Microsoft creates virtual Wi-Fi

Virtual Wi-Fi promises to save money on hardware and reduce power consumption

Microsoft has developed a technique to allow people to access multiple Wi-Fi networks with a single Wi-Fi card.

Virtual Wi-Fi is designed to improve multitasking, save money on hardware and reduce the power needed for Wi-Fi communications. The software is designed to run with Windows XP. 

"The current version of Virtual Wi-Fi allows a user to connect a wireless Lan card to multiple wireless networks," said Microsoft Research in a statement.

"It dynamically adapts to the switching delay incurred by a wireless card, independent of the manufacturer. It also does not require manual intervention for assigning IP addresses on individual networks."

The Microsoft team cited several uses for the technology, including linking with a Wi-Fi gaming device such as the Xbox while simultaneously connecting to the internet. 

So far there is no support in the software for WEP and 802.1X security standards, but Microsoft said that the code is being developed.