How many times have you saved a document only to realize later that you really need that old version back?  Saved on top of an existing but different document? Deleted a file by mistake?

Of course, most of these scenarios are covered by various backup methods (you are performing regular backups, right?) but suppose that something happens between backup cycles or that regulatory requirements specify retention of all versions of a document, etc…  Enter a ‘versioning file system’.

A versioning file system automatically creates snapshots of files each time they are changed/saved.  What you see in your directory listing is the latest version but behind the scenes are maintained historical versions that track all changes made to the file over time.  For example, you can easily recreate the file as it existed last Tuesday at 2PM, a month ago, or 2 years ago.  All this without tapes!

None of this magic is free; the cost is increased disk space utilization.  However, only the changes to the data are stored, not entire copies.  The amount of overhead is dependent on the frequency and amount of changes to a file.  A solution like this is not appropriate for a highly-dynamic file such as a database or email inbox but is a solid solution for document files (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.).

Welcome

Acording to the Gizmodo piece this is a repeater rather than a full access point.  The difference being that it really just extends the range of a ‘real’ access point.  All the packets still have to make it back to the AP and then uplink from there.

Since you’re going to loose some percentage of packets on each hop (…repeater->repeater->access point) the more hops away you get the worse your service will become.

It’s rather cool in that it is useful where you have no power such as in a remote location (Scout camp) or temporary setups.  I don’t think I’m going to run out and buy them for my neighborhood however.

Free Wi-Fi: Meraki’s Solar-powered Repeater Lets You Create Your Own Neighborhood Network – Gizmodo

This piece by George Ou starts out with a description of carrier peering arrangements and moves into the various pieces of legislation pending to regulate Internet traffic & services.  A worthwhile read by an informed party with no skin in the game.

» A rational debate on Net Neutrality | George Ou | ZDNet.com

Almost every geek knows the bandwidth of thier home internet connection.  But a painful few have any clue what, nor the impact of, it’s latency.

edgeblog » It’s Still the Latency, Stupid…pt.1