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The article focuses on the emergence of the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) technology in the U.S. in January 2006. WiMax aims to build on the popularity of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). A conformance and interoperability test for products that use the fixed 802.16 specification have been created by the WiMax Forum, an industry group that promotes the adoption of such technology. WiMax is also expected to find a niche in emergency communications systems. WiMax provides the capability of backhauling Wi-Fi connections. Moreover, it can also serve individual locations that require higher throughput.

Interviews Van Jacobson, chief scientist of Packet Design Inc., about his contributions to the improvement of transfer control protocol/Internet protocol in the U.S. Previous employment related to network control protocol; Comment of Jacobson regarding the importance of Internet protocol in virtual networks; Awards and honors received.

Highlights the role of Internet Protocol (IP) technology in the successful penetration of the cable industry into small and medium businesses in the U.S. IP type services which helped in penetrating into the small and medium business market; Types of services offered for small and medium businesses; Factors needed to turn IP enabled services into profitable ventures.

The article deals with the use of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) applications by public agencies in the U.S. as of July 2004, to enhance safety and efficiency of their communication systems. During the past three years, officials at the Commerce Department have worked to improve its antiquated and unreliable public address system. Thanks to a new software application that runs in conjunction with the agency's VoIP network, IP speaker phones emit emergency broadcasts. Since the application's introduction two years ago, Commerce officials have not had to use it for an emergency. Nevertheless, it is paying off in peace of mind. The application, from Berbee Information Networks Corp., is one of a number of new tools that are helping to take VoIP to a new level. Federal, state, and local agencies are routinely adopting the new technology, which merges voice and data through a single IP network. Years of documented best practices and technology improvements make it easier than ever to build the proper IP network infrastructures to handle time-sensitive voice traffic, which opens the door for new applications. Next-generation IP applications promise greater collaboration and more choices for communication. INSET: Quality control.

This article evaluates the Quadro4X Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Router from Epygi Technologies Ltd. in Addison, Texas. It is a two trunks four extensions Small Office/Home Office Internet protocol-private branch exchange (PBX) with Web-based administration. At the core of Quadro is the Call Manager which runs Linux software. The Call Manager maintains state and interfaces with the FXS and FXO ports to set up and terminate voice calls. It performs traditional telephony PBX functions such as call hold, call transfer and voice mail. The unit is firmware upgradeable, which is key for any revisions, bug fixes or feature improvements. One of the really nice features of Quadro is that not only users can configure the unit to connect to internal SIP server, but users can have it set up to connect to the company's hosted SIP server. Thus, a small office environment need not worry about setting up their own internal SIP server if they do not have the expertise to do so. The added advantage of this is that users can join the company's community of other Quadro users and be listed in their phone directory. From the directory, one can search for other users and make direct SIP voice over Internet protocol calls to other users within the public directory.

This article focuses on U.S. administrative agencies' growing interest in deploying virtual private networks (VPNs) based on the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol as of July 2003. This article begins with a discussion of how the approach differs from IP Security (IPSec) VPNs. It concludes by identifying some of the limitations of SSL VPNs. For several years, federal agencies have used VPNs to reliably secure online information exchanges with remote workers and trading partners. Yet, deploying systems based on the IPSec protocol is not always as easy or flexible as agencies would like. SSL VPN products are quickly reaching government information technology shops that want to expand the user base for e-government applications without breaking the bank. In fact, market research firms Gartner Inc. and META Group Inc. both expect SSL VPNs to be the primary way to connect remote users to enterprise networks as soon as 2004. As the SSL VPN market mushrooms, the supplier base also has diversified. The author notes that in order to understand the surging interest in SSL VPNs, it is important to grasp how the approach differs from IPSec VPNs. Both techniques share a goal: Encrypt transactions to ensure data is secure as it passes over Internet connections. INSETS: HOW IT WORKS;Ideal for mobile users.

The article presents information on recent developments in the field of computer science. Two draft proposed American National Standards that deal with information systems-data communication have been released for public comment. The comment period ends on November 5, 1985. The first proposed standard, Fiber Distributed Data Interface Token Ring Media Access Control, specifies the media access control and the lower sub-layer of the data link layer for the fiber distributed data interface. The second proposed standard, Open Systems Interconnection Connection-Oriented Transport Layer Protocol Specification, is intended to facilitate the interconnection of computer systems by covering the services and protocols required to achieve such interconnection. A new project to develop an American National Standard for Text Interchange on Magnetic Media has been approved. This project will provide for text interchange via magnetic media, archiving of text files, and record-oriented text files, such as name and address lists.

