Sky Packets, Inc

Hack-in-a-Box Tools Threaten WiFi Hotspots

2011-08-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Many of us probably remember the popular kids’ toy called “Jack-in-the-Box” — that metal 5″ cube, painted colorfully and with a crank on the side. When you turned the crank, it would play the “Pop Goes the Weasel” melody, at the end of which the top would spring open and a clown would pop out of the box.

I think that is a fitting image for this post, because now some clowns have packaged the hardware and software to hack WiFi hotpots and put them into simple, easy-to-use boxes you can buy off-the-shelf (well, off the Internet, at least).

I call this “Hack-in-a-Box,” and there are at least two, and they are colorfully named “WiFi Pineapple” and “WiFi Robin.”

The WiFi Pineapple (with its geeky attempt at marketing: “Same great WiFi Pineapple taste, remarkable savings”) has one and only one purpose: to hack into private WiFi communications.

Here is how they describe it on their website:

Of course all of the Internet traffic flowing through the Pineapple such as email, instant messages and browser sessions are easily viewed or even modified by the Pineapple holder.

WiFi Robin has slightly better graphics, though their English could be improved:

Wifirobin optimized the cracking of WEP encryption, the optimization makes the hack more quickly (sic). Best of all it can also decode, hack, crack, unlock and reveal the passwords of most of the secured connections.

Hacking Toys for Novices

The point is, these products are toys. They have no legitimate use. Previously, the hackers’ tools were developed so network administrators could monitor traffic to help them manage the networks, a real and appropriate use. Unfortunately, the hackers started using an otherwise-legitimate technology for their own nefarious purposes.

WiFi Pineapple and WiFi Robin, though, don’t even pretend to be anything other than hacking devices.

Worse, they bring hacking out of the realm of geeks and allow anyone to use this stuff. In the past, it took at least some level of smarts and technical knowledge to hack WiFi. Now anyone, with or without much intellect, can become a hacker.

Here is what Lisa Phifer, a top security consultant at CoreCom writes:

The Wi-Fi Robin and Pineapple run entirely different attacks, but they both illustrate a trend — commercial push-button automation of attacks that once-upon-a-time required a good understanding of WiFi protocols, software development expertise, and (usually Linux open source) tools. Now all you need is ~$100.

This trend happened for other kinds of cybercrime as well. For example, spammers now rent time on a botnet instead of building or distributing their own trojans. Once tools become commercialized, attack frequency and risk tends to explode.

This is a good reminder to always protect your communications in WiFi hotspots — for example, by using a virtual private network like — Private WiFi or else you could be hacked-in-a-box and not even know it.

Private-i is the official resource center for Private WiFi, an online privacy service for consumers and small to mid-size businesses who use public WiFi hotspots. Private WiFi software encrypts all the data you wirelessly send and receive, protecting your identity and sensitive information from hackers and identity thieves. To learn more about the product and get a free three-day trial, visit privatewifi.com.

Article written by Kent Lawson, CEO of Private WiFi. Private WiFi and Sky-Packets have partnered to provide its client side application to end-users at our public WiFi hotspots.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through WiFi

Steve Amarante

www.sky-packets.com

Moscow getting Wi-Fi on the Metro--What about NYC?

2011-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Moscow News reports that Moscow is expecting to get Wi-Fi services on all Metro (above and below ground). It makes you wonder what NYC can't get beyond the politics. There are no shortage of companies like Sky-Packets, that are willing and able to implement Wi-Fi on both the LIRR and Metro North. It's an ideal project, in this economy, for large and small business to work in conjunction with the public sector. Let's hope we can get beyond the politics in the near future.

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi
www.sky-packets.com

3D Phones Get a Boost with WiFi Display

2011-06-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a Forbes article (http://tinyurl.com/3ckkcxu) that touches on a new Wi-Fi technology called: WiFi Display. The new standard allows 3D videos to be compressed so that it can travel over WiFi (wireless) without cords. 3D phones will be the rage in a year or two but the I am holding out for 3D (hologram) phone that will project images of the person that is calling ala Star Trek (and yes, this is already in the works!)

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Sky-Packets Partner To Provide Free WiFi

2011-06-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is now providing free WiFi in the Flatiron Public Plazas. The WiFi is now up and running on the south plaza (the one adjacent to the Flatiron building, south of 23rd Street) and WiFi for the North Plaza (north of 23rd Street) is coming soon.

http://youarehereflatiron.org/

So come out of your office, apartment, whatever and connect!

Sky-Packets: Better Living With WiFi

Steve Amarante

www.sky-packets.com

Bryant Park and Sky Packets Partner To Provide Free WiFi

2011-05-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sky Packets is proud to announce its newest partnership with Bryant Park! Over the past week we have been updating the Wi-Fi system to provide a better end-user experience. Weather permitting; we will be conducting additional modifications in the coming week! So make sure to get out to Bryant Park this summer to enjoy yoga, Tai Chi, Bird watching, Movie Night and yes, free Wi-Fi. www.bryantpark.org

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi
Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Hotel WiFi Hacking is on the Rise by Jan Legnitto

2011-05-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

The next time you put all your cash in a hotel safe, consider this: Identity thieves may be more interested in what’s going over your hotel WiFi connection than what’s in your wallet.

