to increase the strength of a signal so weak that it barely registers. I know...we've all tried cellular antennas that promised the world and delivered less...much, much less. I feel your pain and I share it. But, I promise, there are a few effective cellular antennas that'll put an end to your skepticism and, when coupled with an amplifier, might make signal-free zones a thing of the past. The only remaining problem, then, lies in finding an antenna and amplifier that's compatible with your cellular provider and equipment.

Cyfre™ CA-819 Direct Connect Amplifier
The Cyfre CA-819, also sold under the Inteligain banner, has been around for quite some time and has also been heavily marketed to mariners as the Shakespeare CA-819. Cyfre claims that most cell phone/data amplifiers "deplete valuable bandwidth from tower management systems" while Cyfre, utilizing patented technology under license from Motorola, requires "zero bandwidth from cell towers". This claim is especially important for truckers and RVers because we frequently find ourselves concentrated into fairly small areas; like truck stops and RV parks. If your cellular amplifier is a bandwidth hog then you're effectively robbing bandwidth from every other person using the same cell tower. Cellular providers, not surprisingly, seem to frown on this type of signal amplification. At one time Cyfre claimed to be the only amplifier manufacturer whose products were completely endorsed by all the cellular carriers. I no longer find this outright claim being made on their web site but they don't back down a bit from the claim that their products are designed to provide the best possible signal strength without causing any problems whatsoever for either cellular providers or users.

The Cyfre CA-819 is fully compatible with the following standards: IS-95, IS-98, IS-2000, 1XRTT, GPRS, AMPS, CDMA, TDMA, GSM, GPRS, W-CDMA, W-GSM, EVDO Rev 0, EVDO Rev A, HSDPA. It's well worth noting that the CA-819 amplifier is incompatible with the Nextel service and related equipment but, not to worry, Cyfre offers the CA-N-819 for Nextel customers.

These amplifiers are available from several sources; included among them are the following:

• Maximum Signal
• BoatersWorld.com
• Cyfre

Booster Antennas
It's entirely possible, by highlighting a cellular signal amplifier before booster antennas, that I've placed the proverbial cart before the horse. Many individuals have found that a booster antenna, all by it's lonesome, provides sufficient signal pulling power. If you're in the market for an antenna, though, I think I can do no better than to point you in the right direction. But don't misunderstand me, pointing you in the right direction is in no way a minor service. There are literally hundreds of cellular antennas that are only capable of increasing the strength of sellers bottom line. You need to steer clear of these pretenders. With no further adieu, the following vendors offer outstanding antennas:

• 3GStore.com: A sister site to the highly informative EVDOInfo.com; the site started it's Internet life as Booster-Antenna.com. As the number of items offered expanded well beyond antennas they felt a name change was in order.
• AlternativeWireless.com: Another site that's offering far more than antennas. Here, along with the antennas, you'll also find offered the well reviewed Wilson SignalBoost cellular amplifier kit.
• wpsantennas.com: Like the previous two sites wpsantennas.com also offers cellular antennas along with many other cellular related products; including Wilson cellular amps and repeaters.

Conclusion
A cellular booster antenna, coupled with a signal amplifier, just might be the answer to all your cellular connection problems. Another interesting thought: Cyfre and Wilson have both unveiled wireless cellular amplifiers. I'll be covering both of them in future posts.