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Emerging Technology: Wi-Fi Networking

Wi-Fi networking could be the foundation of a new form of community.

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Like millions of other computer users around the world, I have a high-speed Wi-Fi, or wireless network, running in my home. Because wireless signals can travel through walls, I know that my neighbors have access to the network as well, and every now and then, I see evidence that they're using my Internet connection. I could easily put up a password to keep them out, but I choose not to for two reasons, one altruistic and one selfish. They're not slowing down my computer in any noticeable way. And at least one of my neighbors—I don't know who it is—maintains another open Wi-Fi network that I occasionally use. I once had a problem with the cable line going into my house and lost my high-speed connection for a week. But it made little difference, because I could log on to my neighbor's network. Such sharing is the digital version of ...

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