According to a 2010 report by Trustwave SpiderLabs, consumers’ credit cards are more likely to be hacked in a hotel than in any other place they are used. Thirty-eight percent of the hacking incidents that Trustwave investigated last year occurred in hotel credit card systems.

In 2010, the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts – operators of The Days Inn, Ramada and Howard Johnson Hotel chains – reported that their networks had been compromised by hackers. The loot: An unknown number of guest names and credit card numbers.

According to a 2008 study by Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, events like that aren’t unusual. The study concluded that most hotel wireless networks were not secure. Twenty percent of the hotels surveyed admitted that malicious activities had taken place on their networks.

A 2006 report on hotel hotspot security found that guests connected to many hotel networks could easily view each other’s fileshares or attack each other’s computers. “We tested 27 hotels in three major cities. Just one quarter of them prevented WiFi users from being hacked by guests connected to the hotel’s wired network and attackers on the Internet,” said Lisa Phifer, president of Core Competence. “After hotspot login, most guests are on their own to protect themselves,” says Phifer.

WiFi Hacking Crimes Are Easy to Commit

Unsecured wireless networks at hotels have proven to be ideal places for hackers to commit a wide variety of crimes.

In 2008, at the luxury Thompson Hotel chain, a hacker captured personal and sensitive emails sent by guests and staff members over its wireless network and threatened to make them public.

Hackers staying at hotels or parked nearby have exploited the anonymity of hotel wireless networks to download child pornography. In 2009, a Florida man was arrested for using hotel WiFi to download kiddie porn from his truck parked outside. According to Hernando Today, a publication of Tampa Bay Online, when the man’s gaming device was confiscated as evidence, what local authorities found stored on it was 96 images of prepubescent children engaged in sex acts. The time stamp on the images matched the time that the man was outside the hotel.

WiFi hacks like that aren’t the only security threat we face.. Road warriors looking to log on to their hotels’wireless Internet can unknowingly become online mugging victims. In 2010, The CBS Early Show had an ethical hacker set up a fake WiFi access point at a New York City hotel, calling it “Best Free Public WiFi.” Before long, dozens of unknowing wireless users took the bait and tried to log on. When an unsuspecting hotel guest connects to a phony WiFi access point like that, his credit card, banking or other confidential business information can be seen by the hacker.

Remember, just because you’re staying at a nice hotel doesn’t mean that hackers aren’t around the corner. These are some of the things you can do to protect your Internet security.

How to Hide From Hackers

Watch out for fake WiFi access points designed to look just like real hotel WiFi networks. These “Evin Twins” may even contain your hotel’s name. Check with the establishment to get the correct name.
Find out whether your hotel’s wireless network uses WPA (WiFi Protected Access) security. WPA usually requires a password to get onto the network and always encrypts everything sent over wireless. This prevents eavesdropping over wireless – but it may not stop other guests connected to the same hotspot from stealing your data.
Always assume you’re not alone on any public WiFi network. Disable file sharing, turn on your computer’s personal firewall, and never send Social Security numbers, passwords or financial information when using an unencrypted wireless connection.
When using a free hotspot, you could be sending data through someone you don’t know. When using a commercial hotspot, never supply payment information to an unsecured hotspot login page. If your web browser doesn’t display a green padlock or it warns that the login page may not be secure, use a different hotspot.
Use a VPN (virtual private network) to make all the information transmitted over your WiFi connection invisible to hackers.

In the meantime, if you were hacked while using a hotel WiFi connection, we’d like hear what happened to you. Tell us your story.

The article above come via Private WiFi (www.privatewifi.com) who we have partnered to provide VPN client side software.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through WiFi

Steve Amarante

www.sky-packets.com

WiFi security is a serious matter!

2011-04-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

#WiFi security is a serious matter. Just ask this Buffalo homeowner (http://tinyurl.com/3q6klp5) . Sky Packets is in the process of partnering with Private WiFi (www.privatewifi.com) to provide VPN client software and WiFi security "best practices". Stay tune!

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

WiFi Enabled Asthma Devices...cool stuff!

2011-04-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from www.physorg.com on WiFi enabled inhalers that are being used to help conduct an asthma study. It's amazing all the WiFi enabled devices that are coming out these days.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi.

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Should Wi-Fi Squatting be Legal?

2011-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's legal to "steal/use" someones open #WiFi connection in Finland-should it be legal everywhere? Check out the following article from Wired on WiFi squatting http://tinyurl.com/3u64vr5

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi
Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Ballparks Embrace Wi-Fi Technology

2011-04-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ballparks have embraced Wi-Fi technology, however, the speeds and end user experience (i.e. can't log on) is slowing down the overall adaptation of Wi-Fi by park goers. Check out the following link from CNN http://tinyurl.com/4x8ph39

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Now you can call your Facebook Friends with Kipcall.

2011-04-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

If chatting or emailing your Facebook friends is just not going to cut it, now you can give them a call. No 3G, 4G or #WiFi required (not sure that we like the no #WiFi required :-) ). Check out www.kipcall.com

Sky-Packets: Better living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

WiFi 802.ac is coming!

2011-03-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Wi-Fi "speeds" is set to improve in the coming year(s) with new #WiFi 802.ac standard. Read more at the following PCMag article: http://tinyurl.com/6dbww5p

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Why 4G Won't Slove Mobile Data Issues.