Explores the increasing battles over standards in the computer network industry in the United States. Effect of the lack of standards on consumers and companies trying to develop applications software for networks; Progress in setting standards in the industry.

The article offers information on the evaluation of switches suitable for use in data centers in the U.S. Alcatel SA submitted an OmniSwitch 9700, Black-Diamond 8800 was sent by Extreme Networks Inc., and 3Com Corp. submitted its 8810 Switch for evaluation. The evaluation focused on the usability, management, security and price of the switches. The entries for the evaluation are supported with routing strategies including Border Gateway Protocol, Routing Information Protocol and Open Shortest Path First. It was found out that 3Com supplied 113 enterprise management information base while Alcatel supplied 53 and Extreme Networks supplied 35. In addition, all of the entries passed the substantive simple network management protocol testing without errors. INSETS: DATA CENTER SWITCHES.;THE VENDOR LANDSCAPE..

This article the opportunity presented to VARS to implement Internet Protocol (IP) SANS in the U.S. To capitalize on the opportunity to implement IP storage solutions, VARS must acquire expertise in Internet SCSI. One of the benefits of this is how seamlessly it can integrate into any storage environment. With IP storage, VARS can help storage users upgrade direct attached storage to a SAN and enable them to save money in the process. VARS also can provide end users a tiered storage solely by implementing IP SANS. An end user that has also invested in a Fibre Channel SAN can continue storing mission-critical data in that system while using an IP SAN as second-tier storage for older and less frequently used data. One of the IP applications is the use of disk-to-disk backups to help end users comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission requirements for secure backup procedures. Disk-to-disk backups are also quicker than tape-to-tape backups. Disk-to-disk technology allows companies to move backups off local area networks to reduce backup times. By connecting servers and storage devices at remote locations to an IP SAN, VARS can help companies simplify storage management. For example, Western States Insurance was able to consolidate 26 remote storage locations while streamlining storage backup procedures.

Discusses the Best of Breed (BOB) V1.00 and System to System V1.00 protocols of the Gaming Standards Association in the U.S. Benefits of the protocols; Difference between BOB and other protocols; Implications of the creation of protocols for other standards. INSET: A six-year endeavor.

Reports on benefits of WiMAX to the licensed bands. Use for broadband wireless access; Problems with the licensed frequencies; Variation in broadband wireless spectrum.

Focuses on efforts to improve the WiMAX 802.16a standard. Functions of the WiMAX Forum; Targeting end users with the support of intel and other semiconductor developers; Advantages over Wi-Fi.

Focuses on telecommunication on video. Obstacles of pushing the service to consumers; Behavior of video on Internet protocol.

Examines the trend for security system operations in the United States. Coevolution between integrated security systems and network technology; Incorporation of local area network and wide area network in integrated security systems; Use of transport control protocol/internet protocol as the networking standards in security industry. INSETS: TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION: A Case for Controller-Level Integration;NETWORK COMMUNICATION: The GAN Connection;NETWORK PLATFORM: Windows NT and Win32 APIs.

The article presents a crash course on router redundancy protocols as well as the applications of routing protocols, such as Open Shortest Path First-Equal Cost Multipath, IEEE 802.1w and Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol, in the removal of single failure points to keep multi-vendor network equipment and connections running without interruptions in the U.S. Planning and training strategies for the implementation of the routing protocols, which may involve software upgrades and new routers and switches, are also discussed. INSET: SINGLE-VENDOR ADVANTAGES..

Provides information on enhancing monitoring of resources in DOCSIS multi-service nets in the U.S. Service design, planning and pricing; Operational and capital cost optimization; High-value service and application opportunities for cable.

