WLAN (Wireless LAN) technology is undoubtedly hot spots in today's web application. In addition to the WLAN boom in Centrino laptop, the main board manufacturers such as ASUS have also attracted people to add WLAN function in the desktop board.
At the same time, a technique called Soft AP has also begun to enter our field of view ...
origin
Soft AP is a technology that implements AP functions over a wireless network card, which enables AP function on the PC, which can replace AP (Access Point, Wireless Access Point) in the wireless network, thereby reducing the cost of wireless networking.
For a long time, the cost of high networking is the biggest obstacle to WLAN popularity. Although the price of WLAN equipment has been reduced, but WLAN is still too expensive for SOHO users. Amway, "expensive" AP is the main factor that has a high cost, after all, relative to the low-cost HUB and switch, 600 ~ 1000 yuan AP is much more expensive.
However, the emergence of Soft AP will be possible to remove WLAN to enter the miniature office and the last obstacle of the family. After all, such users have far more concerns about security.
In fact, Soft AP technology is not too late. Early so-called host AP is a device that utilizes software to implement AP function, which generally uses a PC, using Windows, VxWorks, Linux and other operating systems and host AP programs. However, this host AP is not much cheaper than the AP due to the use of dedicated devices. Now the Soft AP is a new concept such as companies such as Intel, which allows any PC or laptop with wireless network cards with AP function!
Before Intel, many small-small manufacturers have explored the concept of Soft AP. Domestic Wishes Network even launched a Soft AP product, but until Intel officially proposed on the autumn of this fall before the extensive attention of the industry.
At present, many Wi-Fi chip suppliers have added support for Soft AP in the chip, which is the earliest launch of the Taiwan IC design company from the Taiwan IC design company to Yunqin and Rayling. Difference to AP
In the wireless network, the AP plays a role in which other wireless devices and the wired backbone bridging are used as the base station, which corresponds to the HUB and switches in the wired network.
In the basic function, Soft AP and AP are not too much difference, but the access capacity and coverage of Soft AP are far less than the AP. Soft AP usually can only access several or more wireless devices, and it is not convenient for a long time, and cannot be placed at a high position such as ceiling. The installation of the outdoor antenna is not convenient, so its signal coverage is subject to Larger restrictions, this also determines its application objects to be the level of SOHO.
Now many of the APs have additional features such as ADSL MODEM, routers, firewalls, etc., which is also unable to implement Soft AP. However, the Soft AP upgrade is more convenient, just replace the wireless network card and software, you can upgrade to 802.11g, and even updated standards.
Since the AP is eliminated, the wireless network to Soft AP will show greater flexibility, any computer connected to the Internet or Wired backbone can be used as an AP in the wireless network and support 64 bits or 128-bit WEP encryption.
Advantageous
Since there is no deployment AP, Soft AP can establish a wireless network in any required location, bringing great convenience to the user network.
Soft AP is especially suitable for rapidly establishing wireless local area networks in small offices and home environments; as a wired network extension, it can also provide a small number of users in a part (such as office, conference room, laboratory, etc.) Economically, fast networking; at the same time it can also set up a temporary network, such as places where the construction site, exhibitions, fairs, sports sessions, etc., etc., deploying Soft AP is undoubtedly more convenient. Another big advantage of using the Soft AP network is that the cost is extremely low. The current Soft AP cost is only half of the AP, not to mention free Soft AP software.
These are undoubtedly a gospel for SOHO users, especially family users. It is certain that the Soft AP will become a great opportunity for WLAN to homes. With low-cost wlan, who will drag a wired network with long "braid" at home? Faced with this optimistic market prospect, there is no WLAN equipment manufacturer such as Intel.
trend analysis
At present, the products that can be seen in the market are mainly WiFi-B cards designed for their motherboards. It can be used with a variety of ASUS motherboards and compatible with IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN protocol, in Windows XP. The operating system can implement the Soft AP function and support up to 31 clients. ASUS also plans to launch a WiFi-G sub-card that supports the IEEE 802.11g protocol, which is raised to 54Mbps.
In addition to ASUS, the first-line motherboard of MSI, Gigabyte also launched products that support WLAN and SOFT AP. In addition, Intel supports the Wi-Fi chip of Soft AP is also under development.
For the technology development trend of Soft AP, Luo Zongwen, general manager of PCTEL Greater China, pointed out that Soft AP not only plays the role of AP, but also further integrates the function of modem.
China Taiwan, which is mainly manufactured by WLAN equipment, WLAN manufacturers, there are differences in Soft AP, and the second-wire plant is quite high, while the first-line factory holds the reservation.
Construction Han Company Operating Officer Yuan Yunzhong believes that Soft AP must operate in the case of computer boot, does not meet the general usage habits, absolutely not excluding business opportunities of the AP or wireless router. Hong Nai Quan, general manager of Yunqin, believes that the concept of Soft AP has a file sharing function, and reduces purchasing costs, and also increases the application requirements of SOHO users, which is best for desktop computers that do not have to move.
Obviously, the first-line manufacturer is worried that the Soft AP will crowdize the AP market and completely replace the AP. However, these are hard to say.
