New chip incorporates ability to create WiFi hotspots from 3G phones

You must have heard about MiFi by now, which is a piece of self-powered hardware that can create Internet-enabled wireless hotspots anywhere via the use of 3G technology. Despite being the newest kid on the block; and the fact that modem tethering is really nothing new at all, MiFi appears to be capturing the hearts of users by its sheer convenience and simplicity.

Well, if Atheros has its way, mobile phones will soon be equipped with MiFi capabilities already embedded. The Atheros AR6002 Radio-on-Chip for Mobile sports an optional AP Mode will support both infrastructure and ad-hoc network connections. Already, the dual-mode chip has been incorporated by NEC in its N-06A handset for NTT DOCOMO's FOMA network. Hopefully, this chip will start to appear on more devices as driver support is made available for the various mobile platforms.

At the end of the day, using a mobile device in MiFi mode will probably result in much less time talking on the phone. Then again, I am reminded of the last time I was in a hurry and tried to do modem tethering with my laptop. Let's just say that I was left wishing for the simplicity of a reliable WiFi connection. And yes, it was working just fine the night before I needed it.

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