This article reports that Radware has announced Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) support on its Weblogic Service Delivery (WSD) product line in the U.S. SIP is an international standard for a signaling protocol used for establishing sessions between two or more end users. The user sessions involve multimedia elements such as voice, chat, gaming and video. SIP allows applications and devices created by multiple vendors to interoperate with each other. SIP is used to establish, maintain and terminate multimedia sessions, including telephony, video, and other types of communication. Radware WSD constantly monitors the health of SIP servers. When a SIP server is detected to be down, due to failure or for maintenance, WSD automatically switches to other available SIP servers. By maintaining persistency of SIP sessions, WSD ensures that all the signaling packets of the same call are sent to the same SIP server--a critical function for accounting or billing sessions because it ensures the accurate billing of Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) services. WSD also provides protection against Denial of Service attacks that are often a main impediment to Voice over IP installations.

Deals with the use of the messaging protocol XBRL, or the extensible business reporting language in the financial services industry in the U.S. in March 2004. History of the XBRL; Statement from John Heine, Securities and Exchange Commission spokesman, regarding the use of XBRL in the filing of 10-K and 10-Q; Examples of software vendors that support the XBRL.

Focuses on the competition among companies selling 802.11 wireless-local area networks products in the United States. Efforts of the companies to increase the speed of 802.11 products; Implications of the increased speed on the computer systems vendors and its consumers; Major players in the market.

This article features ATSI Communications, a carrier which addresses the needs of the Hispanic population. Their customers include a variety of carriers generating traffic within the U.S. and Mexico that require both Internet transport and long-distance termination. The company also operates an international private network for voice, data and facsimile transport using Internet Protocol. In targeting the Hispanic market, ATSI first revamped its network by deploying NexTone's Multiprotocol Session Controller and then launched the company's retail brand Telefamilia. Utilizing the technology of NexTone, ATSI has realized significant return of investment resulting in a monthly revenue increase of nearly 350 percent since May 2004.

Reports on specific applications for Internet protocol (IP). Factors attributed to the shift in applications of IP; Comments of Derek Meyer, vice president of marketing at ARC International, on the evolution in IP; Significance of the trend to design-outsouring firms.

Focuses on the Internet protocol (IP) converged network developed by Charter Communications in Long Beach, California. Advantages of using IP converged network; Challenges faced in building a converged network; Key elements to a converged network. INSET: Convergence, California-style.

Reports on the positive feedback on Phase II tests of Internet Protoval version 6 (IPv6) at the Interoperability Lab in the University of New Hampshire. Interest of the U.S. Department of Defense on IPv6; Industry exposure provided by the IPv6 developments on the students of the university.

As wireless technologies proliferate in the enterprise, more developers are crafting products that help IT managers integrate WAN and LAN support. BVRP Software Inc. at the CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment show in Las Vegas, Nevada, will introduce Network Nomad, a client-side network connectivity manager that gives notebook users virtually automatic connections to wired or wireless LAN. It first tries to default automatically to the user's preset favorite network profile, but if that network isn't available, it gives the user an available list of profiles to choose from. Once the user selects a network, Network Nomad automatically configures the IP, network and physical settings as well as the e-mail parameters required to connect, BVRP officials said. Network Nomad works with Microsoft Corporation's Windows desktop operating system.

Reports on the maximization of bandwidths by companies in the United States. Utilization of technologies, management policies and Internet Protocol services on bandwidths; Expensiveness of Internet service providers' transit point of network connectivity; Confusion of the decision between bandwidth expenditure or delay performance improvements.

Reports the role of iSCSI storage network for the demand of storage-over-Internet Protocol in the United States. Advantages of the storage network; Impact of introducing iSCSI on the Fibre Channel market; Factors determining the status of iSCSI.

The article reflects on the view of the author about solving cyberterrorism, which is rampant in the U.S. nowadays. According to her, global choices of protocol and policy create an environment in which individual participants in the worldwide network have to spend too much money and time for protection. The author stresses that the proper role of national governments to sponsor the research and create the investment incentives that make things better across the board. People should be proactive in identifying opportunities to partner with other institutions so that domain expertise can be shared. Enterprises should also take responsibility for process control systems so they can assess their level of security and integrate security into every phase of system life cycles.

This article reports on the status of the 802.11n Task Group created by the IEEE standards committees in the U.S. The Task Group was formed in March 2003, but the 802.11n standard is not expected to be ratified until the first quarter of 2007. Three proposals jockeyed for final certification, the TGn Sync, supported by Atheros; WWiSE, advocated by Airgo; and MITMOT, backed by Motorola. After 14 hours of presentations and discussion during the 802.11n Task Group's January 2005 meeting, MITMOT was eliminated from consideration.