2011-03-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

This CNN article provides some insight as to why your always dropping phone calls and can never log into your facebook account in certain areas. One of the solutions? Wi-Fi of course! Off loading data onto WiFi networks is the most cost effective solution. http://tinyurl.com/48yjt5q

Sky-Packets: Better living Through Wi-Fi
Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

iPad2: Wi-Fi Connection issues?

2011-03-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

If the following Engadget article is true (iPad2 experiencing Wi-Fi connection issues) let's hope that Apple release a fix quickly. Of course this is always one of the major arguments as to why one should wait before purchasing any new tech gadget--new devices/applications tend to have "bugs" (and in some cases KNOWN bugs-yet still released). Regardless, as iPad2 sales have confirm, there will always be "early adopters" for any new device with the hype such as the one surrounding the iPad2. http://tinyurl.com/6x8xnov

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi
Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Tablets, Smart Phone Driving Need for Wi-Fi.

2011-03-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Commercial Grade #Wi-Fi service is in high demand...Thank you #Apple, Inc. Check out the link from Fox News http://tinyurl.com/45o3q4q

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

InFlight Messenger™ Allows 2 way text message Convo--in flight!

2011-03-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

InFlight Labs, LLC has deployed a powerful new online service called InFlight Messenger™ which leverages the aircraft's Wi-Fi connection to make it quick and easy for passengers to have single or group two-way text message conversations with their business associates, family and friends while in flight.

Learn more at http://www.inflightmessenger.com/

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi
Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Wi-Fi Alliance Plans to Simplfy Access To Hotspots

2011-03-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

The Wi-Fi Alliance is planning to make our Wi-Fi end user log in experience a lot easier in the near future...check out how in the following link from Network World. http://tinyurl.com/48zj6g5

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

The Future of Wi-Fi.

2011-03-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sanjit Biswas, CEO and co-founder of Meraki, a Sky-Packets partner, discusses the future of Wi-Fi.
Check out the article at the following http://tinyurl.com/64mvsyg

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi
Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

London Tubes Getting Free Wi-Fi.

2011-03-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

It's time that NYC and other major metropolitan(s) in the US join London and the rest of the developed world in providing free Wi-Fi. The benefits outweigh the risk and potential negatives. You can learn more from the following link.

Would You Sell Your Privacy For Cash?

2011-03-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

Getting on-line is one thing--what happens to your online information is something else! Would you feel differently about your online privacy if somehow you can make money off of it? Check out the following WSJ poll.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Wi-Fi Enabled Tablets Are Transforming the Healthcare Industry.

2011-03-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Wi-Fi Networks (such as the ones we have deployed at Holliswood Hospital in Queens, New York and Long Island Veterans Home at Stonybrook, Long Island) and mobile tablets like the IPad are transforming the health-care industry...learn how at the following link from Information Week.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Never Wait For A Customer Service Rep Again-with Fast Customer.

2011-03-04T09:17:00.001-08:00

Do you hate waiting on "Hold" for a customer service representative when you call ATT, Verizon or your cable company? Of course you do! Check out the app created by Fast Customer. Cool stuff...

Sky-Packets: Better living Through Wi-Fi (And Apps sometimes)
Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Waiting on the train? Log on to Wi-Fi, for Free!

2011-03-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

AmtrakConnect® to expand its free Wi-Fi service in 2011...now, if they can only get the trains to arrive on time! At least those who are waiting around (on and off the train) can update their FB status! Check out the following article from www.rail.co

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Urban Lights--Engineers in Oslo provide us with Wi-FI “Art”

2011-03-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

What would your city look like if all of the Wi-Fi networks were exposed to the naked eye? Check out the following link below and enjoy some "Urban Lights"!

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Wi-Fi Docking Garage Station

2011-02-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

If you like technology and cars--here's an Interesting article from the folks over at Mashable on the application of Wi-Fi in the form of a "docking garage station". The Docking station would "upgrade" your car just like you upgrade your computer or software application.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi.

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com

Is The Wi-Fi Refrigerator The First of Many Wi-Fi Kitchen Appliances?

2011-02-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

...We at Sky-Packets do hope so! Indeed, the "Smart Kitchen" revolution will get a shot in the arm this summer with the latest Wi-Fi based refrigerator from Samsung. You can learn more form the following CNET link.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development
Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Celluon evoMouse - the evolution of the mouse!

2011-02-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

At Sky-Packets we are always searching out for the latest technical gadgets to offer up to our clients and friends. Check out the latest Mouse by Celluon (www.celluon.com) coming soon to a computer or mobile phone near you!

Downtown Alliance and Sky Packets Opens Two New Wi-Fi Hotspots in Lower Manhattan

2011-02-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

The Downtown Alliance Business Improvement District (in conjunction with Sky-Packets) has opened two more free Wi-Fi hotspots in Lower Manhattan, bringing the total to 12 hotspots.

The new locations are:

* Peter Minuit Plaza

* Pedestrian Plaza at Water and Whitehall streets

The 12 hotspots span more than half a million square feet in parks and public spaces in lower Manhattan from City Hall Park to Bowling Green. You can read more at the following link.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi.

