NO WIRES: How the Apple Airport Changed Everything

Summary

This video delves into the intricate history of wireless networking, highlighting the pioneering efforts of Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil in developing spread spectrum technology during WWII. It traces the evolution from military use to civilian applications, leading to the FCC's 1985 ruling that unlocked unlicensed frequency bands. The narrative focuses on Bruce Tuck's work at NCR, the creation of the Waveland wireless system, and the formation of the 802.11 standard under Vic Hayes. Apple's game-changing introduction of the AirPort, which made wireless technology accessible and affordable, is a key highlight, showcasing how it spurred a wireless revolution and transformed home networking.

Takeaways

• 📡 The history of wireless communication dates back to the late 19th century, with early techniques like spread spectrum developed to minimize radio interference and avoid jamming.
• 🎭 Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil patented a secret communication system using spread spectrum during World War II, which was later declassified and became the foundation for modern wireless networking.
• 🛠️ Spread spectrum technology was classified as military technology until 1981, and in 1985, the FCC allowed its use in the ISM bands without a license, paving the way for wireless networking.
• 💡 Bruce Tuck, an electrical engineer at NCR, played a pivotal role in the development of wireless networking by creating a prototype wireless transceiver for retail stores, leading to the concept of a wireless local area network (WLAN).
• 🔄 The Barker code, discovered by Hans Van de Lune, was key to achieving higher data rates in wireless transmissions, allowing for the development of faster wireless networks.
• 🏢 NCR's Vic Hayes was instrumental in the formation of the 802.11 working group, which was responsible for creating the first wireless networking standard, setting the stage for widespread adoption.
• 💼 The 802.11 standard faced initial challenges with interoperability and high costs, but the industry eventually rallied around a common standard, leading to the development of 802.11b.
• 🍎 Apple's introduction of the iBook and the Airport, under Steve Jobs' leadership, marked a significant milestone in making wireless networking mainstream, with a focus on simplicity and affordability.
• 🔧 The collaboration between Apple, Lucent, and Doug Carl was crucial in developing the Airport's hardware and software, overcoming technical challenges to meet Apple's aggressive timeline.
• 🚀 The success of the Airport and the subsequent widespread adoption of 802.11b demonstrated the power of taking bold risks in technology, as Apple's commitment to wireless networking reshaped the industry.

Q & A

What is the significance of spread spectrum technology in wireless communication?

Spread spectrum technology is significant in wireless communication as it spreads the transmission of information over a wider range of frequencies, making it more resistant to interference and jamming, and also providing secrecy since the transmission appears as noise to outside observers.

Who are Hedy Lamar and George Antheil, and what is their contribution to wireless communication?

Hedy Lamar and George Antheil were an actress and composer, respectively, who developed a patented secret communication system using spread spectrum technology during World War II. Their system was designed to minimize radio interference and avoid jamming.

Why was spread spectrum technology classified as military technology until 1981?

Spread spectrum technology was classified as military technology due to its advantages in secrecy and resistance to jamming, which were crucial for military communications. It was declassified and allowed for civilian use after 1981.

What prompted NCR to explore wireless technology for their cash registers?

NCR explored wireless technology to connect their cash registers and terminals to back office computers without cables, thus avoiding the need to drill holes in their clients' floors after redesigning store layouts.

What was the role of Bruce Tuck in the development of wireless networking at NCR?

Bruce Tuck, an electrical engineer specializing in analog RF design, was hired by NCR to help design cost reduction for their wired internet system. He later contributed to the feasibility study and prototype development of a wireless transceiver using direct sequence spread spectrum for retail stores.

How did the Barker code contribute to the development of wireless networking?

The Barker code was a method of encoding a single bit of data in a wireless transmission that allowed for higher data rates without sacrificing range and resistance to interference, which was crucial for the application in retail stores that NCR was developing.

What was the significance of the 802.11 working group and its formation?

The 802.11 working group was significant as it was responsible for creating the 802.11 standard, which laid the foundation for modern wireless local area networks. The formation of this group marked the beginning of a standardized approach to wireless networking.

Why was the release of the first 802.11 standard considered 'too little, too late' by some?

The first 802.11 standard was considered 'too little, too late' because by the time it was published in 1997, there were already many proprietary wireless products in the market, and the standard did not gain immediate popularity or widespread adoption.

What was the role of Apple in popularizing wireless networking with the introduction of the Airport?

Apple played a pivotal role in popularizing wireless networking by introducing the Airport, which was a user-friendly and affordable solution that came pre-installed in Apple devices. This move by Apple helped to accelerate the adoption of wireless technology in the mainstream market.

How did the collaboration between Apple, Lucent, and Doug Carl lead to the development of the Airport product line?

The collaboration between Apple, Lucent, and Doug Carl led to the development of the Airport product line through a combination of Apple's vision for simplifying home networking, Lucent's wireless technology, and Doug Carl's efficient embedded software. This partnership resulted in a product that was both innovative and accessible to consumers.