Reports on the release of the SoftPerfect Network Protocol Analyzer 2.1 by SoftPerfect Research in the U.S. Ability of the Network Analyzer to capture and analyze data from local area networks and dial-up networks; Distinct features of the computer software; Price.

Deals with marketing of Internet Protocol (IP) technology in the U.S. Changes in IP marketing campaigns in the country as of 2004; Focus of IP marketing efforts being developed by Comcast; Effectiveness of cross-selling. INSET: Marketing to the IP consumer.

This article focuses on the lack of interoperability between the providers of 802.11 hot spots in the U.S. as of September 2004. Different wireless providers, such as T-Mobile, Boingo and SBC Communications, establish hot spots. According to telecommunication industry analyst Jeff Kagan, wireless users hate the idea of multiple providers, because the lack of interoperability between providers hamper the usefulness of 802.11 hot spots. The industry group Internet Protocol Detail Record Organization has developed specifications enabling users to roam between hot spots, regardless of the providers. Internet Protocol Detail Record Organization also addresses billing issues for carriers. The specifications would enable a wireless provider to track and bill for usage, no matter which carrier's hot spot the user is in, rather than the user needing to sign up for individual daily or monthly accounts. Aggregators have tried to address this issue already, but there still is not an open network. The Internet Protocol Detail Record Organization standards attempt to address this issue, but before roaming becomes a reality, carriers have to sign on. Nine major wireless carriers, including SBC, Verizon and Sprint PCS have singed the agreements under which the carrier pays a wholesale fee when a customer access the Wayport network--meaning the user could pay a higher fee to the provider or retail establishment.

This article reports on the support of operating system vendors in the U.S. for the iSCSI computer network protocol, as of August 2004. Allegedly, Microsoft was the first operating system vendor to ship an iSCSI initiator. Novell and some Linux distributions include iSCSI support as well. According to John Joseph, vice president of marketing at iSCSI storage vendor EqualLogic, approximately 40 percent of its 100+ customers connect its PeerStorage array to non-Windows platforms, including Solaris, Linux, Novell as well as the AIX computer operating system and HP-UX. Most iSCSI initiators outside of Microsoft's have allegedly been developed by third parties such as Cisco, which manufacturers the SN5400 family of iSCSI-to-Fibre Channel routers, resold by Hewlett-Packard as the HP Storage Works IP Storage Router 2122. On the other hand, IBM plans to release iSCSI initiator code for its AIX and Linux platforms, according to Clod Barrera, director of storage strategy in the systems and technology group of IBM. Also, Sun Microsystems will release iSCSI with Solaris 10, according to vice president and chief technology officer Balint Fleischer.

Discusses New York City's place in the Wi-Fi movement. Official use of wireless computer networks; Number of Starbucks coffee shops and McDonald's restaurants that offer subscription access to Wi-Fi networks; Free hotspots around the city including Bryant Park and Columbia University; Downtown Alliance, which is one of the most heavily used Wi-Fi networks in the world.

Reports that the U.S.-based Virtual Socket Interface Alliance will announce a broader charter and a radically different organizational structure. Transformation of the organization to a kind of new-business incubator; Charter's aim of dramatically increasing the productivity of system-on-chip design teams; Features of the organization's updated structure.

Governments in Asia and Europe have taken concrete steps to encourage the private sector to adopt computer network protocol IPv6, but in the United States, most interested parties are lobbying for a laissez-faire approach. The attitude in the United States has some infrastructure vendors warning that the country's economic edge could be in jeopardy if the nation does not accelerate its transition to the new protocol. There is a broad consensus that the United States is in no danger of running out of Internet protocol addresses in the IPv4 context soon. However, the U.S. Department of Defense implemented a plan to convert to IPvG networking, and the U.S. Department of Commerce earlier this year asked for input on other roles for the U.S. federal government in the transition. Urging the government to consider the impact of IPvG deployment on the country's competitiveness in the global market, Cisco Systems Inc. Senior vice president Joel Bion cautioned last week that Japan, China and Europe "already see the lethargy in the U.S. as an opportunity to seize economic leadership."