Steve Amarante

EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)

200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207

Melville, NY 11747

Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3

E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com

www.sky-packets.com

Wirelessly Cook Your Food?

2011-01-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

The future is here folks. Forget Wireless Internet, how about Wireless power? Check out the following link from Gizmodo which talks about how food can now be "cooked" in it's own packaging (beyond your Microwave). For additional information, check out Fulton innovations ECoupled device.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

NetFlix Button Right On Your Remote, 2011 CES Announcement

2011-01-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

CES (the world's largest consumer technology trade show) is set for this week, in Vegas, and it promises to showcase some of the coolest gadgets and leading edge technologies. Just ahead of CES, Netflix has announced that consumers will soon be able to access Netflix content on supported consumer electronics devices, directly from a button on their remote controls. Read all about it on this link from the folks at Mashable.

Sky-Packets: Better Living Through Wi-Fi.
Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

ATT Expanding Wi-Fi Services In Preperation For New Year's Eve -Time Square 2011

2010-12-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

This should help improve AT and T's service in mid-town NYC, but much work is still needed for a saturated network that can barely support 3G service. Note that mobile services (Verizon, Sprint and AT and T) are already experiencing issues do to the 2 million new "smart devices" (phones, Ipads, kindles, Nooks,etc...) sold over the past 4 weeks. Read more at this CNN link.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Wirless Device Helps Us Keep Our Resolution To Drop The Pounds In 2011--Fitbit.com

2010-12-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

The New Year is just around the corner. Those looking for a way to help keep there resolution to lose the pounds in 2011 might want to check out fitbit.com The Fitbit (tracker) accurately tracks your calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled and sleep quality. It contains a 3D motion sensor like the one found in the Nintendo Wii which tracks your motion in three dimensions and converts this into useful information about your daily activities.

You can wear the Fitbit on your waist, in your pocket or on undergarments. At night, you can wear the Fitbit clipped to the included wristband in order to track your sleep. Anytime you walk by the included wireless base station, data from your Fitbit is silently uploaded in the background to Fitbit.com

Check them out! www.fitbit.com

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Sonos s5 Wireless Mesh Music System--Great Gift For The Holiday Season.

2010-12-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great, unique, wireless mesh gift to give to that special someone this holiday season? Take a look at the Sonos S5 Wireless Mesh Music system. The Sonos will play all your digital music, pandora, Sirus/XM and even over-seas radio stations.

Wirelessly Charge Your Car?

2010-12-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

...It would seem that it's in our not so distant future we will be able to charge our car wireless indeed! Here's a link from Gas 2.o that talks about the technology that has been recently patent.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Sky-Packets, Village, County Collaborate to Offer Free Wi-Fi Access

2010-11-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

Sky-Packets is proud to have worked with the Village of Babylon and Suffolk County --read about our latest install at the following link.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Meraki Announces New 802.11n APs – Higher performance, slimmer design, lower price

2010-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

A a Meraki Gold partner, it's always a pleasure to announce to our mutual clients, and potential new clients, the release of new products. Here's is a link from Meraki's Blog with the details.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Free Wi-Fi From Google On Certain Flights

2010-11-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

The friendly Skies will be a little easier to connect to during the Holiday season with Google's recent announcement of free Wi-Fi on specific flights. Check out the following link.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Could Your Next Smart Phone Purchase Be Your Car?

2010-10-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

First came MP3 interoperability and then Bluetooth Sync. Our cars are become giant moving smart phones. It's only natural that Wi-Fi connectivity would be next. Here comes Ford (yes that Ford) with Wi-Fi built into its Myford Touch system--effectively creating a Wi-Fi hotspot inside your car. Check out the CNN link!

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Eye-Fi (Wi-Fi) Memory Card. The Easy Way To Upload Pics.

2010-10-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

If you ever forget to upload your photos or want to find a quick and easy way to upload your pics up on Facebook, check out Eye-Fi. Eye-Fi is a memory card with Wi-Fi capabilities built in. I've been using the Eye-Fi 1st generation product for the past two years and no complaints so far!

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

The Withings Wi-Fi connected scale on the Web

2010-10-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

One of my personal favorite Wi-Fi application and "toy" is the Withings Wi-Fi scale. It may be a bit of an overkill but it truly simplifies and automates the weight management process.

Apple Patents Anti-Sexting Device--is a corporate/Muni Version Next?

2010-10-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

As Wi-Fi, 4G and other more advanced networks continue to grow, these types of application will be more common. This application goes beyond just guarding what your child does while texting--in today's corporate world, mobile devices and SMS have become the defacto standard for communicating. Look for more application like these that are able to limit what you can say, text, chat or share via corporate Mobile devices.

Read more on the application from the CNN link.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Square, From The Makers of Twitter May Help BID's

2010-10-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a great wireless application, from the creators of Twitter, called Square. This app *may* help street vendors and or street fair participants, within business districts and municipalities process sales a lot easier.

