One of the most pointless wireless LAN (WLAN) deployments yet attempted has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records.

Late last year, the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) [ed. note: the what!??] decided to go where no third-rate space agency has ever gone before and put a wireless LAN access point in a balloon.

Using a wireless LAN outdoor bridge unit from Alvarion, combined with a 2.4GHz antenna and a power amplifier, the SSC balloon maintained a wireless LAN connection at a height of 29.7 km over a distance of 315 km.

The Guinness Book of Records has officially recognized this as the longest distance achieved using 802.11 wireless connectivity.

Despite this, Unstrung can't think of a single application for this high-altitude technology, unless you like your 802.11 access with complementary oxygen mask.Answers on a postcard please...

— Dan Jones, Senior Editor, Unstrung