Fonera 2.0 powered by Linux

The upcoming Fonera 2.0 802.11g wireless router from FON uses Linux as its embedded OS and includes several new features. The Fonera 2.0 allows FON community members, refered to as Foneros, to share their internet connection, in effect providing a 'public' hot-spot, in return for reciprocal free roaming Wi-Fi access from other Foneros. FON even provide an opportunity to make money because non-members can buy Wi-Fi access by purchasing a FON Access Pass. Whenever this happens FON credit the owner of the hot-spot with 50 per cent of the revenue (via PayPal). FON is supported by BT and the new BT Home Hub wireless routers, are also FON capable. In addition BT FON members have access to BT Openzone Hotspots.

A Fonera enabled router provides two separate secured Wi-Fi channels, one that is encrypted for private use and a second for use by registered FON users with the correct authentication. The private network allows users to access their computers and files on their local network as well as the internet. Foneros who connect via another users router are only provided with internet access. The Fonera router supports WEP 64bit/128 bit, WPA, WPA2 and WPA mixed authentication and automatically updates itself online with any new security updates.

The Fonera 2.0 wireless router. The new router includes a built in USB port that can be used as a file or print server when connected to the appropriate devices. Webcams are supported and a 3G USB modem dongle can be used to create a wired or wireless network (3G to Wi-Fi converter) when DSL is not available. The unit supports the RapidShare and MegaUpload services and includes a built in YouTube, Flickr and Picasa up-loader. BitTorrent is also supported so that users can set downloads to a memory device connected to the Fonera without needing to leave their computers on. All of the Fonera 2.0 features are managed from a web page provided by its own built-in web server.

The Fonera 2.0 wireless router will be available in Europe on the 21st of April for €49.00. The new device will be released in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the US in May. More details and a short video about the Fonera 2.0 router can be found in a comparison blog post on the FON Beta blog.

To see if there are FON enabled routers available near you, BT/FON have created a searchable maps page.

(crve)