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

Wi-Fi Confirmation Before You Book Your Next Flight

2010-10-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Wi-Fi and the need to be constantly connected goes beyond the terrestrial. Today's business travel demands to be connected, even in the friendly skies. In comes HasWi-Fi. You can know check, before booking a ticket, if your plane has Wi-Fi service.

www.haswifi.com

Steve Amarante
EVP Business Development

Sky-Packets (a Division of Corporate Biznis, Inc)
200 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 207
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 1.888.850.0245 ext 3
E-mail: steve@sky-packets.com
www.sky-packets.com

"Better Living Through WiFi"

Movie Nights at the Elevated Acre In Downtown NYC

2010-09-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

A crowd gathered beneath us, about 14 stories below, wondering what we were doing. However, after we mounted the Wi-Fi radio, they happily realized what was taking place: Wi-Fi was coming to the Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street.

My name is Henry Quintin, President of Sky-Packets, the Wi-Fi provider that has been working with the Downtown Alliance to provide free Wi-Fi hot spots in Lower Manhattan.

As we wrapped up our 10th hotspot, I wanted to describe what it takes to provide this cool amenity.

First, we needed to select an area to provide Wi-Fi.

In this case, we chose the Elevated Acre, which was a pretty easy decision because it’s a great place to get away from the noise and every day hustle and bustle New Yorkers deal with everyday. It’s a quiet retreat – even if only for a lunch or a quick view of the East River and the landing helicopters.

What also made it an appealing choice was the fact that the Downtown Alliance – as part of the River To River Festival – hosts movie nights during the summer (In fact, there’s another one this Thursday, Auntie Mame.) I’ve seen the crowds on those nights, and so it only made sense to get Wi-Fi up and running before this summer’s first showing last week.

Second, we needed to come up with a way to shoot a Wi-Fi signal to the Acre and cover as much area as possible, so that no matter where you find a little haven you can have a strong enough signal to Tweet, post a status update on Facebook, or just surf the web.

We already had an existing internet connection because of the Wi-Fi we already provided at the adjacent Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, but worried that by adding this new coverage area that we would decrease the effectiveness of both hotspots.

Fortunately, the Downtown Alliance stepped in to help so we could triple the bandwidth – making sure both sides of the Elevated Acre are appropriately covered.

Third was the installation. The existing lines at the adjacent hotspot weren’t enough, so we needed to find the right view of the Elevated Acre from the building at 55 Water Street. This proved challenging.

That was how we ended up standing 14 stories up on a narrow ledge testing signals.

It worked. We were able to mount the Wi-Fi radio and aim in downward to cover a wide portion of the Elevated Acre. And, just to be sure we covered every nook and cranny, we mounted another unit at ground level.

Thankfully, despite the high-wire act, no one was injured in the creation of this Wi-Fi hotspot.

With all of the above accomplished, we walked around with our handhelds, checking to make sure that a “good” to “excellent” signal was available at all spots on the Elevated Acre.

But there’s one more task. That’s for you to go out and try it out during your lunch break or a visit downtown. How are you going to use the Wi-Fi at the Elevated Acre?

However you end up using it, Happy Surfing!!

Henry Quintin
www.sky-packets.com

Meraki adds Wireless Multi Media (WMM) and 802.11e Quality of Service (QoS) standards for enhanced Voice and Video over WiFi

2009-05-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Meraki has recently released support for the Wireless Multi Media (WMM) and 802.11e Quality of Service (QoS) standards. These standards improve the performance of certain bandwidth intensive and latency sensitive applications over wireless networks.

WMM provides four different traffic classes: voice, video, best effort, and background. Devices (note that not ALL devices support WMM) that support WMM and request a higher level of service, such as WiFi handsets, will receive higher priority on Meraki network. The goal is of course to improve the overall performance of the network.

Meraki also supports WMM power save mode. Many mobile devices that support WiFi are prone to excessive battery drain. WMM power save improves on the standard 802.11 power save poll mode by allowing devices to “sleep” differently when they receive critical vs. non-critical packets. Devices that support WMM power save should experience extended battery life when used over a Meraki network.

To learn more about Meraki's new feature set, or to learn how to set up your own WiFi networks please feel to reach out to us!

Steve Amarante

Sky-Packets
www.sky-packets.com
sales@sky-packets.com
1+888.850.0245
Better living Through WiFi

The Time Has Come To Free New York City...San Francisco's Sunnydale Housing Community WiFi Deployment shows Us How...

2009-03-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Recently, Meraki announced its partnership with One Economy to bring wireless broadband access to low-income families around the world. Meraki products combined with One Economy's deployment, training, and educational services will help residents in low-income communities improve their lives.

One of bigger joint projects is the Sunnydale housing community in San Francisco. You can see a video of the Mayor of San Francisco (Gavin Newsom), One Economy Senior Vice President Dave McConnell, and Meraki CEO Sanjit Biswas announcing the start of WiFi service at the Sunnydale community:

I hope that the leaders in NYC are taking notice. We CAN provide ubiquitous WiFi in NYC. Co-op City in the Bronx, lefrak city in Queens, the need is there. Sky-Packets, Meraki, along with the Town of Babylon have set the tone...let's keep it moving.

WiFi as a means to offer Muni-"over the air" applications? Cablevision is banking on it.

2009-03-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

A recent study conducted by the Dell 'Oro Group believes Cablevision's recent increase in subscribers is mostly attributed to the cable company's roll out of WiFi in its service area. Cablevision reported a more than 70% growth in subscribers during the fourth quarter. This equates to the largest growth for any cable operator in the US during that time period.

