Jason Dunn
03-09-2004, 08:30 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/emergingtech/0,39020357,39148102,00.htm' target='_blank'>http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/emergingtech/0,39020357,39148102,00.htm</a><br /><br /></div>"Intel is encroaching on video-recorder and network-hub manufacturers' territory with its plan for desktop PCs to assume multiple functions. Intel wants desktop PCs to double up as network hubs and video recorders, in a move that could make life tough for the companies that produce those standalone products. The chipmaker will begin midyear by adding wireless networking technology Wi-Fi to an upcoming pair of desktop chipsets. When manufacturers choose a specific version of one of the two new chipsets, they will be able to add the foundation for a built-in Wi-Fi access point nearly for free."<br /><br />Wow. 8O I didn't grasp the boldness of Intel's move until I read this article. My primary PC is a <a href="http://us.shuttle.com/specs2.asp?pro_id=387">SB65G2 from Shuttle</a>, and it came with built-in 802.11b WiFi access. I never enabled it, because it seemed useless to me - I already have a Microsoft MN-700 gateway/firewall/wireless access point, so it was redundant. But after reading this article, I'm looking at this in a new way. Intel is pushing for people to plug their broadband modem into their local PC, and then using the built-in Internet access sharing capabilities of Windows XP, the PC becomes a wireless access point bridged into the high-speed ethernet connection on the PC. Install a software firewall, and you're done.<br /><br />Now, obviously this centralized model has some weaknesses (if the PC is off, you have no wireless access), but the potential to alter the way wireless is implement by home users is huge! And once you have a wirelessly enabled PC crammed full of digital media, suddenly you don't need processing or storage power on the other end, you only need display capabilities. This scenario gets even more compelling when you factor in the local PC having Media Centre or <a href="http://www.snapstream.com/">Beyond TV</a> software on it and a TV tuner. Once Intel gets ramped up to including 802.11g on their chipsets, you'll have enough bandwidth to broadcast video (this is iffy on 802.11b). This is nothing less than an attmept to drive a stake into the heart of Tivo and other PVR manufacturers, and give a good drop-kick to gateway vendors like D-Link, Linksys, and even Microsoft.