| Windows Embedded gadgets gain one-button WiFi setup |
Aug. 21, 2006
Devicescape has renamed its WiFi client software stack, and added support for a "one-button" standards-based "Easy Access" feature aimed at making secure WiFi network configuration trivial for consumer devices such as smartphones and portable media players. Additionally, "Devicescape Agent" introduces support for Windows Mobile 5.0-based smartphones and Pocket PCs.
Devicescape says the Easy Access feature in its Agent stack is based on the WiFi Alliance's just-finalized WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) specification. The Agent is probably the first commercial implementation of the spec on the client device side (as opposed to the wireless access point / router side), according to Glenn Flinchbaugh, the company's VP of marketing.
WPS aims to enable device users of "service-enabled" consumer devices, such as cameras and music players, to establish secure, WPA2-encrypted (WiFi Protected Access 2-encrypted) connections by simply pushing a button on the client device, and then pushing a button on the router. Where physical security is a concern, devices and access points can be configured to require an 8-digit PIN (personal identification number), which is typed into the device, and then entered into the router's web browser interface.
In addition to enabling secure WiFi configuration on consumer electronics devices with limited interfaces, another goal of WPS is to reduce support calls and product returns. Today, vendors receive an average of two calls per WiFi device sold at retail, while some 30 percent of all devices are returned, according to Devicescape.
Flinchbaugh says Devicescape worked closely with the WiFi Alliance to develop and test the WPS specification. Its client WiFi stack previously supported preliminary versions of WPS, which was formerly codenamed "WiFi Simple Config."
Devicescape will not offer a WPS implementation for WiFi "access" devices (i.e. access points and routers), according Flinchbaugh. This is because the spec targets consumer-grade products, while Devicescape's router stack targets enterprise WiFi routers.
Nonetheless, consumer electronics router vendors such as DLink, Linksys, and Netgear will adopt WPS, and Intel will build it into its laptop designs, Flinchbaugh said. WPS is or will be supported under Linux, Mac, and Microsoft's Vista OSes, according to Flinchbaugh.
Other new features in Devicescape Agent
Other touted features in Devicescape Agent include:- Now supports Windows Mobile 5.0, and Windows PC operating systems, in addition to previous support for Windows CE
- Available as source code, for porting to other device OSes
- Optional support for Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCXv4)
- Validated on a wide range of hardware
- Supports "the latest" WiFi chipsets from Atheros, Broadcom, and Marvell
- In addition to WPS, supports WiFi Alliance standards that include WPA2 Personal and Enterprise, and "all extended EAP methods" (extensible authentication protocol)
- Interoperability is ensured, because Devicescape's software is used in WiFi Alliance testbeds around the world, the company claims
Flinchbaugh stated, "People want to get wireless devices up and running quickly and securely. With the Devicescape Agent, device manufacturers have a software solution that will enable them to develop wireless devices with secure, simple setup to satisfy this growing demand."
Availability
The Devicescape Agent is available today. A free (with registration) evaluation copy is available here.
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