"Cablevision's Optimum WiFi service is rekindling interest in municipal WiFi applications among other large service providers," said Ben Kwan, who is analyst of wireless LAN research at Dell'Oro. "For this and other reasons, we believe municipal WiFi applications will become an increasingly important growth driver for the service provider mesh market in 2009."

The more free WiFi the better--but the key word here is Free. As it stands, Cablevision offers its Optimum WiFi service free to its subscribers only. It would be hard to reconcile in the minds of tax payers that tax dollars are going into supporting a private company in which the only way they are allowed to get "FREE" WiFi is to be a PAID subscriber. Outside of gaining more subs, Cablevision is hoping to "double dip" with the installed networks in order to provide services to the Muni's. The implications of having Muni-over the air applications running on a private networks would also imply that as the company goes, so does the municipality. A municipal WiFI should be about empowering the end-users and the muni becoming more independent of private sector.

The ideal solution would be to balance the use of the private sectors data networks (back hauls) and the public sectors implementation of SaaS solution like the one provided by Meraki Networks.

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets
www.sky-packets.com
1+888.850.0245
Better living Through WiFi

Lessons From The San Francisco Video Surveillance Study

2009-03-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

A study conducted by the UC Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society reveals that the surveillance cameras installed around San Francisco have
certain limitations and negative results. Specifically, in certain areas, the surveillance cameras failed to deter crime. There where some aspects that where overlook during the installation process that can and should be leveraged when installing Wi-Fi IPCAM:

1. Make sure the right department has access and controls the IP Cam. oddly enough, it’s not the SF Police Department in charge of the cameras in SF, rather, a cluster of agencies are overseeing the project. This leads to communications conflicts and diluted accountability.

2. Attorneys and police officers not trained to use the footage; You have the footage now what? Who owns it? Who does what with it? A plan on what to do with the footage should be in place before the IP-CAM are installed.

3. Poor quality of the video: SF video cameras are set to film only three to four frames per second (movies shoot between 25 to 30 frames per second); This leads to a question if the right quality is even available when footage is needed in say a court case.

The study is pretty detail and we have provided here for download!

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets
www.sky-packets.com
1+888.850.0245
Better living Through WiFi

Could The Recession Rekindle Momentum and Need for Public Wi-Fi Networks?

2009-03-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Last night, as I flicked through channels trying to find something to watch on my over sized flat screen, I ran across a new NetZero commercial. Yes, that NetZero, of the dial-up kind. It seems that as the recession kicks into high gear, the need for alternate or legacy internet connectivity has revived, somewhat, those pesky ISP's Earthlink and NetZero. End-users consumers are either trading down from broadband to save money or delaying their move to high-speed services.

Last month, EarthLink began pitching "Connect for Less," an offering that pushes dial-up service for $7.95 a month, or about 25 cents a day. In December, NetZero introduced a $9.95-a-month plan. Both providers are marketing the offerings as a way to save money.

Historically, one of the obstacles in deploying Muni-WiFi networks has been public support. Amist the recessionary cloud perhaps there is a sliver lining. Although the efforts of EarthLink and NetZero reflects an economic down-turn, in the same breath the market for dial-up services is still declining. EarthLink's dial-up business lost 173,000 subscribers in the fourth quarter in 2008 , while NetZero lost 86,000 subscribers. With the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the publics need of getting something a little quicker then dial-up, and the publics need to pay a little less to log on, this may be the right time to re-introduce or implement that Wi-Fi Mesh network.

There may never be a better time for Municipalities, Goverment Agencies and local Business District to gain public support (and funds) on WiFi deployments then now...

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets
www.sky-packets.com
1+888.850.0245
Better living Through WiFi

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)--Calling all Municipalities!!

2009-03-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will begin holding meetings beginning on 2 March 2009 to discuss the implementation of the Broadband Grant Programs under the Broadband Data Services Improvement Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). A couple of interesting notes about today's meeting was that although creating and establishing "The pipe" is the major focus (that's to say getting people on line and using data) applications are not excluded. WiFi Meters, IPCAM (over WiFI), security applications, just to name a few, have a stake in the ARRA. It's important that as we build out WiFi networks, that they are build with the expectation of user growth and potential applications that can be used over the WiFi network.

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets
www.sky-packets.com
1+888.850.0245
Better living Through WiFi

If Closing The Digital Divide & Increasing Broadband Penetration Is The Goal-- Should it Matter Who Installs WiFi?

2009-03-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

A bill proposed out of Pennsylvania is out to make sure that the private sector (specifically Tier one Telcos and Cable companies ) would not allow local government to build out a Public WiFi network like the one being built in Babylon Long Island. It's all very dubious and fortunately past attempts to pass such a bill have failed. The interesting part is that often the public sector has no choice in the datalines (backhauls) available, thus the private sector is generally invovled either way. The NTIA is about to give grants to local governments and private entities (as well as non-profits) for broadband projects based on the Obama stimulus plan...Do you think that the telecom and cable incumbents want to see the public sector creating broadband options? Maybe, maybe not.

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets
www.sky-packets.com
1+888.850.0245
Better living Through WiFi

McDonald's WiFi Deployment a Model for Municipalities?

