[Ham-Mac] Re: WiFi

[David Allred]

Thanks to Don and Gerry for their thoughtful answers.
Still, it seems to me that "WiFi" is just plain goofy.

Just in case you think that some of these "experts" really are smart, take a
look at these:

> Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002 11:50:58 -0700
> From: Ken Allen
> Subject: Cable modem/router proximity problems may be due to a weak cable
signal
> 
> I read in the email from Troy Guenther that he was getting errors when his
cable modem was too close to his wireless router, or even if jus the cable was
close to it. This may not be problem with the router or the modem. 
> 
> The wireless router transmits a signal at about the 15 dBm power level. The
cable modem needs the cable channel signal to be about -15 dBm to 5 dBm. The
lower value is about one thousandth of the wireless routers transmit power. An
unusually weak cable signal, a bad connector or a bad cable could easily cause
the reported problem.

Ken Allen seriously thinks that the RF input to the cable modem is related to
the free space radiation of the 802.11b device. Any ham that didn't cheat on his
license exam is smart enough to know the difference between RF inside a cable
and RF in free space. And that doesn't even start to consider the issues about
the vast difference in frequencies, modulation types, passband sensitivities,
etc. (Makes you want to scream.) 


Of course, that's nothing. Take a look at this one:

> Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2002 16:17:47 -0400
> From: Philip Zimmermann
> Subject: Airport microwave hazard?
> 
> Recently a Mac technician wrote about her worries about dangerous microwave
emissions from airport cards and hubs. 
> 
> 
> "Regarding Airport: 
> 
> Wireless is a great idea. Unfortunately, the frequency that airport (and all
other 802.11b DSSS wireless devices) operate at is in the high end of the
microwave band. So , if you are wary of microwave ovens and microwave dishes,
you ought to be concerned about sitting right near a device that emits waves
like a microwave oven (but without the insulation). 
> 
> You can place your Airport far away (wave strength drops off exponentially
with distance), but what about the Airport card in your computer or laptop?
(Cooked organs, anyone?) Remember, the signal strength travels 150 feet in ALL
directions." 
> 
> This worries me as I have my whole house and 4 Macs running on an Airport hub
and cards with a cable modem. I have my teenage kids using them too. 
> 
> Any idea if this is really a hazard or just alarmist? 
> 
> Thanks. 
> 
> Phil Zimmermann 

This stuff is being published as useful information: "The Macintouch wireless
report has been by far the most useful wireless networking info I've found on
the web..."

Find more of these gems at: http://www.macintouch.com/wirelesslanreader7.html

I know we can't stop the publication of moronic opinions on the Internet, but I
do wish that there was something that could be done.

It's such an uphill battle.

David
N1EXQ

     |  J. David Allred
     |
     |  P H O T O N
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