Replies to post #28378 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[sgolds]

Alan, if you have a satellite link on your mountain, then why do you need WiFi? The satellite phone supports a modem, and the WiFi access point will be limited by that modem anyway.

A higher speed satellite hookup implies a fixed station supporting a larger number of people. Then you have a whole infrastructure, it is no longer the proverbial remote mountain.

No, that old Intel commercial was not about reality, rather it was about a compelling visual to introduce Centrino. It was a good visual, also. It was not meant to be taken literally but rather to evoke imagery.

I am reminded of the old Joe Namath stocking commercial where the Jets quarterback modeled a pair of nylons in a typical centerfold-type pose, moving his hand along his leg. No one expected that Joe wore the things in real life! (About a year later, a bill was introduced into Congress which would have required celebrity spokesmen to actually use the products they endorse. That bill went nowhere, so Joe was spared having to wear nylons in public.)

I just wish that AMD could afford commercials like that!

[CombJelly]

"My understanding is that many are using a satellite link"

Sure, satellite is an option. But, a) it's really expensive if you need any bandwidth at all, and b) why bother if you are going to use it to feed an access point that is only going to reach 200-500 meters under the best of conditions? If you are using satellite, why not bring it with you? Low bandwidth links are very bulky or heavy. Not to mention that the 2.4GHz band of 802.11b/g is absorbed very strongly by an OH bond. Which is why microwave ovens use that frequency...

From a technical point of view, it's a nitwit commercial. It is the tech. equivalent of the Swedish Bikini team parachuting in when you open a can of Bud (or whatever). Don't get me wrong, I really like 802.11, I've used it for years now. But the biggest problem at this point in time is managing expectations. It isn't seamless, it isn't bulletproof and isn't universally available. Now the last one is changing pretty quickly, but it is a big world. Heck, even cellphone coverage isn't even 50% in the US (based on area), and it's been hot a lot longer than 802.11...