* New chip architecture promises simpler, cheaper WLANs * Supply chain execs share disaster-planning techniques * Mixed wireless environments * Senate immigration bill raises H-1B limit * Toll savings: Global training firm saves with VoIP * Today on Layer 8
New chip architecture promises simpler, cheaper WLANs
A Texas chip design company is introducing a wireless LAN chipset aimed at access points for small and medium-sized enterprise networks. Bandspeed’s AirMaestro silicon incorporates on the chipset a range of tasks typically done at a higher level by a WLAN switch, such as radio frequency management, security management, and traffic prioritization. With the chipset, access points in smaller-scale SMB networks could handle these tasks automatically, on their own, without the cost or complexity of a WLAN switch. Click here for more.
Supply chain execs share disaster-planning techniques
Without warning, a supply chain executive from Wal-Mart told his operations and administrative staff to pretend that a particular distribution facility had burned to the ground. They had until the end of the day to figure out how to service Wal-Mart’s stores without depending on the impaired facility or its displaced staff. Such training exercises help Wal-Mart make sure its supply chain operations stay flexible, said Gary Maxwell, a senior vice president in the company’s replenishment division. Click here for more.
Mixed wireless environments
How do you blend wireless, cellular and two-way radio into a single infrastructure? Cathy Zatloukal of MobileAccess Networks explains how it’s done on this week’s Network World Hot Seat. Watch now.
Senate immigration bill raises H-1B limit
Flying mostly under the radar in a controversial immigration reform bill that passed the Senate last week was a provision that would raise the cap on the number of high-skilled foreign workers allowed into the United States. Click here for more.
Toll savings: Global training firm saves with VoIP
With 25,000 to 30,000 students each year depending on educational and training services, it’s critical that the employees of America-Mideast Educational and Training Services be in constant contact. But the fear of high toll costs left the company’s 350 administrators in the United States, Middle East and Africa out of touch with one another. Click here for more.
Today on Layer 8, ready for our Cannes debut:
Turn your Mac into a lightsaber; gossip mag hacked; Joe Sixpack loves broadband; and the start of our latest Weekly Caption Contest; all this today and more at your home for not-just-networking news.
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