How far does a WiFi signal reach? From the bedroom to the kitchen? From the public library to a parked car outside? How about from San Fransisco to San Jose? According to Intel researchers working with the University of California at Berkeley, traditional WiFi hardware can be boosted to ranges of over 60 miles. "It is regular WiFi hardware but with modified software," said Eric Brewer, director of Intel Research Berkeley. How does it work? In the most basic sense, the technology uses a directional signal to transmit, instead of the 360 degree transmissions that most Wireless Access Points use. Such directional towers could be used to create a "relay chain" that would bounce the signal from tower to tower. Sound familiar? That's because Intel's next-gen wireless tech of choice, WiMAX, can be used in essentially the same way. Unlike WiMAX, however, this new technology is relatively affordable and could be used in emerging markets. The company said that it may begin trials in Uganda later this year.

For more on the new WiFi tech:
- see this CNET article