[Updated Nov. 5, 2002] In an article published by the New York Times, John Markoff reports that Vivato, a San Francisco startup, has unveiled new antenna technology that is claimed to extend 802.11b wireless connectivity to up to four miles. That added distance is gained through use of a phased-array antenna.

“We will change the way people think . . . about Wi-Fi,” said Vivato chairman Ken Beba. Vivato's four-mile claim applies for outdoor use. Within a building, they say the distance will be 2,000 ft. Currently, 802.11b can be used within a radius of several hundred feet.

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In an article in Wired, Paul Boutin offers more details on the technology of Vivato's phased-array antenna . . .

“The base transmits about 30 milliwatts of radiation, less than many consumer base stations.

“The key element is the antenna — more specifically, an electronically steered, planar-phased array of hundreds of antennas connected to a high-speed processor running Linux.”

“Vivato's prototype panel is about 2 feet by 4 feet and a few inches thick. Resembling a cubicle half-wall left lying around the office, it contains the array of antennas, a one-unit high rack mount server (or at least the components of one), and sports only a power cord and gigabit ethernet jack on its exterior . . .”

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