2009-03-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

A recent article in guardian discusses how offering free WiFi services increased customers "traction" at local McDonald's. The global recession, and peoples need to be connected plays a role for sure-but the availability (and affordability)is crucial. What if we could "Mesh" all McDonald's restaurants in the New York City area? Taken it a step further-What if municipalities can "Mesh" existing government/public own building and facilitates (i.e Public libraries, Schools, DVM office, etc)? Most of these facilitates already have some type of "backbone" or data pipe coming into the building. All that would be required is to strategically place the proper gateways and access points in designated areas. Something to think about....

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets
www.sky-packets.com
1+888.850.0245
Better living Through WiFi

Affordable or Free WiFi...Why Not New York City?

2009-02-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

Free Wifi in NYC? Maybe, maybe not. We have partnered with the folks at Wireless Harlem with the goal of bridging the digital divide. As we see in the video below, with the proper scalable hardware, planning, community involvement and yes,funding--"free" and or affordable WiFi can become a reality.

Steve Amarante
www.Sky-Packets.com
Better Living Through WiFi

Sky- Packets helps the Town Of Babylon Long Island Deploys New MR58 by Meraki, Inc

2009-02-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

We of course where happy to be a part of one of Meraki's first MR 58 Deployment and grateful to both the Town of Babylon and it's constituents. Below is a reprint of the Press release posted by Meraki today:

Meraki Launches High-Performance Three-Radio 802.11n Access Point

New Rugged Device Designed to Provide Robust Wireless Connectivity Across Large Areas Quickly and Cost Effectively

SAN FRANCISCO — February 24, 2009 – Meraki, an award-winning hosted networking company, today launched the MR58, a powerful, next-generation three-radio 802.11n device. The weatherproof MR58 provides five times the capacity and speed of standard 802.11b/g wireless devices, delivers high bandwidth across multiple hops, supports long distance links, and is ideal for high-bandwidth content like voice and video. The rugged MR58 includes the premium networking features of Meraki’s cloud-based Hosted Services, such as centralized configuration, monitoring and security.

The Meraki MR58 provides wireless access for large outdoor networks across campuses, apartment complexes, hotels and resorts, and other large outdoor areas like cities and public spaces. It is less than half the cost of traditional wireless networks and can be deployed in a fraction of the time. In addition, the MR58 is well suited for indoor areas with high-bandwidth needs such as classrooms, convention centers, stadiums, student housing and manufacturing facilities.

“The Meraki MR58 is the ideal solution for those looking to build fast, strong and secure networks that cover large areas,” said Hans Robertson, vice president of product management at Meraki. “Also, unlike any other product in its class, the MR58 is actually easy to use and quick to deploy.”

Meraki’s technology is unlike any other wireless access technology currently available, and it significantly changes the economics of Internet connectivity. With powerful hardware and integrated hosted services, Meraki provides enterprise-level networking services to customers of any size. Meraki’s patented networking systems and technologies enable the rapid creation of better WiFi networks at lower cost. Today there are thousands of Meraki networks with millions of users across more than 130 countries.

Meraki MR58 Deployed at Babylon, NY
The Town of Babylon, NY is providing free wireless Internet service in all of its 38 town parks and beaches using Meraki MR58s. Authorized Meraki reseller and local network specialist Sky-Packets (a division of Corporate Biznis, Inc.) is leading the deployment, which will be completed in time for the summer season. The wireless network will serve 220,000 residents and their guests. Town Supervisor Steve Bellone said the first locations to receive Meraki MR58s are Tanner Park and Venetian Shores Park in Lindenhurst.

“Wireless coverage is a cost-effective amenity we can offer our community to make our public spaces even more valuable. In these economic times, we knew we had a real responsibility to our residents to make sure that we were getting the best system at the best price. Sky-Packets and Meraki were able to bring us a top-notch wireless network at less than half the cost of competitors’ solutions. Meraki’s hosted services make it simple enough for us to manage the network on our own,” Bellone said.

Pricing and additional details
The Meraki MR58 is sold in packages starting at $1,499. The unit is rugged and weatherproof for tough indoor and outdoor environments ranging from -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) and can be mounted in a wide range of locations, including walls and poles. For additional information on the Meraki MR58, visit www.meraki.com/MR58.

About Meraki
Meraki is an award-winning provider of WiFi networking solutions. Meraki’s patented networking systems and cloud-based management services are fundamentally improving the quality, speed of deployment, and economics of providing high-speed wireless Internet access. Today there are thousands of Meraki-based networks with millions of users across more than 130 countries throughout the world. Meraki is located in San Francisco, California, and is funded in part by Sequoia Capital and Google. For more information, go to www.meraki.com.

Steve Amarante
Sky-Packets
Better living Through WiFi
www.sky-packets.com

Beyond just "Internet", Muni WiFi Can Help Reduce Water Cost by Steve Amarante

2009-02-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

Often Muni WiFi is looked as a means to address the "Digital Divide" or perhaps as a means to improve communications among Muni-Employees. But in North Ridgeville, Ohio (pop. 28,000; 23 square miles)the municipalities is upgrading the water meters in homes and buildings to Wi-Fi enabled meters that allow the city to monitor how much water people are using. North Ridgeville plans to install 11,500 water meters. The project is said to costs between 2.5 - 3 million dollars. The city says that the new system will allow them to find leaks and cut down on tampering of meters. Residents will know in real time how much water they are consuming and take appropriate steps towards conservation. It would make sense to open up the network to the public(assuming the security protocol and bandwidth is there to share....)

