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Devices that allow a group of users to share a single connection are gaining ground. While operators once banned users from such usage - aware of the strain on the network as well as the lost revenue once the 'one user one connection' model breaks down - they now see it as a way to attract and retain customers and add value. The most high profile device has been the Novatel MiFi, offered by operators like Verizon Wireless and 3, and Clearwire provides a similar 'portable hotspot', the Clearspot from Cradlepoint, allowing several people to split a WiMAX link. In all cases, the broadband connection is shared by a range of Wi-Fi devices and/or cellular dongles.

However, the form factor may have a limited shelf life. Marvell, the chipmaker behind MiFi, has already shown the technology incorporated into as smartphone, doing away with the need for a separate gadget. And there have been moves over the years to turn the notebook or netbook into the hotspot, with Intel in the vanguard. Microsoft has taken this a step further with the newly released Windows 7, which has a software layer, created by the giant's inhouse R&D unit, that enables 'virtual Wi-Fi'. Currently in beta release, the Connectify software would allow a user to group several Wi-Fi connections together to increase coverage and speed.

The technology aims to "turn your Windows 7 laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot". It uses the virtual Wi-Fi features in Windows 7 to create a software-based wireless router for Wi-Fi sharing. According to jkOnTheRun: "With Connectify, you have a software solution to share the data connection of your PC - a secure hotspot with WPA2-Personal (AES) encryption is created via a virtual Wi-Fi interface, so any other Wi-Fi device you have can take advantage of your mobile broadband connection. And this differs from tethering options we've covered in the past because tethering generally only allows one other device to leverage the connection. By creating a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple devices can join in."

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