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.
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