JunxionBox -- WiFi Access Everywhere

By: Steve Bralovich

Now you can more easily access the Internet wherever mobile phone carriers offer high-speed data service coverage.

The Junxion Box enables multiple computing devices with Ethernet or Wi-Fi (like laptops, desktops, handhelds and remote computers) to connect with the web through your mobile phone service provider's wireless PC Card modem. (continued...)

You can also use the Junxion Box to share the Internet connection, files or printers among multiple devices.

Mobile work groups, landline back-up, event connectivity, vehicles, telemetry, home or business landline replacement...with Junxion, it's easy to stay connected.

The JunxionBox (www.junxionbox.com) is a unique device that combines a cellular data card with a Wi-Fi router and runs on both 12 volts and 110 volts. This combination of features lets you establish a hotspot nearly anywhere you go—and even while you're on your way there.

THE BOX
The JunxionBox is pleasingly simple. It has one PCMCIA slot for your cellular data card, a connector for power (both 110 volt and cigarette lighter plugs are included), and two Ethernet ports (one for connecting directly to a computer, and another to connect to an Ethernet LAN). In addition, there are two LEDs, one power indicator, and one cellular connection status indicator.

Even that short list makes the box sound harder than it is. To use the unit, simply plug it in to a power outlet with an activated cellular data card installed. The power LED turns red, and then the connection light changes from blinking to solid green. At that point the unit is active and you're good to go.

USAGE
The JunxionBox's $500 - $700 price tag is overkill for a single-user environment where you could just as easily slide the air card into your laptop. But for corporate environments there are several uses that could easily justify the cost of the unit, even for a single-user connection.

Conventions and trade shows are natural targets for the JunxionBox, where the cost of a single dialup line for a three-day show is likely to cost more than the acquisition price of the JunxionBox. Not only would you get the better connection speed to the booth, but you can have multiple connections for the same price.

OTHER APPLICATIONS:

• VEHICLE

cars, trucks, RV’s
mobile command units
commercial service/fleet vehicles
shuttles, carpool/vanpool
transit (busses, trains, ferries)
taxis/limos
private/commercial vessels


• PORTABLE

landline data/voice service back-up
mobile work teams
events, trade shows, conferences
visitor “mobile hotspot”
incident response
vacation


• FIXED

landline data/voice service back-up
broadband alternative (w/3G service)
dial-up alternative
telemetry


• TEMPORARY

interim (waiting for landline)
seasonal hotspots
trial hotspots
kiosks

I'm certain there are more uses that make sense for the JunxionBox, such as providing a backup Internet connection for critical environments like retail stores.

This category of device is still just beginning, and hot spots are likely to emerge wherever user demand and financial incentives exist.

For example, Google (the company) has setup JunxionBoxes in its shuttle buses so its employees can connect and be productive while commuting from the parking lot to the office.

SERVICE
The box will accept any air card from any wireless service provider using any connectivity technology such as CDMA, UMTS, EDGE, etc. Travelers needing guaranteed connections can carry a variety of different cards with them and simply slide the appropriate card into the JunxionBox depending on their location and service area.

Most cellular carriers have unlimited data plans for $80 per month. These generally assume single device connections, so it's possible that as this market matures, carriers will begin to offer premium plans that recognize multi-user cellular connections.

Next time you're riding the commuter bus or train, check your laptop for a WiFi connection. You may be able to connect through a JunxionBox riding along with you on the same vehicle.

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