Read more how Ridgeville is revamping its water meters.

Is Free Muni WiFi An Expecation From Residents?

2009-02-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

A recent survey conducted by Devicescape, The Cloud and Trustive reveals that 84 percent of respondents want citywide WI-Fi and 91 percent expect Wi-Fi when they are traveling (i.e. when they are in airports, bus terminals, train stations and ferries).

Two other interesting figures from the survey: 56% are willing to pay for citywide Wi-Fi access as a utility like water, gas or electricity, although 79 percent believe that Wi-Fi should be free. Here are more interesting results from the survey and my analysis.

(1) Device most often used to connect to Wi-Fi when traveling:

35% iPhone
30% Laptop
20% Nokia phone
6% Windows Mobile for smartphones and other devices
3% Netbook (e.g. Asus EEEPC)
4% Other
1% Blackberry

(2) Where people use their 3G/Wi-Fi device:

66% Home
59% Hotel
56% Bar / restaurant / cafe
54% Airport
53% Work
37% Outdoors
29% Train station
16% While Driving
6% Petrol station

(3) What irritates you most when trying to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot:

50% Complicated login screens
35% Complex payment procedures
37% Difficulty identifying which hotspots I can use
33% Poor quality of service
11% Poor tech support
24% All of the above

Esme Vos of www.muniwireless.com commented:

"It’s not surprising that the respondents hate complicated login screens more than anything else. Look at where they use Wi-Fi: it’s when they’re traveling (see #2 above). So imagine you are waiting in an airport or a train station. You click to join a Wi-Fi network and the first thing you see is a login screen that requires you to spend more time trying to log in than the time it would take you to check email or find an address on a map. This is what people get in many train stations in Europe, not to mention airports everywhere except where the airport has free Wi-Fi.

More than one-third cited the difficulty of finding hotspots to use. This happens when you are confronted with several Wi-Fi networks and you’re trying to figure out which one is the best connection (actually there is a company called WeFi that makes a software client you can download that finds the best Wi-Fi network for you — disclosure: I am on the advisory board of WeFi)"

Other results:

(4) The overwhelming majority of smartphone users (81%) prefer using Wi-Fi over 3G for browsing Web sites, downloading data, Google searches and sending e-mail.

(5) The most widely used application is email (84%), followed by Internet browsing activities such as reading news websites, blogs, using social networking sites (78%). The rest use Chat/IM/Skype (32%) but very few play online games (4%) or watch streaming video (14%).

(6) 86% of respondents want device manufacturers such as Nokia and Motorola to build Wi-Fi into their handsets and 82% of respondents want the mobile service provider to provide an overall 3G/Wi-Fi data package. 90% want their mobile service provider to allow them to roam between Wi-Fi and 3G networks.

(7) Skype which was chosen by 85% of the respondents as their preferred VOIP service, followed by Truphone (11%), Jahjah (2%), EQO (1%), and Defi (1%).

Who were the people surveyed?

38% come from the US, 28% from the UK and Europe (except Russia), Asia Pacific (7%), Japan (7%), Russia (4%) with the rest coming from Mexico, Canada, India, the Middle East, China, etc. The vast majority, over 90%, were male.

Age group:
3% 17 and under
15% 18 - 25
24% 26 - 34
32% 35 - 45
26% Above 45

What do they do? 14% are students, 21% own businesses or are consultants, contractors and freelancers. 10% report that their job requires them to travel frequently. 21% are engineers, programmers and other technical workers.

Clearly the demand is there...the question becomes: Is the local leadership (at the Muni level) there to gain the funding where required and build the community support?

Steve Amarante
www.sky-packets.com
Better Living Through WiFi

Why partner with Meraki?

2009-02-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

I ran across this video clip in which Sanjit Biswas, CEO of Meraki, discusses the benefits of deploying Meraki equipment for wireless internet access in low income residents. Why partner with Meraki you ask? Simple. Meraki is changing the economics of internet access...

Steve Amarante
www.Sky-Packets.com
Better Living Through WiFi

Senate Trims Down Broadband Tax Breaks by Steve Amarante

2009-02-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

The Senate last week fine-tuned the language in its proposed economic stimulus package, cutting $1.5 billion from the $9 billion proposed for broadband buildouts and clean-up some of the language to tighten up tax credits for all buildouts.

Under the original language, Telcos might have gotten a $1.6 billion tax break from a 20 percent tax credit for any investment in say 100 Mbps broadband service to any home.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., was the original proponent of the $9 billion broadband investment and proposed an amendment to significantly tighten the rules and increase the amount of tax credit. The new plan would only offer credits for broadband services to rural and unserved areas, with a 40 percent credit for 100 Mbps or better service and 30 percent for slower service of at least 5 Mbps. Wireless data services allowing downloads of 6 Mbps or better also get the 40 percent credit and 30 percent if they manage at least 3 Mbps.

One concerning part is that tax credits for Internet service to low-income areas have been eliminated too. The notion is that some operators were already planning on bringing broadband services to low-income neighborhoods. Read more on the NYT tech blog.