As dependence on staying connected and having consistent access to online services increase — due to the recent expansion and innovation that is found in the mobile technology industry — ways are being sought to make such connections seamless.
Moving from dial-up to routers, nationwide WiFi connections and turning a smartphone into a wireless hotspot, companies are taking further interest in just how much potential such services offer — not just to the consumer, but also for the enterprise market.
Enter Swedish startup Anyfi Networks. The company has developed technology that bypasses the steps usually required to choose, connect and switch between mobile data networks, and instead can turn any access point into an extension of a home-based wireless LAN.
According to co-founder and CEO Björn Smedman, the technology automatically creates “virtual hotspots” that your device treats just as it would your home network — connecting immediately without issues or having to rely on a 3G network.
By creating virtual access points, an operator’s network — whether it is private WiFi, public hotspots or open access — can connect your device so where the software is installed, a broadband gateway is created.
Smedman said:
“Whenever it sees that network it will automatically connect. We’re creating virtual access points that make every Wi-Fi access point accessible to every network.”
The startup believes this kind of connectivity software could be used in a number of ways. For example, wireless and line operators like Verizon or AT&T could use their existing base of home gateways to link mobile and home broadband together — possibly saving customers money in data roaming charges. Cable operators including Time Warner could also bolt home connections on to their public hotspot services for use by consumer and businesses.
Image credit: Flickr
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